Amid intensified calls for the adoption of solar panels, former Power Minister, Dr. Kwabena Donkor, has called for intensified public education on solar energy adoption rather than direct government subsidies for solar installation.
Dr. Donkor argues that, given the limited public resources, subsidizing solar installation should not be a priority now. He believes that Ghana must prioritize critical national needs while encouraging citizens to make long-term energy investments themselves.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on The High Street Journal, Dr. Donkor said that although he strongly supports the adoption of solar energy, the current national conversation around subsidies risks overlooking Ghana’s broader developmental priorities.
His comments come at a time when advocates for renewable energy are increasingly pushing for government intervention and financial support to accelerate the installation of solar systems in homes and businesses amid rising energy costs and concerns over pressure on the national grid.
However, Dr. Donkor believes education and awareness, not subsidies, should be the country’s immediate focus.
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“There Must Be Priorities”
According to the former minister, Ghana cannot afford to heavily subsidize private solar installations at a time when the country faces competing demands in sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
“If you have to choose between healthcare and subsidising individuals to put up solar panels, what do we need?” he questioned.
He argued that while solar adoption is important for Ghana’s long-term energy sustainability, public resources must first address more urgent national challenges.
Dr. Donkor stressed that government support should focus on creating awareness and educating citizens on the long-term financial and energy benefits of solar systems rather than directly funding installations.
Public Education Should be the Focus
The former Power Minister suggests many Ghanaians still do not fully understand the economic advantages of investing in solar energy for their homes.
According to him, once households appreciate the long-term savings from reduced dependence on grid electricity, adoption rates will naturally improve without the need for massive state subsidies.
“What we should be doing is education, education, education,” he emphasized.
He explained that solar systems can significantly reduce household reliance on the national grid, especially for lighting and basic domestic electricity needs.
Financing for Solar Already Exists
He further noted that financing solutions are increasingly becoming available through private companies that now offer structured payment plans similar to mortgage arrangements.
This is what makes education very key in order to inform citizens on the various financing models and products available for solar installation.
“There are companies now that will provide the finance, five-year finance, just like they provide mortgages,” he disclosed.
According to him, individuals capable of building homes worth tens of thousands of dollars should also be willing to invest in solar systems that could provide long-term energy savings and stability.
“You’ve been able to build a $50,000 or $100,000 house. Why can’t you invest $5,000 to $10,000 on solar?” he asked.
Dr. Donkor’s comment suggests that the challenge is not necessarily affordability alone, but also mindset and public appreciation of solar as a long-term investment.
Solar Cannot Fully Replace the National Grid
While advocating strongly for solar adoption, Dr. Donkor cautioned against unrealistic expectations about the technology’s current limitations.
He explained that although solar works well for residential homes and small-scale electricity consumption, it cannot yet replace stable “base load” power needed for factories, heavy industries, and large-scale government operations.
“No serious factory can run on solar at this time,” he stated.
According to him, industries will continue to depend heavily on conventional grid power for large-scale operations, making the national grid indispensable despite the growth of renewable energy.
He noted that solar should therefore be seen as complementary to the grid rather than a complete replacement for it.
The Bottomline
Dr. Donkor’s views center on how best Ghana can accelerate renewable energy adoption without placing additional pressure on public finances.
While acknowledging the strategic importance of solar energy in reducing pressure on the national grid and improving energy resilience, he believes Ghana’s transition toward renewable energy must be practical, financially responsible, and driven by public understanding rather than heavy state subsidies.
