Jinapor announces $85 million solar project to power island and remote communities

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Mr John Jinapor, has announced a new renewable energy programme aimed at providing electricity to more than 70,000 people living in remote and island communities across the country.

Mr Jinapor made the announcement at a press briefing as part of the Government Accountability Series held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Accra.

He said the initiative, known as the Ghana Scaling Up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP), was officially launched on May 30, 2025.

The project is supported by a US$85 million grant from the African Development Bank, the Climate Investment Fund, the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and the Government of Ghana.

According to Mr Jinapor, the programme will roll out 12,000 net-metered solar PV systems for households across the country. It will also establish 35 mini-grids to serve 47 island communities, along with 1,450 solar home systems for off-grid households and public facilities such as schools and clinics.

“These interventions are part of a broader strategy to build a green energy sector that serves all Ghanaians especially those historically left behind,” Mr Jinapor said.

He also revealed that the government is facilitating the construction of a 200-megawatt solar project at various sites across the country.

As part of the plan, local technicians will be trained in solar energy systems in partnership with the International Solar Alliance.

The move comes at a time when many rural areas in Ghana continue to face limited or no access to electricity, forcing households to rely on kerosene lamps and diesel generators.

“For the first time, families living on islands and in remote villages will be able to power their homes, charge their phones, refrigerate medicines, and support small businesses all through clean energy,” Mr Jinapor said.

As part of the country’s energy transition efforts, Ghana will host the seventh Africa Regional Committee Meeting of the International Solar Alliance from September 2 to 4, 2025. Mr Jinapor is serving as Vice-President of the alliance.

The Ministry of Energy is also preparing to submit the Renewable Energy Authority Bill to Parliament in the coming months, as part of efforts to formalise and expand Ghana’s shift to renewable energy.