The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has announced the installation of solar-powered water pumps in riverine communities as part of government efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and expand the use of renewable energy.

Speaking during a working visit by the Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the Minister explained that the initiative is a pilot project designed to support farmers, particularly in northern Ghana, by enabling them to irrigate their farms during the dry season using solar energy.

According to Mr. Jinapor, the project is aimed at reducing seasonal inactivity among farmers and boosting agricultural productivity throughout the year.

“This will ensure that during the dry season, especially in the northern parts of the country, farmers will not be idle.

In many cases, people remain inactive for five to six months.

If we are able to install more of these pumps and the results continue to show real progress, we will not only be deploying green energy but also directly supporting agricultural policy,” he stated.

Beyond agriculture, the Minister disclosed that the Energy and Green Transition Ministry is also working on plans to install solar-powered charging stations at selected locations across the country to support the growing use of electric vehicles (EVs).

He revealed that the project is expected to provide charging services for more than 10,000 electric vehicles while significantly reducing pressure on the national electricity grid.

“Ghana currently has about 17,000 electric vehicles, the highest number in Africa.

If we do not act proactively, these vehicles alone could place a heavy demand on our electricity supply.

We want to be innovative and stay ahead of the curve,” he said.

Mr. Jinapor further explained that the proposed charging infrastructure will include solar battery charging stations that can be accessed through mobile applications, allowing vehicle owners to recharge their cars within minutes using modern technology.

He stressed that the initiatives form part of a broader strategy to advance Ghana’s green transition agenda while supporting economic growth and sustainable development.