Need to generate more solar energy - Omane-Boamah

Accra, June 29, GNA - Dr Edward Omane-Boamah, Deputy Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, on Wednesday said it was necessary for the country to take advantage of its enormous sunshine to generate solar energy.

This, he said, would reduce the pressure on electricity consumption and prevent over-dependence on government for energy because solar was a self-sufficient avenue for generating energy.


Dr Omane-Boamah made the call at the inauguration of PTL Solar Ghana, a company that deals in solar energy systems for lightening and power appliances.


He said it was expedient for companies and other institutions to collaborate with government to produce and conserve solar energy for their daily use.


"We will recommend this strongly to key areas in hospitals such as theatres, intensive care units and other institutions," he said. Dr Omane-Boamah commended the management for their bold initiative, and said government would continue to support such useful inventions on energy from companies such as PTL to help the country achieve an optimum growth in energy generation and conservation.


Mr William Asante, Managing Director of PTL Solar Ghana, said the company had been able to create a model for the provision of solar energy, especially to people living in rural communities in the country.

This, he said, would help offer an opportunity to the people to shift from using kerosene for lighting to the use of solar energy which would provide better light in addition to helping them save money.


Mr Asante advised the government to consider solar energy as an avenue which had more potentials of making the nation achieve a considerable percentage in energy conservation by reducing the demand on wood fuel and pressure on tropical vegetation.


He announced that the company would assist government to build a renewable energy market through the increase in demand and supply of renewable products.


"The solar technology is right for Ghana when it comes to energy generation, we have the sun to our advantage and it is free and inexhaustible," he added.