Ghana launches renewable energy project for rural areas
The government of Ghana has launched a renewable energy project aimed at improving electricity access in some underserved communities.
The launch event took place in Lala, located in the Sene East District of the Bono East Region, marking the commencement of the Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP), which is set to bring clean and sustainable power to over 70,000 people.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, underscored the transformative potential of the initiative, particularly in rural communities.
“As a Ministry, we are not just installing solar panels or building infrastructure, we are lighting up lives, empowering communities, and bridging the rural-urban energy divide,” he stated.
The SREP will involve the construction of 35 mini grids and the installation of 1,450 solar home systems across the Bono East, Oti, and Savannah regions. Additionally, 12,000 net-metered rooftop solar PV systems will be deployed nationwide to support Ghana’s green energy transition.
Mr Jinapor acknowledged the endurance of people in off-grid areas who have awaited electricity for years. He encouraged community involvement in the building and maintenance of the new energy infrastructure, urging local leaders to take ownership of the project and contractors to hire local artisans.
He further outlined the Government’s broader ambition of achieving universal electricity access by 2030, revealing that feasibility studies have been completed for 150 island and lakeside communities in the Afram Plains, with plans to construct 150 more mini grids in the future.
“We are confident that by 2030, we will have over 200 mini grids operational, delivering on our last-mile electrification target of 99.8%,” he declared.
The event was attended by key stakeholders including representatives from the Swiss Embassy, African Development Bank, Volta River Authority (VRA), Electricity Company of Ghana, and the Energy Commission. Mr Jinapor expressed the Government’s gratitude to the Swiss Government and the AfDB for their continued support.
The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Climate Investment Fund, the Swiss Government, and the African Development Bank.
The Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, Eunice Biritwum pledged the Commission’s full support for the successful implementation of the SREP. She emphasised the Commission’s active role in developing the programme since its inception in 2013/2014.
“The Energy Commission is glad to be associated with the SREP, which aims to deploy mini grids and off-grid solutions in unconnected areas, as well as roof-mounted solar PV systems in urban and peri-urban locations,” she stated.
She reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting the Government’s flagship programme in its goal to increase solar energy use and achieve universal energy access in line with national renewable energy targets.
Chief Executive Officer of the Volta River Authority, Edward Kenzo reiterated the Authority’s dedication to the long-term sustainability, efficiency, and responsible management of the mini grids after construction.
“We understand that infrastructure is the initial step, but it is the continuous delivery of quality service that ensures lasting change. We are committed to upholding a proper maintenance culture to benefit communities for generations,” he assured.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Simone Giger, the Deputy Head of Cooperation, Magdalena Wüst, reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to supporting Ghana in achieving access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy for all.
She noted that energy security is essential for any nation’s development and highlighted the importance of the strong bilateral relationship between Ghana and Switzerland under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which fosters joint climate action and long-term energy sustainability.
