Solar Power Is A Major Saviour To Ghana’s Energy Requirements

During the 2012 electoral campaign, the GCPP highlighted the following points on energy within the party manifesto.

Why solar energy?
Energy is the cornerstone of modern economies. Without it, we are powerless in every sense of the word. Globally, energy is among the largest national industries, representing hundreds of billions of dollars. Today we understand that energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies are the keys to ensuring both environmental protection and economic progress. Here in Ghana we have access to the whole spectrum of renewable energy resources, including: solar, wind, hydropower, and fuels made from crops and plants (biomass).

GCPP believes we must positively promote a policy of Solar Homes & Energy Efficient Communities so that we can use renewable energy technologies to create more than 2 million jobs.

In light of our stance on renewables, we are naturally happy and proud that President John Daramani Mahama is showing great interest in the solar energy sector.

The inauguration of the first ever solar plant marked the beginning of a new era. Government, he said had distributed more than 10,000 solar lamps to communities that were not connected to the national grid, while more communities would be supplied with the facility to avoid the use of kerosene in the country

Why sustainable communities?
Sustainable development through planned energy efficient communities is a common sense approach to making change.

The most recent statistics of our great nation Ghana suggest that Our population has grown by 28% in the last 10 years. Unfortunately, this population growth has not been accompanied by equivalent increases in economic activities, nor has it been matched by improvements in residential housing.

Ghana must chart a path to create sustainable residential communities in Ghana that recognize the growth in our population and reflect our needs and aspirations not only for moderate improvements in GDP and theoretical living standards, but for a real Modern Ghana that can be seen on every street, in every classroom, and in every home.

Why electric cars?
While most people discuss electronic cars in-terms of costs or the kilometers they can drive, few Ghanaians appreciate the business and economic benefits behind the automotive industry. For example, in 2011 Mercedes Benz sold 1.3 million cars which generated the company revenues in excess of €106.5 billion. To put that in perspective, Ghana's GDP during the same time period was only €37 billion which means that one German car company produces more than three times the monetary value of our entire nation.

Let's build a MODERN GHANA and manufacture solar panels, promote solar economy and electric cars DOMESTICALLY thereby creating a knowledge based society and jobs for millions of people.

DOMESTICATION is still the best policy for Ghana and Africa.

DR. HENRY HERBERT LARTEY
CHAIRMAN/LEADER