Humanity First to supply 500 solar lanterns to remote villages

Several villages in Ghana are expected to benefit from a free distribution of solar lanterns.

This is part of a project by Humanity First aimed at ensuring constant supply of electricity and the provision of clean energy solar system with no running cost.

Under this project, Humanity First, a United Kingdom based international aid agency, will be distributing 500 solar lanterns to remote villages in the country.

This was disclosed by Zia Rahman, an alternative energy consultant, and head of the Humanity First team, who are in the country to take part in an on-going Lighting Africa 2008 conference.

He said, kerosene which is mostly used by people in the rural communities is not only expensive, but also, "not good for the health of the children and women.'

He explained that the project, which has two main phases, aims at firstly, installing solar and wind energy systems in rural villages to enable access to electricity for lighting and powering telecommunication equipment and secondly, distributing solar lanterns to rural villages.

According to him, ten communities in Ghana have benefited from the first phase of the project which saw the installation of solar powered satellite and television systems. He mentioned Mpaha, Yendi, Cheriponi, Jakpahi and Langbinsi as some of the beneficiary communities. The rest were Bunkpurugu, Yalugu, Kokao, Kalba, Womaso, and Kowado.

Zia Rahman said Humanity First is in the country to 'showcase our work and share our experiences with exhibitors and suppliers'.

The Lighting Africa 2008 conference is a global business conference seeking, among others, to increase investor awareness of the significant market opportunities for improved lighting products and services in Sub-Saharan Africa.

By slarge