The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has unveiled a nationwide initiative to install 23,500 solar-powered streetlights in a bold effort to reduce strain on Ghana’s national grid and promote renewable energy solutions.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Mr. Jinapor announced that the new all-in-one solar streetlights will span a total of 700 kilometers across the country.
He said the move is part of a deliberate strategy to transition street lighting away from grid dependency.
“We’ve started rolling out 23,500 all-in-one solar streetlights as part of our energy efficiency programme,” he stated. “These installations will not only reduce pressure on the grid but also mark a shift toward making solar the standard for street lighting.”
The Minister explained that conventional streetlights, which draw power from the national grid, contribute significantly to peak electricity demand—particularly in the evenings—posing a challenge to energy supply and stability.
“Streetlights alone can consume over 200 megawatts during peak periods. By switching to solar, we’re looking to shave off between 200 and 300 megawatts from our grid load,” Mr. Jinapor added.
He emphasized that this transition is a critical step in Ghana’s broader green energy agenda under the Mahama-led government, aimed at integrating more renewable sources into the national energy mix and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
The solar streetlight project forms part of ongoing efforts to improve energy resilience, cut costs, and promote environmentally sustainable infrastructure across the country.
