Bawumia pledges solar power revolution to slash electricity bills

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has unveiled a bold plan to reduce Ghana’s energy expenses if elected president by switching from fuel-based to solar power.

Dr. Bawumia presented his plan to install about 2000 megawatts of solar power during his first four years in office to clergy in the Upper East region. He said that this sum could cut electricity expenditures by at least 50% and accounts for over half of Ghana’s current power use.

“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,” he said.

Dr. Bawumia emphasized Ghana’s ability to utilize solar power, pointing out that it is freely and abundantly available. He compared this to the price of importing fuel which requires foreign exchange.

“Solar is given to us by God for free. If we have to buy fuel we need foreign exchange and then we have to import. But solar we can harness it and generate power,” he added.

Dr. Bawumia stated that in addition to the benefits for the country, Ghana should become a center for solar panel production with the goal to serve other African countries as well.

“I want Ghana to start manufacturing solar panels as well and then let us start supplying the rest of Africa with it,” he stated.

This audacious solar power plan will change Ghana’s energy strategy significantly and could have an impact on the country’s ability to sustain its economy and environment.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the 2024 general elections which is scheduled to take place on December 7th.