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๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ญ Ghana /Energy & Infrastructure

Ghana MP announces plans for Africa's largest solar energy facility

From Ghanaian Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • A Ghanaian Member of Parliament, Kwame Asare Obeng (A Plus), announced plans to build Africa's largest solar energy facility in Gomoa.
  • The project aims to provide affordable and reliable energy to support industrial growth and attract investors to Ghana.
  • Obeng believes cheaper energy will make Ghana more competitive for manufacturing, comparing its costs unfavorably to China.

Kwame Asare Obeng, the Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central and a public figure known as A Plus, has unveiled ambitious plans to construct what he claims will be the largest solar energy facility in Africa. This massive project is intended to bolster industrial growth and enhance Ghana's appeal to international investors.

Obeng emphasized that affordable and reliable energy is fundamental to his development agenda for the Gomoa region and for attracting businesses to Ghana. He revealed that he has been actively engaging with investors globally who are interested in developing low-cost energy solutions for the country. "We are currently in the process of developing what we believe will be the biggest solar energy facility in Africa," he stated.

We are currently in the process of developing what we believe will be the biggest solar energy facility in Africa.

โ€” Kwame Asare ObengAnnouncing plans for the solar energy project.

He articulated that the project's primary goal is to reduce electricity costs, thereby making Ghana a more attractive destination for investors and manufacturers. Obeng drew a stark comparison between Ghana's energy costs and those in China, noting that the significantly lower electricity prices in China have made it a preferred manufacturing hub. "If you look at the energy cost in China and compare it to the energy cost in Ghana, you understand why many people choose to produce in China instead of producing in Ghana," he explained.

Obeng expressed optimism about making substantial progress on the solar facility before the end of the year. His recent international trips were strategically focused on attracting investment, with meetings held with various manufacturing sectors, including mobile phone producers, car parts companies, and electric vehicle manufacturers. He stressed the importance of Ghana transitioning from exporting raw materials to producing finished goods domestically, thereby creating jobs and strengthening the national economy.

If you look at the energy cost in China and compare it to the energy cost in Ghana, you understand why many people choose to produce in China instead of producing in Ghana.

โ€” Kwame Asare ObengExplaining the need for cheaper energy to attract manufacturing.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ghanaian Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.