The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has emphasized the imperative of integrating renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, into educational institutions.
He said that would not only ensure regular supply of electricity to improve on the learning environment, but also avoid situations where power supply to some institutions was cut for non-payment of electricity bills.
“As is clear, solar energy is derived from a natural source that is replenished at a far higher rate than it is consumed.
“Together with wind, sunlight are sources of energy that are constantly being replenished.
“Solar energy is the most abundant of all energy resources and can even be harnessed in cloudy weather,” the A-G said.
He made this known during his speech delivered at the 114th Speech and Prize-giving Day of Adisadel Senior High School in Cape Coast in the Central part of Ghana.
The event held last Saturday was with on the theme: “Powering education through sustainable solar energy.”
Stressing the significance of a steady electricity supply for an enhanced learning environment, Mr. Dame highlighted the advantages of renewable energy, noting its reliability and sustainability.
He underpinned the important role of solar energy in meeting the energy demands of schools, especially in the context of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, while also emphasizing its potential to create job opportunities.
Mr. Dame’s call aligns with global efforts towards sustainable development and echoes the United Nations Climate Change Action Policy, which anticipates a significant rise in the adoption of renewable energy by 2050.
Recognizing Ghana’s abundant solar resources, the Attorney-General urged for strategic partnerships, including public-private collaborations, to facilitate the implementation of renewable energy initiatives in schools.
“I recommend that for less privileged institutions, there must be cooperation in the nature of public-private partnership,” he said.
His advocacy aligns with a broader commitment to harnessing clean energy solutions to power education, aligning with the government’s vision of equipping the youth with 21st-century skills and fostering national development.
