The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has announced a grant supporting a feasibility study for solar systems that will bring to clean power to thousands of people in Ghana as the Ghana Catholic Church works to transition its dioceses to solar energy.
Charlotte, N.C.-based AEG International will conduct the study in partnership with Ghanaian energy company Strategic Security Systems International and its subsidiary, Strategic Power Solutions.
The projects will comprise solar panels assembled in Ghana and inverters, batteries and other equipment manufactured in the U.S.
U.S. Ambassador Stephanie S. Sullivan recently hosted an event launching the feasibility study and marking the new partnership. Bishops and their representatives were present from the six dioceses of Techiman, Greater Accra, Koforidua, Keta-Akatsi, Kumasi and Tamale. Within the six dioceses, there are 28 health clinics and 310 schools, among other facilities, that will be transitioned to solar power through the project.
“While Ghanaian workers in Kpone are assembling panels, American workers in the United States – in Washington and elsewhere – are making the inverters and batteries that will come together here in Ghana to create solar power systems for the benefit of thousands of people,” said Sullivan. “This is an excellent example of how companies in Ghana can increase local content and create jobs while engaging in smart international trade and solving issues critical to Ghana’s long-term development, such as accessible, reliable and affordable energy.
