Africa Updates: US, Ghana Companies Sign Agreement for Solar Energy

Ghana, the west African country that has been a laggard in terms of adopting solar versus potential, finally has something to celebrate.

Ghanaian company Strategic Security Systems International, and its subsidiary Strategic Power Solutions signed a partnership agreement with the U.S. Company AEG International to provide solar energy to six dioceses of the Ghana Catholic Church. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) will provide grant to AEG International to conduct a feasibility study for the project.

The energy for the project will be generated from solar panels assembled in Ghana and from inverters, batteries, and other equipment manufactured in the United States. The solar panels will be assembled at Strategic Power Solutions’ (SPS) manufacturing facility in Kpone.

The agreement will benefit and help 28 health clinics, 310 schools and over 500 buildings amongst other facilities, that will be transitioned to solar power through the project present in the six dioceses of Techiman, Greater Accra, Koforidua, Keta-Akatsi, Kumasi and Tamale.

U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Stephanie S. Sullivan present at the event said, “This (solar energy) power will literally save lives by, for example, providing light and medical equipment during childbirth, providing the electricity needed for respirators, and providing refrigeration for vaccines and other important medicines. It will also improve lives, allowing schoolchildren to do their homework, making sure the water pump is always working, and providing electricity for things like household refrigeration for teachers and others who live in these dioceses.”

Through Power Africa, the United States has catalyzed some $60 billion in energy investments that will provide modern energy services for roughly 300 million citizens across Africa by 2030.

Strategic Security Systems International Limited’s Chairman, Dr. Francis Akuamoah Boateng noted, “We hope this new partnership will mark the first of many projects together. Solar power is an incredible opportunity for Ghana.”

AEG International President Tod Skinner further added: “This project will benefit [Ghanaians] by bringing solar power to schools, clinics, hospitals, and other facilities. AEG International is proud to partner with SPS and Strategic Security Systems International to create jobs in both of our countries and be part of a project expected to have such great impact in Ghana.”

According to the companies, more than 1000 people will benefit who currently reside in these 6 districts.

Picture courtesy APO group