Energy Minister urges MDAs to go solar just like his ministry

The Minister of Energy, Boakye Agyarko, has urged all arms of government to first show the way by using solar energy to enable other governmental agencies and the public to emulate same as Ghana joins the International Solar Alliance (ISA). According to him, when Parliament and the Presidency begin to patronize this source of energy, it will become contagious. He said since Ghana is located at a strategic place within the Tropic of Cancer and Capricon where sun shines throughout the day, such a step will be easier. The Minister was in Parliament for the Ratification of the Framework Agreement on the establishment of the International Solar Alliance (ISA ). The International Solar Alliance is a treaty-based international intergovernmental organization of countries located between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn to address their special energy needs through efficient exploration of solar energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The Mines and Energy Committee in Parliament at the presentation of its report, having met with the Minister and his Deputy, Joseph Cudjoe, informed the House that the overarching objective of the establishment of ISA is to create a collaborative platform for increased deployment of solar energy technologies to enhance energy security and sustainable development as well as improve access to energy. The Committee also noted that 15 countries are expected to ratify the framework agreement for it to come into force and that the first fifteen countries who ratify the framework agreement will also become the founding members. However, the Committee noted that so far six countries including India, France, Fiji, Mauritius, Nauru and Comoros have ratified the Framework Agreement. The Mines and Energy Committee also observed that among the benefits of becoming a founding member are access to $10 billion Renewable Energy Credit Facility from India of which $2 billion is for African countries, technology transfer, high quality training and research from India Center of Excellence in Renewable Energy and access to equipment for demonstration projects at no cost. Boakye Agyarko revealed that the overall goal for accepting to join the Alliance is to enable government leverage on the opportunities offered by the Alliance to accelerate Ghana’s quest to increasing its renewable energy mix including solar from the current 1% to 10 per cent by 2030. Speaking to editors.3news.com, the sector minister disclosed that his Ministry had already started using solar as an example for other sectors to emulate. By Owoahene Omari Acheampong|Onua 95.1FM|editors.3news.com|Ghana Follow @3Newsgh