Yendi Solar Project: Bui Power Authority starts disbursement of compensation to landowners – Nsemkeka
The Bui Power Authority (BPA) has started compensating 34 affected landowners, farmers, and tree owners whose lands were impacted by the Yendi Solar Power project.
So far, 16 individuals have received their payments. The total compensation package amounts to approximately GH₵ 1,518,158.15.
The Director of Natural Resources at BPA, Wumbila Salifu, who represented the acting Chief Executive Officer, explained to the media that an evaluator was hired to assess crops, economic trees, and properties within the project’s right of way.
He said the assessment was successfully completed, paving the way for the compensation disbursement.
According to Mr. Wumbila, the compensation will be paid in phases, with crops and economic trees already paid for and the second phase will focus on buildings, plots, and properties within the right of way.
“Crops and economic trees have been duly paid for, and the second phase is to pay people who have building plots, houses and properties within the right of way, and that will be done in due course,” he said.
The Director of Natural Resources said the compensation amounts vary, ranging from GH₵6,000 to GH₵481,000, depending on the value of the properties assessed.
Mr. Wumbila noted that the amount each person receives is determined by the evaluator’s assessment, with those having buildings or developed properties receiving more than those with bare land.
“So clearly, someone with a building would get more money than someone with a bare land and was yet to start any form of construction,” he said.
Some concerns were raised by affected individuals, and Mr. Wumbila assured that they will engage with the chiefs to address these issues and reach an agreement.
Mr. Edward Okantah, Municipal Head of Works at the Yendi, Municipal Assembly called on the residents to cooperate with the Bui Power Authority to ensure the protection and longevity of the solar facility, which serves Yendi and beyond.
He also urged them to respect the facility’s boundaries now that compensation has been paid.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the compensation, appreciating the efforts of the Bui Power Authority.