Accra, July 05, GNA - Government has put together a team of local solar energy experts to help kick-start the implementation of the development of solar energy systems in the country.

Dubbed: the Joint Coordinating Committee for human resource development towards the dissemination of solar Photo Voltaic (PV) system, the team would implement government's programme of action for the establishment of two solar testing and training centres soon. The Ministry of Energy in collaboration with the Ministry of Education Science and Sports are spearheading the project under a grant sponsorship from the Japanese's government through its International Cooperation Assistance (JICA).

Launching the project and inaugurating the Committee in Accra on Thursday, Mr. Joseph Adda the Energy Minister in a statement read for him by the Chief Director, Mrs Dina Hammond said Ghana was endowed with solar energy resources but its sector had benefited marginally. He said, "in 2003, government came out with a Master Plan to promote the development of solar for off-grid rural electrification using renewable energy in the northern part of the country. "JICA's support is therefore to help advance the use of solar system in the country," he said.

Mr. Adda said solar PV could be sustainable if properly planned and the adequate human resource for its management and operation was developed.

The implementation of the project that spanned between 2007 and 2010 was expected to substantially address the country's future energy challenges.

Key institutions involved in this project are the Ghana Standard Board, the Association of Ghana Solar Industries, the KNUST, and the Tamale Polytechnic.

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and the Tamale Polytechnic would house the two training centres where Japanese technical experts would provide support in the training of Ghanaian technicians in solar system PV installation and maintenance.

Arrangements are also far advanced for the establishment of the testing centres where all solar equipment and materials to be imported into the country would be tested and certified for better performance of the project.