Akufo-Addo: Gov’t committed to sustainable energy

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has emphasised the importance of renewable energy in driving economic growth, mitigating climate change, and ensuring energy security for all citizens of Ghana .

He said this during a ceremony held in Kaleo to officially inaugurate Phase Two of the Kaleo Solar Power Plant, marking another significant stride in Ghana’s renewable energy journey.

With a capacity of fifteen megawatts peak (15MWp), this addition underscores Ghana’s commitment to harnessing clean energy sources and building a sustainable future for generations to come.

Commendation

The President lauded the collective efforts of stakeholders, including the chiefs and people of the Nadowli-Kaleo traditional area, the German Government, the Volta River Authority (VRA) and project contractors, for their invaluable contributions to the successful completion of the project.

The President highlighted the strategic significance of Kaleo as a hub for renewable energy development, citing its rich natural resources and potential to attract investment and spur innovation in the region.

He reiterated government’s commitment to incentivising green investments, promoting energy efficiency, and prioritizing the development of solar, wind and hydroelectric power projects as key strategies for the nation’s energy sector growth.

He stated that the Phase Two of the Kaleo Solar Power Plant not only adds 15 megawatts of clean energy to the national grid, but also improves the quality of power supply in the Upper West Region.

Furthermore, he said it was estimated to reduce national carbon emissions by nearly 8,917 tonnes, contributing to Ghana’s efforts to combat climate change and fulfill its international commitments. He added that it would also promote practical studies in the development of solar power by the Technical Universities in the northern part of the country.

Commitment

President Akufo-Addo reiterated Government’s commitment to investing continuously in the electricity transmission network, to enable the country to evacuate more renewable energy through the national grid to support the extension of electricity to all parts of the country.

“It is our intention to attain full electricity access by the end of this year, up from the current rate of eighty-eight-point-eight percent (88.8%),” he stated.

Kaleo solar plant

The President added, “I expect that, with this project in this community, corporate social responsibility programmes for Kaleo and its environment will be enhanced through the provision of social amenities by the appropriate authorities, including VRA.”

President Akufo-Addo expressed optimism about Ghana’s energy future, stressing the importance of collaboration and collective action in achieving sustainable development goals.

He urged all stakeholders to uphold effective maintenance management practices to ensure the longevity and efficiency of renewable energy infrastructure, reaffirming his government’s dedication to building a brighter, greener future for all Ghanaians.

“By investing in renewable energy infrastructure, we are securing a reliable source of electricity and creating new opportunities for economic growth and job creation. This plant will not only power homes and businesses, but also serve as a catalyst for development in the Upper West Region, attracting investment and spurring innovation,” he added.

Policy measures

The President told the gathering that Government was implementing a series of policies and measures to incentivise green investments.

He stated that the measures would also foster a culture of energy efficiency, and prioritise the development of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power projects as key strategies for the growth of the energy sector in the country.

“The vision, however, is not only to be energy self-sufficient, but also to set the stage for Ghana to emerge as an eco-friendly country in the Region, inspiring neighbouring countries to follow suit in their pursuit of a greener, more energy-technology-centred future,” he added.

Read Full Story