A total of 34 identified individuals, whose farmlands, plots, houses, economic trees, and other properties were impacted within a 30-metre-wide corridor of the project, are set to benefit from the compensation.

Mr Wumbila Salifu, Director of Natural Resources at BPA, speaking at Galgu to kick-start the disbursement, said the move reflected BPA’s commitment to responsible project management.

He explained that the compensation process was preceded by a comprehensive asset valuation exercise conducted in collaboration with local authorities and BPA’s valuation officers.

He said, “As part of the infrastructural works, a transmission corridor was being constructed to link the Galgu site to the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) substation at Yendi. The development spans a 3.95-kilometre stretch along the Yendi-Galgu trunk road requiring land acquisition and affecting crops, bare land, and buildings, hence the need for compensation.”

Mr Salifu said over GHc1.3 million had been budgeted for compensation, adding the first phase targeted individuals, whose crops and economic trees were affected, while plans were ongoing to compensate those whose lands and buildings were impacted.

He said the compensation amounts ranged from GHc6,000 to about GHc481,000 depending on the value of the affected property at the time of valuation.

He explained that the need for a second phase of the compensation was necessitated following concerns raised by some affected persons during the process prompting BPA to consider broader stakeholder consultations to ensure mutual satisfaction.

He encouraged aggrieved persons to seek redress through the appropriate channels rather than taking the law into their own hands to disrupt the ongoing project.

He commended community leaders and stakeholders for their cooperation since the project's inception and reaffirmed BPA’s commitment to continued collaboration.

Mr Edward Okantah, Head of Works at the Yendi Municipal Assembly, who represented Mr Muniru Sugri, Yendi Municipal Chief Executive, pledged the Assembly’s continued support for the project to help improve livelihoods in the area.

Mr Adam Iddrisu, one of the beneficiaries, who received a total of GHc481,852.79, expressed mixed feelings saying “Considering that I lost a house with eight bedrooms and other auxiliary facilities, I was expecting more than this amount.”

Mr Osman Shamuna, another affected person, who was dissatisfied and rejected the compensation, said, "The amount allocated for my two plots of land is inadequate. I expect the authorities to reconsider their decision before I can accept the compensation.”

Naa Kassim Ziblim Norgah, Chief of Galgu, commended BPA for the compensation and urged BPA to address the concerns raised by the affected members of the community.