Australian High Commissioner To Inspect Solar Project

Mr. William Billy Williams, Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, will inspect mobile phone charging solar energy installations built for 20 communities in the Brong Ahafo Region on Friday.

The GHc45,000 project to improve access to communication in rural communities not connected to the national grid, was funded under the Australian Small Activities Scheme (SAS), administered by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).

It is being undertaken by Mr. Arthur Manu, Managing Director of Renewable Energy Service Centre, at Asekye-Krokuse, near Nkoranza, in partnership with Deng Ltd and the Deng Solar Training Centre.

A statement copied to Ghana News Agency in Accra on Wednesday, and signed by Mr. Walter Kudzodzi, Public Affairs Officer at the Commission, said in the past, mobile phone users in the communities had to send their phones to connected areas which added to the cost and sometimes limited access to communications in emergencies.

It said the project was to support community-based activities being implemented by NGOs that promoted sustainable economic and social development.

The statement said local community members were being trained in the operation and maintenance of the facilities.

Mr. Williams expressed satisfaction that the project would provide practical assistance to off-grid communities in the Region.

"Solar charging services for mobile phones are important to people in these communities for their businesses, transport, health and other requirements," he added.

Mr. Williams would pay a courtesy call on Mr. Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, and attend the grand durbar of chiefs and people to climax their golden jubilee anniversary celebration of the creation of the Region.