
(USTDA) has approved a grant of $950,000 for feasibility studies on solar energy production to be developed in six of the 20 dioceses of the Catholic Church in Ghana. The feasibility studies, to be carried out within a six-month period, will provide the technical and financial information to enable AEG International LLC, a US-based company, and its Ghanaian partners, Strategic Security Systems International, to start the building of small-scale solar systems at an estimated cost of $15 million. The two companies will build small-scale photovoltaic solar systems that will be assembled in Ghana using US manufactured inverters, batteries and other solar power system equipment. About 310 schools, 28 health facilities, as well as 500 other buildings and offices in the six dioceses of Keta-Akatsi, Tamale, Techiman, Koforidua, Kumasi and the Accra Archdiocese, will benefit from the solar project. Long-term development Speaking at a signing ceremony at Kpone near Tema yesterday, the US Ambassador to Ghana, Ms Stephanie S. Sullivan, said the project could contribute considerably towards the provision of light for health professionals to undertake child deliveries, as well as provide the electricity needed for respirators and power other equipment used for the storage of vaccines and other important medicines. She described the initiative between the two companies as an excellent example of how companies in Ghana could increase local content and create jobs, as well as solve issues that were critical to the country’s long-term development. Ms Sullivan said the project was also an example of a best-value procurement approach with a long-term vision and presented an incredible opportunity for Ghana to adapt to the use of solar, since sunshine was in abundance in the country. “The US and Ghana are each bringing something to the table to help improve the lives of thousands of people through this project, so they can fulfill their potential and contribute to national development,” she added.



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