The island community of Bomigo in the Anloga District of the Volta Region has received a major boost in energy access following the successful installation of solar-powered lights under the "Bomigo Light Up" initiative.  

The project, implemented by the Renewable Energy for Communities Coalition (RE4CC) with support from the African Just Energy Transition Network (AJTN), provided solar lanterns to 101 households and installed five solar-powered streetlights at strategic locations across the community.  

The intervention is part of RE4CC’s broader goal to contribute at least 10 per cent renewable energy to Ghana’s national energy mix by 2030, in line with the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Programme of Action (POA 42).  

The solar installations have transformed the lives of more than 800 residents, many of whom had lived without access to electricity for over two decades.  

?The streetlights were installed at the community primary school, health post, meeting square, main walkway, and main junction, improving night-time visibility and public safety and supporting health and education?in the area.  

Mrs Portia Adu-Mensah, focal person for RE4CC, said the initiative was aimed at promoting equitable access to clean energy and empowering underserved?communities with sustainable alternatives.  

“The Bomigo Light Up Project stands as a powerful example of how community-led action, backed by strong partnerships, can effectively tackle energy poverty,” she stated.  

She said the project was carried out through an inclusive, community-based approach, adding that prior to implementation, RE4CC held consultative meetings with local leaders, youth, women’s groups, persons with disabilities, teachers, and the assembly member to assess the community’s energy needs and determine the most impactful areas for intervention.  

According to her, beyond infrastructure, the project prioritised education and skills development, organising community workshops on climate change, health, clean cooking, and alternative livelihoods such as bead-making.  

She said a?coalition of partners, including 350 Ghana Reducing Our Carbon, The Climate Sociologist, ISEES, AbibiNsroma Foundation, and others, provided technical support and delivered educational materials.  

To ensure sustainability, four residents were trained as “Solar Champions” to manage and maintain the installations, fostering local ownership and long-term resilience.  

“Residents, especially students, now benefit from clean lighting that enables them to study after dark. Families have moved away from harmful kerosene lamps, reducing indoor air pollution and related health risks.   

“The RE4CC initiative affirms the potential of decentralised renewable energy solutions to close Ghana’s rural-urban energy gap while contributing to climate resilience, public health, and sustainable development.”  

The initiative also received strong support from the Anloga District Assembly, including the District Chief Executive (DCE), Sandrah Seyram Kpedor, and the District Planning Officer, Mr Wisdom Attigah, whose involvement underscored the role of local government in advancing renewable energy access.