Some 32,000 households are expected to benefit from the construction of two solar plants in the Upper West Region by June and December respectively this year.

This follows the sod cutting of the project by President Akufo-Addo that will see the construction of a 13-megawatt peak solar project in Kaleo and a 4-megawatt peak solar project in Lawra which are districts in the region.

According to the President, the solar plants will help the country reduce an estimated 7,400 tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year, making the country a cleaner place to live in.

“The project at Lawra is scheduled to be completed in June this year, with the one in Kaleo also scheduled to be completed by December this year. When finished, both projects will generate enough energy to power some 32,000 households, and increase the geographic spread of power generation in the country.”

“The plants will also reduce the amount of energy that would have, hitherto, been transmitted from the hydro and thermal plants located in the south, and, thereby, help reduce transmission losses on our national grid. It will also create employment for our youth during the construction and operation stages of the project,” the President added.

The 17-megawatt project which is being funded by the German Government’s Development Bank (KfW) at a cost of €22.8 million reiterates governments resolve to increase the renewable energy component in Ghana.

The President indicated that the project aims to diversify the country’s energy generation portfolio and contribute to the fight against the effects of climate change.

He noted that, the 17-megawatt peak solar plants will be operated and maintained by Ghanaians living in Kaleo and Lawra areas and encouraged the youth in these areas to stand in readiness of the opportunity.

“I am looking forward to educational institutions in the Upper West Region bringing their students to see the practical demonstration of an operational solar plant. Students will have the opportunity to do their internships and National Service at these plants, thus, increasing their knowledge in the field of solar energy,” he concluded.