In a striking pledge, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has vowed to slash Ghana's power costs by transitioning from fuel-based power to solar energy if he is elected president.
However, the ambitious nature of this proposal has ignited a fervent debate across the nation.
Dr. Bawumia made these remarks during a meeting with the clergy in the Upper East region, outlining his vision to introduce about 2000 megawatts of solar power within his first four years in office.
This proposed shift, he claims, would cover nearly half of Ghana’s current power consumption and could cut electricity costs by at least 50%.
“The next major objective for me is to bring down the cost of power, electricity. And how am I going to do it? I want to do it by shifting Ghana away from fuel-generated power to solar-generated power. I want us to move from fuel to solar,” Bawumia declared, highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy, which he described as “given to us by God for free.”
Dr. Bawumia also envisioned Ghana not only becoming self-sufficient in solar power but also transforming into a manufacturing hub for solar panels, potentially supplying other parts of Africa.
“I want Ghana to start manufacturing solar panels as well and then let us start supplying the rest of Africa with it,” he stated.
While the proposal sounds promising, it has drawn sharp criticism and skepticism from various quarters.
Critics argue that Bawumia’s plan, although noble in intent, overlooks several logistical and financial challenges.
The current state of Ghana’s infrastructure, the significant initial investment required for such a massive shift, and the readiness of the country to undertake such an ambitious project are all points of contention.
Experts have pointed out that transitioning to solar energy on such a large scale requires more than just political will.
It involves substantial investments in technology, training, and infrastructure development. Moreover, the plan’s feasibility within a four-year timeline has been questioned, given the complexities of integrating a new power source into the existing grid.
Opponents within the political sphere have also accused Bawumia of using grandiose promises to garner votes, questioning the practicality and sincerity of his pledge.
“This is just another political gimmick,” said one critic. “We’ve heard promises like these before, and they often fail to materialize. Where is the detailed roadmap? How does he plan to finance this massive shift?”
Supporters, however, view Bawumia’s proposal as a visionary step towards sustainable development and energy independence.
They argue that with the right policies and international partnerships, Ghana could indeed become a leader in solar energy within Africa.
This controversy underscores the broader debate on how best to tackle Ghana’s energy challenges and whether solar power can indeed be the panacea that Bawumia envisions.
As the election approaches, voters will undoubtedly weigh the feasibility of such ambitious proposals against the pressing realities of Ghana’s energy sector.
Dr. Bawumia’s solar energy plan, whether seen as a groundbreaking vision or an unattainable dream, has certainly stirred the pot, bringing energy policy to the forefront of political discourse in Ghana.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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