Minister for Power Launches Azuri’s PayGo Solar System in Central Ghana
The Hon. Dr Kwabena Donkor, Ghanaian Minister for Power, has formally launched the rollout of PayGo home solar power in the Assin district of Central region, Ghana.
Starting with households in the area of Assin Sienchem, the first phase of the program will deliver power to over 100,000 households with particular focus on Cocoa growing regions in Central, before being rolled out more widely.
Dr. Donkor affirmed:
“Solar power has the potential to make a tremendous difference to rural households that do not yet have access to the grid. The ability to bring power to households within months instead of the years it takes to build out the grid is testament to how new technology is changing the face of energy provision in Africa.”
Azuri Technologies
The technology service, designed by UK-based Azuri Technologies, is provided in Ghana by Oasis Africa Resources Limited. It combines four LED lights with mobile phone charging, a torch and a rechargeable radio. The system is powered by a 10-watt solar panel, and efficient power consumption allows for all four lights to be used for eight hours a night. This technology will be followed by larger systems in 2016 that offer additional capabilities including TV and devices for use in small businesses.
Mr. Isaac Kodom, CEO of Oasis Africa Resources Limited said:
“We are working closely with the Ghana Cocoa Board and the AMCOFA District Cocoa Farmers Association as we launch in the Assin district. This is a solar service which is grounded in the community and will serve the region as a long term solution to clean energy access.”
The solar technology is paid for in monthly installments and is provided as a power service by Oasis. Customers are supplied with a system, trained on how to use their energy efficiently and supported by telephone and home visits should any issues occur during their service period. Azuri PayGo incorporates market-leading features such as the HomeSmart power management system, which automatically optimizes the way power is used based on the customers’ needs. With the combination of leading technology and post-sale support services, users of Azuri PayGo have complete confidence in their investment.
The Azuri technology has been integrated with MTN Mobile Money to allow Oasis’ customers to make easy regular top-ups, either via their own Mobile Money accounts, or through a designated local agent.
Eli Hini, Senior Manager of MTN Mobile Money, Ghana commented:
“MTN Mobile Money is committed to supporting the Oasis PayGo power in Ghana. As a socially responsible organization, MTN’s interest is to continuously contribute to the development of our communities, and we are proud to support this unique electrification plan,”
Azuri Technologies CEO Simon Bransfield-Garth added:
“Making a success of distributed power in rural regions requires innovation and commitment at all levels, and here in Ghana we see strong partnerships. Azuri is delighted to support this development, and help bring modern lighting and information services to thousands of hitherto deprived households.”
