Ghana News
The Largest Floating Solar Farm Project in West Africa is in Ghana: Seldomly Talked About But Still Powering Homes
A pioneering floating solar power plant covering the equivalent of five football pitches now floats on the Bui Reservoir on the Black Volta River in western Ghana.
It’s the first of its kind in West Africa and a significant step in the country’s push for renewable energy independence.
The 5-megawatt facility, commissioned in late 2025 and fully operational as of early 2026, generates clean electricity at peak output sufficient to power the nearby town of Wenchi (population ~40,000) and, when combined with the existing Bui Hydroelectric Plant and land-based panels, supplies hundreds of thousands of homes across the region.
The panels rest on buoyant floaters that also serve as walkways for daily maintenance and inspections, allowing technicians to monitor performance and cable integrity without disrupting operations.
Engineers highlight several advantages over conventional land-based solar installations: the floating design uses less land, enables tighter panel spacing, and benefits from dual-sided energy generation — capturing direct sunlight from above and reflected light (albedo effect) from the water surface below. The shade from the panels is believed to reduce water evaporation, while early observations suggest fingerling populations beneath the array are thriving.
The project has also created meaningful employment opportunities, particularly for women in a traditionally male-dominated field. One female technician shared her pride during an interview with DW TV:
“Working here has given me a lot of opportunities and satisfaction… The authority has strategic policies that allow you to work and feel okay — no one feels neglected or bullied. Sexual harassment is not tolerated.”
However, the broader Bui Hydroelectric Dam (completed in 2013) remains controversial. It flooded roughly one-fifth of a bordering national park and fertile farmland, displacing over 1,000 people from eight communities, including Batu Akanyakrom. While some resettled residents received compensation and vocational training (one former farmer now trains as a tailor), others downstream report worsened fishing conditions due to altered water flows and reduced catches.
Environmental experts have raised concerns that large-scale floating solar coverage could limit light penetration, potentially affecting aquatic plants, photosynthesis, and fish that depend on them. Long-term ecological monitoring is ongoing to assess impacts on biodiversity.
Despite these trade-offs, the hybrid hydro-solar installation strengthens Ghana’s energy security, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and supports national goals for renewable energy expansion.
Officials view the project as a model for combining existing hydropower infrastructure with innovative solar solutions to meet growing demand sustainably.
Ghana News
EU Approves $23 Million Grant to Upgrade Ghana’s Tema-Mpakadan Railway
Accra, Ghana – The European Commission has approved a €20 million (a little over $23 million) grant to support the implementation of the European Train Control System (ETCS Level 1) on Ghana’s Tema-Mpakadan railway line, in a major boost to the country’s efforts to modernise its rail infrastructure and improve operational efficiency.
The 97-kilometre standard-gauge railway, commissioned in 2024 for US$449 million, has been operating significantly below capacity due to a non-functional signalling system.
This currently restricts operations to a single train movement at a time, limiting both passenger and freight services despite rising demand. Dr Frederick Appoh, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), confirmed the grant approval following engagements at the recent EU-Africa Business Forum in Abidjan.
The funding follows the submission of an Aide Mémoire on sustainable transport four months ago. The project’s identification phase has now been completed, with formal approval granted in Brussels on March 27, 2026.
Implementation will proceed through several key stages, including a Quality Review Committee assessment in May 2026, validation by the NDICI Committee of EU Member States in September, and an expected EU Financing Decision in October, with first disbursements targeted for December 2026.
Once completed, the ETCS Level 1 system will enable safe multiple train operations through advanced supervision and movement authority. Dr Appoh said the upgrade will significantly improve capacity, reliability, safety, and overall utilisation of the line as a strategic national asset.
The project aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to revitalise the Volta Corridor and position Ghana’s railway sector as a key driver of economic growth and regional connectivity.
Ghana News
Prof Prempeh Slams Supreme Court, Police Officer Killed in Road Crash and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today
We have curated the most relevant and impactful stories from Ghana for your enjoyment and awareness.
Prof Prempeh Descends on Supreme Court and AG Over Suit Against OSP
Executive Director of the renowned think tank Center for Democratic Development, Ghana (CDD-Ghana), Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh, has launched a strong criticism of the Supreme Court and the Attorney-General’s Department over a suit filed against the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). He described the legal action as an attempt to undermine the OSP’s independence and accused the judiciary and the AG of shielding corruption. Prof. Prempeh maintained that the move sets a dangerous precedent and weakens public confidence in anti-corruption institutions.
Read the full story here
Right Move, Wrong Timing – COMAC CEO Questions Govt’s Delay on Fuel Price Relief
The Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has described the government’s planned intervention to reduce fuel prices as “the right move” but criticized the timing as too slow. He noted that the delay is compounding hardship on consumers already struggling with the recent sharp increases in petrol and diesel prices. The CEO called on the government to act more swiftly to implement relief measures before the situation escalates further.
Read the full story here
Mahama Enforces Fuel Coupon Ban for Ministers as Cabinet Moves to Slash Fuel Taxes
President John Dramani Mahama has directed that all government ministers and political appointees stop using fuel coupons with immediate effect. The directive comes as the Cabinet considers slashing certain fuel taxes and levies to provide relief to consumers following the recent price surge. The move is part of broader efforts by the government to demonstrate leadership and sacrifice amid the current economic pressures caused by global fuel price increases.
Read the full story here
NRSA Stands Firm on Toyota Voxy Ban Despite Transport Operators’ Opposition
The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has maintained its ban on the use of Toyota Voxy vehicles for commercial transport operations, despite strong opposition from transport unions and operators. The Authority cited safety concerns and the vehicle’s unsuitability for commercial passenger services. It has given operators a grace period to comply or switch to approved vehicles, insisting that the decision is non-negotiable and aimed at protecting public safety.
Read the full story here
Police Officer Killed in Road Crash at Atortorkorpe in Ada
A police officer has been killed in a tragic road accident at Atortorkorpe in the Ada area of Greater Accra. The officer lost his life while on duty when the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a crash. Police have commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident as colleagues mourn the loss of their fellow officer.
Read the full story here
Ex-Black Stars Player Accuses Family of Stealing His 8-Bedroom House
A former player of the Black Stars has accused members of his own family of allegedly stealing his eight-bedroom house. The ex-footballer claims the property was taken from him through fraudulent means while he was away. The case has sparked public interest and is currently under police investigation.
Read the full story here
Ghana News
Newspaper Headlines Today: Wednesday, April 10, 2026
Friday, April 10, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.


















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