Government is set to expand investment in renewable energy infrastructure for island and lake communities, with plans to electrify 150 additional off-grid locations across the country.
This announcement comes on the back of the commissioning of mini-grid electrification projects in three island communities—Azizakpe, Alorkem, and Aflive—in the Ada East District. Funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the projects bring electricity to these communities for the first time.
Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, speaking at the commissioning ceremony, said the initiative marks a significant step toward improving economic activities and livelihoods in hard-to-reach areas.
He emphasized that the electrification drive aligns with the government’s broader energy policy agenda.
“Very soon, we shall launch a bold program, a new programme that seeks to bring on board over 250,000 people living across 150 island and lake communities allowing them to also have access to electricity.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg. We intend to pursue and ambitious and aggressive programme where our ultimate objective will be to hook on 150 island and lake communities so that they can also get access to electricity,” he said.
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition indicated that the initiative will not only expand the reach of renewable energy but also fast-track Ghana’s journey toward energy equity and inclusion.
“This initiative will certainly expand the reach of renewable energy to even more underserved areas, accelerating our efforts towards energy equity and inclusion and achieving our primary objective of hitting 99.8% access to electricity in line with our policy of light for life program,” John Jinapor added.
The newly commissioned mini-grids are expected to boost productivity, support small businesses, and improve living standards in the beneficiary communities.
