The government has rolled out 23,500 solar streetlights nationwide to save 300 megawatts of the country's national electricity grid.

This is a major transition toward sustainable energy solutions aimed at improving efficiency, reducing grid dependency.

Speaking during the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, July 16, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, revealed that the installation of solar streetlights has already commenced on various streets across the country.

According to him, streetlights account for more than 200 megawatts with regard to electricity consumption.

“As part of our streetlighting project, I’m happy to announce that we’ve commenced the installation of all-in-one solar streetlights. We intend to do 23,500 Units covering a distance of 700km, so that gradually we can take solar as the main focus and move our streetlights away from the grid.

“The streetlights depend largely on the grid and unfortunately these streetlights come on during the peak period. The difference between the peak period and the off-peak period can range around 400-600 megawatts. And these streetlights alone accounts for more than 200 megawatts,” he noted.

Street lighting is a crucial part of infrastructure in Ghana, enhancing road safety, reducing crime, and improving the overall quality of life in cities and towns.

Recognizing its importance, the Government of Ghana has established various programs to ensure the deployment and upkeep of street lighting systems nationwide.

However, resolving issues with malfunctioning streetlights involves navigating a complex framework of responsibilities and procedures.

Meanwhile, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo, has announced the successful restoration of 126 streetlights across the region, marking a significant step toward improving visibility and safety in the capital.

During an assessment tour on March 25, Ocloo revealed the streets and highways that had benefited from the restoration, which includes key areas like the George Walker Bush Highway, ACP to Pokuase, Independence Avenue (Jubilee House), and the New Town Junction to Ashaiman road.

However, she acknowledged that the restoration of streetlights along the Tema Motorway and the Accra-Tema Beach Road has not yet been completed due to ongoing construction works in those areas.