Ghana was paid a visit by the UK’s Minister of State for International Development, Grant Shapps. The UK minister was in the West African country to launch the next phase of the UK’s new Energy Africa campaign.
Minister Shapps and Ghana’s President, John Mahama, agreed to work together to power up the solar market in Ghana, giving millions of people in urban and remote areas access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy. A partnership agreement on Energy Africa will be formally signed later this month.
Speaking on arrival in Ghana, Shapps said: “The time is right to kick-start a solar revolution in Ghana and across Africa. It is not acceptable that two out of out three people in Africa simply do not have access to electricity.”
Shapps emphasized the difference solar energy could make to the people of Ghana: “Nightfall no longer needs to mean darkness. With British-backed technology, families can save money on fuel, feel safe at night, and run businesses from home. Ghana has the solar kits, mobile payment systems, and the year-round sunshine. And with the President’s backing, together we can change lives.”
There are high hopes for Energy Africa to impact other countries in the continent: “I look forward to working with the people of Ghana to spread solar energy right across the country, and hope the rest of Africa follows their lead in supporting the life-changing Energy Africa campaign.”