Accra, Ghana, October 28, 2020//-The Board Chairman of the Energy Commission, Professor George Payin Hagan has stressed that the country will use sustainable energy to promote industrialisation in the country to achieve economic independence.
He has therefore called on stakeholders in the energy sector to harness energy resources across the country to support industries and facilitate a holistic socio-economic development of rural communities throughout the country.
The Board Chairman of the Energy Commission, Prof Hagan made this known at the 6th Ghana Renewable Energy Virtual Fair in Accra held under the theme, “Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Agenda.
The two day programme was organized by the Energy Commission under the auspices of the Ministry of Energy and partnered by GIZ and the German Embassy which created a platform for policy makers, leaders of technological innovations and industry players in the energy sector to discuss and deliberate on issues relating to sustainable energy in the country.
According to him, the Ghana Renewable Energy Fair will continue to play a significant role in facilitating stakeholders discussions on topical renewable energy efficiency technologies and policy issues, adding that the fair have helped identified opportunities for investment in the country.
For his part, the Minister for Energy, John Peter Amewusaid his outfit in consultation with the Energy Commission have directed Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to initiate competitive procurement for a total of 100 MW solar plant capacity from IPPs within the next five years in line with the Renewable Energy Master Plan.
According to him, government is implementing the rural electrification scheme to make electricity available and affordable to stimulate economic activities in all rural communities in the country and said plans are far advanced for additional mini-grids to be installed on islands and lake communities in all 10 districts along the Volta lake.
He however commended all stakeholders especially the Energy Commission for continually working fervently to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency in the country.
The Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo-Marfo in an address said government have provided an enabling environment for the private sector to play a crucial role in the renewable energy sector saying the move have led to a greater uptake and participation of energy consumption across the country.
He said the fair have also challenged industry players to exhibit their cutting-edge renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions to the general public while showcasing new trends and energy development in the country.
By Ben Laryea
