Ministry of Energy inaugurats 253.26 kilowatt peak (kWp) for island communities in Ada

The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has inaugurated a 253.26 kilowatt peak (kWp) mini-grid electrification system for three island communities in the Ada East District in the Greater Accra Region..

The project, which would deliver clean energy for the people of Alorkpem, Aflivie and Azizakpe, with a population of 3,700, was developed with funding from the Swiss Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

The aim of the project, which includes installed solar photovoltaic generation panels, a lithium-ion battery storage facility, a backup generator and a low voltage distribution network, is to supply power to the beneficiary island communities.

Background

In 2015, the Ministry of Finance and Energy and the Swiss Government, through SECO, signed a project financing agreement to implement the Ghana Electricity Sector Support Project (GESSP). A component of the project was the $2.3 million funding for three mini-grids in the Ada East District.

Sod cutting for the three mini grids was done on October 6, 2020 and was executed by Techno Trama Ambiienta of Spain.

Speaking at the inauguration of the project on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abu Jinapor, said the three new solar powered mini grids brings to eight, the total number of mini grids in operation in the country, stressing that it was a tangible testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to bridging energy access for all Ghanaians no matter how remote their location might be.

He said with the lights now turned on in these three communities, over 3,700 residents will for the first time have access to clean, reliable and uninterrupted, but more importantly, sustainable electricity for economic development.

“I dare say that this is not just a mere project of infrastructure. It is indeed a promise fulfilled.

It is the opening of new opportunities for education, healthcare, businesses and improved livelihoods,” he said.

The minister charged the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), to incorporate the tariff proposals submitted by the Volta River Authority (VRA), into the upcoming tariff review to ensure cost recovery and enhance regular maintenance and long-term sustainability of the facility.

Light for life
Mr Jinapor disclosed that the government would soon launch a programme that will seek to bring on board over 250,000 people living across 150 island and lake communities, allowing them to also have access to electricity.

He said this initiative would expand the reach of renewable energy to even more underserved areas, accelerating the country’s progress towards energy equity and inclusion and achieving the primary objective of hitting 99.8 per cent access to electricity by 2030, in line with the government’s policy of Lights for Life Programme.

To support this vision, Mr Jinapor said a renewable energy investment and green transition fund had been established to mobilise domestic and international resources and drive investments in renewable energy and support the creation of green energy zones, designed not only to generate electricity but to simulate economic activity, innovation, job creation in a sustainable manner.

The Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Simone Giger, said the project symbolised Switzerland’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s development priorities, especially the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal Seven, which seeks to ensure affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for all.

“With these mini grids now operational, over 3,700 residents across the three communities will benefit from clean and reliable electricity.

This means that children can study after dark, health centres can store vaccines and operate essential equipment, small businesses can hopefully flourish and tourism will certainly be boosted.

“Beyond development, this project also speaks to climate action by harnessing renewable energy.

We are not just lighting homes; we are protecting the planet. We are reducing emissions,” she said.

Sustainability
The acting Chief Executive of the VRA, Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo, said as the operating entity, the VRA remained committed to the long-term sustainability and efficient management of the mini-grid assets and expressed the hope that the ministry would provide the necessary support towards fully optimising the system.

Speaking on behalf of the Ada Traditional Council, Nene Eric Ametor-Quarmyne, expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition and the Swiss government for bringing the project to the three island communities and expressed the hope that a dedicated fund would be provided by the VRA towards regular maintenance of the facility.