President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Wednesday commissioned the second phase of the 15 megawatts Kaleo Solar Power Plant in the Nadowli-Kaleo district in the Upper West region.
The solar power plant is owned and was developed by the Volta River Authority (VRA). The renewable electricity generated from the facility will be integrated into the national grid.
It will also improve the power supply quality in the Upper West Region
The plant is expected to reduce national carbon emissions by almost 8,917 tons, helping Ghana tackle climate change and meet international commitments.
It will also encourage technical universities in the northern regions to undertake practical studies on solar energy development.
Addressing a gathering of dignitaries, chiefs, and community members, the President said the development demonstrates Ghana’s commitment to harnessing clean energy and ensuring a sustainable future for future generations.
He emphasized the importance of renewable energy in driving economic growth, mitigating climate change, and ensuring energy security for all citizens.
President Akufo-Addo 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 praised the collective efforts of stakeholders, including the Chiefs and people of the Nadowli-Kaleo traditional area, the German Government, the VRA, and project contractors, for their invaluable contributions to the successful completion of the project.
The President emphasized the importance of incentivizing green investments, boosting energy efficiency, and prioritizing solar, wind, and hydroelectric power projects to boost the country’s energy sector.
He reiterated the Government’s commitment to invest 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.
“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,” he stated.
President Akufo-Addo expressed optimism about Ghana’s energy future, emphasizing 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.
The President told the gathering that Government is implementing a series of policies and measures to incentivize green investments, 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 the pursuit of greener, more energy-technology-centered future,” he emphasised.
GNA