Solar-powered streetlights for barriers

Accra, Aug. 8, GNA - The Energy Commission has initiated a pilot project to install streetlights and security systems powered by solar energy at all Police barriers and posts in Accra.

The first phase of the project to cover the Ashaiman, Weija and Ofankor barriers at a cost 26,000 euros is being funded by the Energy Fund.

The Ghana Police Service in conjunction with the Energy Commission officially handed over the three project sites on Tuesday to Deng Company Limited, experts in solar energy, to begin work.

The project would be extended to all Police barriers and posts in regions following the successful implementation the phase.

Dr Ofosu Ahenkorah, Acting Executive Secretary of the Commission, said the Commission had been given the mandate to ensure the development and utilisation of energy resources in the country.

He said the Energy Commission Act established the Fund to be used to promote renewable energy resources such as solar energy, energy efficiency and human resource development.

ACP Jonathan Yakubu, Regional Commander, Tema and ACP Douglas Akrofi, Greater Accra Regional Commander, on behalf of the Inspector General of Police expressed gratitude to the Commission for the gesture. The two Commanders noted that most of the barriers were without lighting systems, and this had been a major problem to checking crime. ACP Yakubu appealed to City Engineers and district assemblies to also ensure that streetlights were installed at various checkpoints to help to curb crime.

He said the gesture would go a long to assist the Police in the execution of its work, especially dealing with crime in the night. Mr Chris Manteanu, Chief Executive Officer of Deng Company, gave the assurance that the installation would be completed within one month.