Government Deploys 23,500 Solar Streetlights to Ease Grid Pressure and Save Energy

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has announced the rollout of 23,500 solar-powered streetlights nationwide in a bold move to reduce strain on Ghana’s national electricity grid and boost energy efficiency.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Mr. Jinapor revealed that the initiative—covering 700 kilometers—is part of a wider plan to transition street lighting from the national grid to renewable energy sources.

“We’ve started installing all-in-one solar streetlights across the country. Our goal is to cover 23,500 units across 700 kilometers, gradually shifting the burden of street lighting from the grid to solar,” the Minister said.

He noted that conventional streetlights, which rely on grid electricity, contribute significantly to peak-hour power demand—placing additional pressure on generation capacity in the evenings.

“These lights typically switch on during peak hours, when demand can be 400 to 600 megawatts higher than off-peak periods. Streetlights alone account for more than 200 megawatts,” he explained.

The minister projected that the transition to solar could reduce grid load by as much as 200 to 300 megawatts—freeing up valuable energy for other uses.

The solar streetlight project is a key component of the Mahama administration’s push for a greener energy sector. It aligns with the government’s long-term strategy to expand the use of renewable energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and ensure more sustainable power distribution—especially during high-demand periods.

Mr. Jinapor emphasized that the initiative not only enhances energy savings but also creates new opportunities for local contractors and entrepreneurs in the renewable energy sector.