
Faith Nyasuguta
Africa’s largest solar rooftop installation has been launched in Ghana, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy in the region. Herbert Krapah, Ghana’s Minister of State for Energy, announced the project’s inauguration.
As reported by Sputnik, the massive solar installation spans 95,745 square meters, equivalent to 20 football fields, and is located in the city of Tema. The project was funded by the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) and is designed to generate 24.7 GWh of clean energy annually. It is owned by LMI Holding Company Limited and cost $17 million to complete. The solar power generated will primarily serve customers in the Tema Free Zone Enclave industrial area.
“With a capacity of 16.82MW, this project contributes to our vision of building a greener, more sustainable future for our people,” Krapah stated on X.

He expressed gratitude to the IFC for funding this project and other LMI initiatives, urging the institution to continue supporting private solar energy ventures in Ghana. Krapah also highlighted the project’s role in empowering youth through skill training and job creation, noting that Ghanaian engineers and personnel were responsible for the construction, connection, and installation of the entire project.
In June, Ghana launched West Africa’s largest floating solar PV system, a move aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels. This 5-megawatt plant, located at the Bui generating unit in the Bono region, uses photovoltaic modules to power water infrastructure.
This innovative design not only conserves land and reduces deforestation but also creates a conducive environment for fish breeding beneath the panels, promoting the growth of fingerlings and supporting aquatic ecosystems.
However, the project has not been without challenges. According to a recent report, approximately a thousand people across eight communities have been displaced due to the construction. Additionally, there are concerns about the environmental impact of such a large-scale project.

The dam associated with the solar plant flooded nearly one-fifth of the adjacent national park and fertile farmland, affecting local fishermen who believe conditions have worsened since its construction.
Despite these issues, the Ghanaian government argues that the project will significantly benefit the environment by reducing fossil fuel use. It aligns with the country’s goal of generating 10% of its power from renewable sources by 2030, making it a crucial step in Ghana’s journey towards a more sustainable energy future.
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