Ghana Launches Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP) to Electrify Off-Grid Communities

The Government of Ghana has officially launched a landmark renewable energy initiative aimed at significantly expanding electricity access to underserved communities across the country. The project, known as the Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP), was inaugurated at Lala in the Sene East District of the Bono East Region and is expected to benefit over 70,000 people.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, emphasized the transformative power of the initiative in improving rural livelihoods and reducing the energy access gap between urban and rural areas.

“As a Ministry, we are not just installing solar panels or building infrastructure, we are lighting up lives, empowering communities, and bridging the rural-urban energy divide,” the Minister stated.

The SREP initiative will facilitate the construction of 35 mini grids and the installation of 1,450 solar home systems in the Bono East, Oti, and Savannah regions. In addition, 12,000 net-metered rooftop solar PV systems will be installed nationwide as part of Ghana’s green energy transition efforts.

Hon. Jinapor acknowledged the perseverance of people living in remote areas who have long awaited access to electricity. He urged community leaders and residents to take active roles in the construction and long-term management of the energy infrastructure, calling on the contractor to engage local artisans in the implementation process.

“We are confident that by 2030, we will have over 200 mini grids operational, delivering on our last-mile electrification target of 99.8%,” he announced.

The Minister also revealed that feasibility studies have already been completed for 150 island and lakeside communities in the Afram Plains, with plans in motion to begin constructing an additional 150 mini grids in future phases of the programme.

The event was attended by various key stakeholders, including representatives from the Swiss Embassy, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and officials from the Volta River Authority (VRA), the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), and the Energy Commission.

Hon. Jinapor expressed the Government of Ghana’s deep gratitude to the Swiss Government and AfDB for their steadfast support in advancing the country’s renewable energy goals. The project is being implemented in partnership with the Climate Investment Fund, the Swiss Government, and the African Development Bank.

The Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, Ing. Eunice Biritwum (Mrs.), reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering support for the successful rollout of the SREP. She underscored the pivotal role the Commission has played since the programme’s inception in 2013/2014.

“The Energy Commission is glad to be associated with the Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Programme, which seeks to deploy mini grids and off-grid solutions in non-electrified communities, as well as roof-mounted net-metered solar PV installations in urban and peri-urban areas of Ghana,” she said.

Reiterating the Commission’s commitment, she added.

“We support this flagship programme of government in solarising Ghana towards the attainment of the country’s universal energy access goal and renewable energy policy targets.”

The Chief Executive Officer of the Volta River Authority (VRA), Ing. Edward Kenzo, also pledged the Authority’s full commitment to the long-term sustainability, efficient operation, and responsible management of the mini grids after their completion.

“We understand infrastructure represents the first crucial step; however, it is the continuous delivery of quality service that ultimately brings lasting change. We assure Ghanaians of proper maintenance culture to the highest standards to be able to serve the communities for many years,” he noted.

Delivering a speech on behalf of the Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Simone Giger, the Deputy Head of Corporation, Magdalena Wust, reaffirmed Switzerland’s partnership with Ghana in achieving affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

She highlighted the importance of energy security in national development and praised the strong bilateral cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which lays the groundwork for collaborative climate action.

“Switzerland is committed to supporting Ghana in achieving sustainable energy for all. We believe that our partnership will continue to grow stronger as we work together to meet global climate goals,” she said.