More than half a century after the construction of the Akosombo Dam, a symbol of Ghana’s energy independence—the islands it created remain in the dark. The irony is stark: communities displaced to make way for the dam have lived for decades without access to the very electricity it generates.
The Akosombo islands, formed in the 1960s due to the flooding caused by the dam’s construction, have been sidelined in Ghana’s energy development narrative. Despite their proximity to one of West Africa’s major hydroelectric power sources, these communities continue to experience energy poverty. The result? Daily economic hardship, under-resourced health systems, and declining educational outcomes.
Now, the STEMinist Foundation, in collaboration with Funding for Social Change Ltd, is demanding action. Their latest campaign calls on the government and stakeholders to urgently extend the national electricity grid to the Akosombo islands. This push is not just about plugging homes into power, it’s a call for energy justice.
The campaign aligns with Ghana’s commitment to achieving universal energy access by 2030, a goal that remains out of reach for thousands of island residents unless bold steps are taken. At the heart of this advocacy are the women—fishmongers, mothers, and caregivers—who face the most brutal consequences of energy exclusion.
Without electricity:
- Fish spoil before they reach the market, cutting into vital income.
- Health centers struggle to store vaccines or operate basic equipment.
- Children struggle to study by candlelight, limiting their chances for academic success.
This is more than an infrastructure issue, it is a social justice crisis.
By highlighting these challenges, the STEMinist Foundation is shifting the narrative from neglect to empowerment. Their message is clear: energy is not a privilege; it is a right. And until the Akosombo islands are connected to the grid, Ghana’s energy story remains incomplete.
Join the call for energy justice. Support the campaign to power the Akosombo islands.