Author's note; This was written on the 9th of February 2013. It is being posted today because I was unable to do so on the day.
As electricity rationing becomes the new norm in Ghana, perhaps
President Mahama's administration ought to come up with an innovative
means of empowering ordinary Ghanaians at this very trying time - with
a creative and sustainable solution that makes them more or less
immune to being inconvenienced by national grid power outages.
We have abundant sunshine countrywide most days in Ghana.
Why does the government not remove all taxes on solar panels and other
components for solar power systems, in the next budget to bring down the
initial cost of acquiring solar power units?
And would making income from leasing and selling solar power systems
tax-free, also not make it possible for ordinary Ghanaians to purchase
them for their homes and offices (such as bank branches - and ATM's
come to think of it)?
If it is technically possible, should we also not think of
retro-fitting all street lights and traffic lights in Ghana? Ditto
augmenting power from the national grid with solar power systems for
educational institutions, government healthcare facilities, offices,
buildings etc., nationwide?
Surely, if properly explained, most Ghanaians would agree to the
government using a portion of the revenue from our oil and gas
deposits, as well as accept a small increase in value added tax for
example, to pay for solar power systems for public schools,
healthcare facilities, the barracks of the military and other security
agencies, as well as other public buildings and to fund subsidies for
the manufacture and sale of affordable solar power systems to the
general public?
Renewable energy, such as solar power, is an idea whose time has come.
To encourage Ghanaians to install solar power systems in their
properties, the government ought to remove all taxes on solar panels
and the components of solar power systems. A word to the wise...
Tel: 027 745 3109.
Email: peakofi.thompson@gmail.com
Tel: 027 745 3109.
Email: peakofi.thompson@gmail.com.
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