Future of country’s energy in our hands – First Sky Group Founder
THE Executive Chairman of First Sky Group, Eric Seddy Kutortse, has called on Ghanaian professionals and local companies to take charge of the country’s energy future.
During a high-profile working visit to inspect the construction of a 50MW Solar PV power station in the Yendi District of the Northern Region, Mr. Kutortse emphasized the importance of harnessing Ghana’s local capacity and natural resources to develop the energy sector.
Mr. Kutortse stressed that Ghana has the necessary expertise to execute current and future energy projects. He noted that leveraging the country’s abundant solar, wind, and hydro resources will not only drive economic growth but also reduce reliance on imported energy, making the nation more energy-independent.
The visit, led by the Parliamentary Committee on Energy, chaired by Mr Owuraku Aidoo. The delegation also included the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Emmanuel Adumua-Bossman, Board Chair of the Bui Power Authority (BPA), Mr. Kwesi Ameyaw-Cheremeh, as well as senior officials from GRIDCo, BPA, and the Yendi Municipal Assembly.
The purpose of the visit was to assess the progress of the ongoing solar project, which is the largest renewable energy initiative wholly owned by a Ghanaian company. The project, spearheaded by First Sky Limited, a subsidiary of First Sky Group, covers about 140 acres of land and is expected to produce 50 megawatts of power. It will be the second-largest solar facility in the country, after BPA’s 55MW Solar PV Project at Bui.
Mr. Kutortse highlighted that the Yendi Solar Project is not just an investment but a statement about Ghana’s future in renewable energy. “This project is a landmark milestone that says Ghana is ready to lead in the global shift towards renewable energy,” he remarked. He added that the initiative is entirely handled by local experts from First Sky Limited, with no foreign involvement in the execution of the project.
The Solar PV power station in Yendi is being executed in two phases, with the first phase (20MWp) expected to be completed by the end of October 2024 and the second phase (30MWp) by the close of the year.
The project will include a solar farm, a 5km access road, and accommodation for staff. Once completed, the power generated will be sold to Bui Power Authority, which will repay the financing over an eight-year period.
Mr Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, CEO of Bui Power Authority, praised First Sky Group for becoming the first Ghanaian company to undertake such a large-scale solar project. “All previous solar projects in Ghana were handled by foreign firms, but this is the first indigenous initiative,” Dzamesi stated.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy, Mr Owuraku Aidoo, commended the project, noting that it aligns with the government’s goal of having 10% of Ghana’s energy mix come from renewable sources.
He said that the committee would closely monitor the project to ensure it meets its objectives and contributes to the national renewable energy agenda.
Deputy Chief of Staff, Emmanuel Adumua-Bossman, who was also part of the inspection team, expressed satisfaction with the progress. He emphasized that the project is designed for long-term sustainability, noting that the solar panels have a 25-year warranty, ensuring that the facility maintains its 50MW capacity.
Board Chair of the Bui Power Authority, Mr. Kwesi Ameyaw-Cheremeh, expressed pride in seeing a wholly indigenous company lead such an initiative, stating that it reinforces confidence in local capacity and expertise.
As Ghana continues to transition towards renewable energy, the Yendi Solar Project represents a bold step in ensuring energy security and reducing the nation’s carbon footprint. With the project on track for completion by the end of 2024, it stands as a significant achievement in Ghana’s renewable energy journey, marking the beginning of a new era for locally driven energy solutions.
