Energy Minister unveils $85m renewable energy project to power Island communities

Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has unveiled a transformative renewable energy project that aims to bring clean, reliable power to some of Ghana’s most energy-starved communities—particularly those in remote and island areas.

Speaking during his sector briefing on Wednesday, July 16, the Minister announced the formal launch of the Ghana Scaling Up Renewable Energy Programme (STRIP), a flagship initiative designed to dramatically expand access to solar energy.

“The ministry has launched the Ghana Scaling Up Renewable Energy Programme, known as STRIP, and we did it on 30th May 2025. This project is funded with an 85 million grant from the African Development Bank, Climate Investment Fund, SECO, and the Government of Ghana,” Jinapor stated.

He noted that the STRIP project will deploy a mix of solar-powered technologies across the country, directly targeting marginalized populations historically left off the national grid.

“The project aims to deploy 12,000 NEC meters solar PV systems across homes, construct 35 mini grids to supply electricity to 70,000 people and 47 island communities, and ensure that we supply 1,450 solar home systems for off-grid households and public facilities,” he outlined.

The $85 million initiative is a central component of the government’s renewable energy strategy and underscores President Mahama’s commitment to inclusive energy development. It also seeks to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels while accelerating Ghana’s transition to a cleaner, greener energy future.

By focusing on the country’s most underserved areas, the STRIP programme represents a significant step toward bridging the urban-rural energy divide, stimulating local economies, and improving the quality of life for tens of thousands of Ghanaians.