I will cut electricity cost by 50%, add 2,000MW solar power to energy mix – Dr. Bawumia

Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has pledged to add 2,000 MW of solar power to Ghana's energy mix if elected President of the Republic in the December 7 general elections.

He was optimistic that this move will make Ghanaian businesses more competitive.

Currently, the high cost of electricity is driven by the cost of fuel and forex rates.

In an interaction with the clergy in the Volta region, Dr. Bawumia stated that going green would alleviate the situation.

"To reduce the cost of living, we must look at our power generation," he noted, adding: "Ghana currently relies heavily on oil and gas to generate power, and their costs are quite high. So, anytime the prices increase in the Middle East, fuel, electricity, and transport prices also rise. Therefore, I want us to transition from oil and gas to solar power," he stated.

"It is crucial for us in the generation of electricity," Dr. Bawumia emphasized.

He elaborated that, "My goal, which I have stated, is that in the next four years, Ghana should add 2,000 megawatts of solar power to our power generation. This amount is more than half of our current electricity consumption. Combining that with Akosombo, we could nearly halve the cost of power, which would give our businesses a significant competitive edge."