Ghana, Switzerland team up to install 4,000 solar panels nationwide

The country’s long-standing power supply challenges, popularly known as ‘dumsor’, may soon see lasting relief as the Government of Ghana and the Government of Switzerland join forces to accelerate the country’s renewable energy transition under a bilateral climate agreement aligned with Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.

The collaboration, announced at the launch of the National Clean Energy Program in Accra, aims to install 4,000 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on rooftops across the country, including both commercial and private buildings.

The initiative is expected to mobilise an estimated USD200 million, combining public funds and private sector investments.

Speaking at the event, the Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Togo and Benin, Simone Giger, described the initiative as a strategic milestone in Ghana–Switzerland relations, aimed at supporting Ghana’s climate and energy goals.

“Our two countries signed a bilateral climate agreement about five years ago. Under that partnership, Switzerland has financed several clean energy projects in Ghana to assist in the country’s transition to renewables. What we are launching today is a new programme under that framework, aiming to mobilise around 200 million US dollars, including private sector funding, for investments in rooftop solar panels. We are talking about 4,000 installations nationwide,” Ambassador Giger explained.

The Director of the Climate Change and Ozone Directorate at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Felix Addo Okyireh, reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and advancing its renewable energy agenda.

“We have bilateral cooperation with the Swiss Government and partnerships with the private sector to scale up clean energy projects. Already, some initiatives are in place, from e-vehicles and electric buses to the development of cleaner products to reduce fossil fuel consumption. The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has assured that by 2030, these efforts will expand significantly,” he stated.

Also addressing the gathering, Michael Abrokwaa, Managing Director of the KLIK Foundation, a Swiss-based renewable energy organisation driving the implementation, outlined the financing model and progress made so far.

“We are investing 60 million US dollars directly to leverage a total of 200 million US dollars, with 140 million expected from private sector partners. Projects have already started, and we have signed agreements with several local installers. This week, we will be inspecting some of the first installations,” Mr Abrokwaa noted.