Zambrama (B/A), Nov. 17, GNA - The Australian Government is spending GHC 45,000 towards the installation of solar energy systems in 20 selected off-grid rural communities in Brong-Ahafo Region.

The project is funded under the Australian Small Activities Scheme (SAS) and administered by the Australian Agency for Development (AUS AID). Mr. William Billy Williams, Australian High Commissioner in Ghana, who inaugurated the projects at Zambrama in Pru District, stressed the need to strengthen the friendship between Australia and Ghana.

He said the objectives behind the provision of the solar energy facilities, were to meet the basic humanitarian needs of the people, and also enhance accelerated economic and social development.

Mr. Williams disclosed that the projects were being supervised by the Deng Solar Training and Renewable Energy Service Center at Asekye-Kruse in the Nkoranza North District and that the management would install the facilities at the various centers.

He gave the assurance that the Australian government would not relent in its efforts to offer the necessary support to people in deprived areas in Ghana.

Mr. Maswud Mohammed, Pru District Chief Executive, commended the High Commissioner for helping to alleviate the plight of the people in rural communities.

He said the installation of the facilities was timely as a number of communities in the district lacked electricity.

Mr. Mohammed said because the district was new, it lacked a number of development projects, and called on the Australian High Commissioner to assist the people with the construction of school blocks for the two basic schools in the area.

Mr. Arthur Manu, Managing Director of Deng Solar Training and Renewable Energy Center, said five centers had been created in Pru District, namely Zambrama which had two, Benim, Dama Nkwanta and Senyase.

He said the other centers were located in the Kintampo North Municipality, Kintampo South District, Atebubu/Amantin as well as Nkoranza South and Dormaa West Districts.

Mr. Manu thanked the Australian Government for arranging such facilities, which he said would create jobs for the youth.