President John Dramani Mahama has promised investors that Ghana is ready to lead an industrial revolution that will revolutionise its economy while also serving as a catalyst for Africa’s next stage of growth.
The President was addressing at a sod-cutting event for the construction of a Solar Park at Agortor, Dawa Industrial Enclave of the Greater Accra region.
The project, which is being carried out by Solar for Industries Limited (SFI), a subsidiary of LMI Holdings Limited, would be completed in two stages, with an initial 200 MWp installation.
With a capacity of 100 MWp, or roughly 2% of Ghana’s total power supply, the first is anticipated to be finished by December 2026, and the second 100 MWp will be added to the grid after nine months.
With the exception of South Africa, this is anticipated to grow to 1,000 megawatts (MWp) by 2032, making it the biggest and only private utility-scale solar farm in sub-Saharan Africa.
The company’s idea impressed President Mahama, who stated that the Solar for Industries program supports a wider environmental goal and is in line with the Clean Ghana Campaign, the Tree for Life Reforestation Program, and the Blue Water Guards.
“This is how development should work, one project generating many opportunities,” he noted. The president added that the project symbolises the growing investor confidence in Ghana and that the ongoing reforms by his government are aimed at ensuring a win-win situation for both Ghana and businesses.”
“Let us build this project with integrity, speed, and purpose, so that when we return here to commission it, we can all say with pride that this is the dawn of Ghana’s clean industrial revolution.”
He noted that the three pillars of Ghana’s long-term energy vision are supply security, sustainability, and sovereignty.
“Sovereignty involves generating more of our energy locally and using the sun, wind, and water provided by nature to do so.”
“As we pursue industrial growth, we must also restore our natural heritage. Our rivers must run clear, our forests must regenerate, and our communities must breathe clean and fresh air.” he went on.
President Mahama noted that such efforts are already changing Ghana, stressing that the SFI project is more than just a power plant and that it is a sign that Ghana is ready to spearhead the next stage of Africa’s industrial renaissance, driven by innovation, fuelled by the sun, and supported by their shared resolve.
“As we cut the sod, let us remember that every light that shines from this Solar Park will illuminate not just the factories and homes, but the aspirations of millions of Ghanaians whose dreams rely on energy and power,”
Quarm Investments’ CEO, Mr. Kojo Aduhene, declared that enterprises in the Dawa Industrial Enclave that would take power from them would receive a 10% discount after the project is finished.
According to him, the project fits with industrialisation, shows the world that Ghana is very open for business, and illustrates and supports an opportunity in the 24-hour economy.
The World Bank’s International Finance Corporation, Enclave Power Company, John Murphy Construction (JMC), China International Water and Electric Corp (CIWE), and SgurrEnergy are among the project’s implementing partners.
Source: newsthemegh.com