Ghana's President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has pledged the commitment of his government to increasing the contribution of the solar energy to the country’s energy-mix.

Despite an abundance of sunshine in Ghana, with many parts of the country enjoying high levels of solar irradiation (5.524 kwh/m2/day), all year round, President Akufo-Addo noted that solar energy only contributes 1% to the energy mix, as opposed to 59% from fossil fuels, and 40% from hydro.

“On the basis of my country’s specific needs, Government is keen on developing utility-scale solar energy projects, as well as accelerating the development of mini-grid solutions in off-grid and island communities for lighting, irrigation and other economic activities,” President Akufo-Addo said.

To this end, and in keeping with Ghana’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, the President outlined some solar energy programmes for implementation by 2030, which include the attainment of utility-scale solar electricity from about 22.5 megawatts to 250 megawatts.

Additionally, the President stated that 200,000 solar systems for households, commercial and government facilities in urban and selected non- electrified rural communities will be installed, as well as the establishment of 55 mini-grid electrification systems with an average capacity of 100 kilowatts. 

These systems, he stressed, will be based on solar PV technology, which will be hybridized with other generation options to serve islands and off-grid communities.

The deployment of two million solar lanterns to replace kerosene lanterns, currently being used by our rural non-electrified households, the President assured, will be done.
---DECRYPTED---