As part of Bui Power Authority’s (BPA) ongoing expansion of its renewable energy portfolio, a delegation led by the Board Chairman, Hon. Kwasi Ameyaw Cheremeh, and the Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Ing. Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi, on the 30th of September 2024 undertook a Technical Inspection tour of the 50MW Solar PV Farm in Yendi.
This site inspection was done in collaboration with the Executive Chairman of the First Sky Group, Mr. Eric Seddy Kutortse, the Contractors of the project. Accompanying them were Board Members Hon. Paul Twum-Barimah and Hon. Salifu Saeed, as well as distinguished stakeholders including Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Emmanuel Adumua-Bossman, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy Hon. William Owuraku Aidoo, leading the Select Committee on Energy, alongside the Member of Parliament for Yendi, Hon. Umar Farouk Aliu Mahama, the Director of Power at the Ministry of Energy Mr. Solomon Adjetey and the Chief Executive of GRIDCo, Ing. Ebenezer Essienyi.
The site inspection aimed at updating stakeholders on the progress of the construction of the 50MW solar PV farm and its significance to the Yendi community.
The delegation began their visit by paying homage to the King of the Dagbon Kingdom, Ndan Ya Na Abubakari II, who welcomed them warmly and expressed enthusiasm for the project’s potential benefits. They also visited the Galgu Na, who appreciated BPA and the Government for their commitment to improving energy infrastructure in the region.
During the visit, the Director Renewable Energy at BPA, Ing. Peter Acheampong, presented a visual overview of the solar farm’s development, detailing its infrastructure, including DC and AC equipment, internal transmission lines, drainage systems, staff accommodation and access roads. The project, which commenced on September 30, 2023, is currently 63.5% complete.
In a press briefing, Mr. Adumua-Bossman conveyed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing its role in promoting clean energy and job creation in Yendi. He highlighted the initiative as a testament to the government’s commitment to sustainable progress and economic empowerment for the region.
Hon. Ameyaw-Cheremeh underscored the importance of the Yendi Solar Plant in achieving Ghana’s Renewable Energy goals and diversifying its energy mix.
The CEO of Bui Power Authority, Hon. Ing. Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi, reiterated the project’s significance for industrial growth and job creation in Northern Ghana, highlighting BPA’s commitment to renewable energy development. He explained that First Sky Limited, the contractors behind the 50MW Solar Project, are financing the initiative through an EPC+F agreement. This arrangement requires First Sky Limited to provide the funding for the Project, while Bui Power Authority (BPA) repays the investment over an eight-year period after the Commercial Operation Date (COD).
Hon. William Owuraku Aidoo commended the project’s alignment with government goals for clean energy. The MP for Yendi, Alhaji Farouk Mahama, expressed gratitude for BPA’s recognition of Yendi’s potential and called for unity in supporting such initiatives.
The Executive Chairman of the First Sky Group, Mr. Eric Seddy Kutortse highlighted that the project was executed entirely by Ghanaians, without any foreign assistance. He stated that it is imperative for Ghanaians to take charge of the energy solutions necessary for the country’s future. He added that, this Solar Project initiative not only showcases local expertise but also underscores the capability of Ghanaian professionals in leading the way toward sustainable energy development.
The visit and Inspection showcased BPA’s progress in fulfilling its mandate as Ghana’s renewable energy leaders, with the 50MW Solar PV Project, driving job creation in Yendi, improving reliable and cost-effective electricity supply to the national grid, stimulating local economic growth, and reducing carbon emissions through clean energy initiatives.