adverts
The government has announced plans to deploy solar-powered irrigation pumps across Ghana as part of efforts to transform agriculture and reduce dependence on rain-fed farming.
Minister for Energy and Green Transition John Jinapor disclosed this during the seventh meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Regional Committee for Africa, held in Accra.
He explained that the initiative, developed in collaboration with the ISA, is aimed at empowering farmers to engage in all-year-round farming and building resilience in the agriculture sector.
adverts
“I have had very fruitful discussions with the Director-General of the ISA, and immediately, what we want to set forth is to work to deploy solar irrigation pumps across the country.
For some parts of the country, during the six-month dry season, farmers virtually have nothing to do because they depend solely on rain-fed agriculture,” Mr Jinapor said.
Citing India’s successful solar irrigation model, the minister noted that Ghana intends to replicate and adapt the experience to local needs. He confirmed that several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) have already been signed to facilitate the project.
Meanwhile, Ashish Khanna, Director-General of the International Solar Alliance, announced the creation of a $200 million African Solar Facility (ASF) to accelerate the adoption of solar solutions across the continent.
He revealed that the first $75 million tranche will be operationalised before the end of 2025, unlocking over $800 million in private sector renewable energy investments, starting with Nigeria.
“Nineteen ministers from Africa and representatives of 39 countries have ratified this strategy. The ASF is designed as catalytic finance to de-risk solar projects, attract private capital, and mobilise local financial systems for large-scale deployment,” Mr Khanna said.
The ministerial session emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships, transparent procurement processes, and targeted equity support in scaling up renewable energy adoption.
The ASF is expected to become a central tool for financing sustainable and bankable solar projects across Africa, with Ghana positioning itself among the early adopters.
Mr Jinapor stressed that with the solar irrigation initiative, Ghanaian farmers will no longer be confined to seasonal planting but will have the means to produce food all year round, boosting productivity and food security.
Click the link Puretvonline.com | WhatsApp Channel to join the WhatsApp channel
GOT A STORY?
Contact/WhatsApp: +233243201960 or manuelnkansah33@gmail.com
