A New Era of Renewable Energy in Ghana
President John Dramani Mahama recently inaugurated the construction of a groundbreaking solar park at Agortor in the Dawa Industrial Enclave of the Greater Accra Region. This project, named the Norbert Anku Solar Park, is a flagship initiative by Solar For Industries (SFI), a subsidiary of LMI Holdings Limited. The park was named after the late Mr. Norbert Cormla Djampos Anku, who passed away in 2023 and was known for his strong belief in solar power generation for industries.
The Norbert Anku Solar Park aims to supply power directly to the Enclave Power Company (EPC) network, serving industrial clients rather than the national grid. Once completed, it will become one of the largest solar installations in West Africa with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts (MWp) by 2032. The project will be executed in two phases, starting with an initial 200 MWp installation, which will be the largest and only private utility-scale farm in sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa).
The first phase, a 100 MWp installation, is expected to be completed by December 2026, followed by the remaining 100 MWp within nine months thereafter. President Mahama emphasized that this milestone represents a convergence of energy, innovation, and industry under a bold vision. He stated:
“Today’s ceremony is not just about turning the soil to cut sod, it’s about turning a page in how we power our growth, in how we build our industries, and how we secure our energy future.”
He highlighted that the project marks a significant shift towards renewable industrial energy, aiming to provide clean, stable, and affordable electricity to Ghana’s manufacturing and export zones. This aligns with the core objectives of the 24-Hour Economy and Industrial Recovery Programme.
Strategic Vision for Ghana’s Energy Future
President Mahama reiterated that the Solar for Industries project is part of a broader national blueprint that connects energy transition, industrial competitiveness, and climate responsibility. He noted that as Ghanaians embrace the 24-Hour Economy, the demand for dependable power across sectors such as manufacturing, food processing, mining, textiles, and ICT will grow. Projects like the Norbert Anku Solar Park will make this expansion both possible and sustainable.
Under the National Renewable Energy Master Plan, the government has set an ambitious target to achieve a minimum of 15 per cent renewable energy share by 2030. Initiatives like SFI are advancing this goal and positioning Ghana to align with a global clean energy transition. This shift is crucial for maintaining competitiveness under new global trade regulations, including the European Union’s carbon border adjustment mechanism, which will penalize exports from countries with high carbon footprints.
Investing in solar-powered industrial parks today helps protect Ghanaian jobs, maintain market access, and position industries to compete and export confidently under the African Continental Free Trade Area and other trade agreements.
Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Growth
President Mahama commended the partners of the project, including Park Solar, Quarm Investments, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). He praised their collaboration, stating, “Your partnership shows what can happen when public vision aligns with private enterprise.”
Mr. Kojo Aduhene, CEO of Quarm Investments, announced that industries located in the Dawa Industrial Enclave taking power from the project would enjoy a 10% discount upon completion. Mr. Kyle F. Kelhofer, Senior Country Manager for the IFC, highlighted the financial commitment of over $80 million to date, with another $50 million forthcoming. He emphasized the shared commitment to sustainable investment and initiatives that reduce costs for businesses, provide essential power, and create more and better jobs.
