Suka Power Limited, a dealer in solar power solutions, and the University for Development Studies (UDS) Energy Technology Centre (ETC), have agreed on a partnership to empower women in renewable energy through training, mentorship, entrepreneurship and advocacy.
This is to enable them acquire skills and promote renewable energy as viable alternative source of energy, especially in northern Ghana, to reduce the phenomenon of “Kayaye” where girls from the north migrate to the south to engage in menial jobs.
This came to light on Wednesday when a team from the UDS Energy Technology Centre led by the head, Dr Abubakari Zarouk Imoro, held discussions in Accra with the Chief Executive Officer of Suka Power Limited, Alhaji Suka Abdul-Wahab Raaj.
The UDS ETC runs a Solar Girls Project, while Suka Power Limited is also engaged in Women in Renewable Energy, a training and advocacy project.
Among their key responsibilities, Suka power will support the centre with logistics and planning for training programmes, while the centre conducts the certification and recognition of trainees upon completion of the programme.
Both parties will engage in community outreach programmes and other activities to promote solar energy adoption.
To kick-start the partnership, Alhaji Raaj, presented sample solar panel (s), charge controllers, batteries, and other necessary accessories for training purposes.
“We offer this training equipment as part of our commitment to the partnership to help create solar girls entrepreneurship, especially in northern Ghana to reduce energy poverty and the propensity to migrate to the south to do Kayaye,” Alhaji Raaj said.
Dr Imoro said UDS was passionate in supporting females acquire skills, knowledge in renewable energy through its Solar Girls Project, and expressed appreciation for the support and collaboration with Suka Power Limited.
Mr Mubarick Issahaku, also with the ETC said the centre’s pilot project was impacting on the females as they were expressing interest to enrol in the university to undergo degree programmes in engineering.
A Memorandum of Cooperation between the two partners stipulate, among others, the need to jointly pursue funding opportunities, including grants, to support and expand initiatives focused on women’s empowerment in renewable energy.
“Upon successful completion of renewable energy training programs, graduates will be invited to join “The Power Sisters,” a network aimed at fostering professional growth, mentorship, and entrepreneurship among women in the renewable energy sector.
The network will offer continuous support to its members, including professional development opportunities, access to industry networks, and advocacy for gender equality in renewable energy”, it said.
“This partnership marks a significant step towards closing the gender gap in Ghana’s renewable energy sector. By combining resources, expertise, and a shared vision, Suka Power Limited and the UDS Energy Technology Centre, aim to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and empowered future for women in renewable energy,” it added.
BY SALIFU ABDUL-RAHAMAN