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Ghana's first utility-scale solar power plant in Navrongo, commissioned in 2013, was a landmark in the nation's renewable energy efforts. However, over a decade later, the Pungu community, which provided a significant portion of the land for the project, has seen limited socio-economic benefits. This situation highlights critical challenges in ensuring that renewable energy initiatives are equitable and community-focused.
According to Ghana Web, the solar power project was financed and owned by the Volta River Authority (VRA) and was expected to serve as a model for future renewable energy projects in the country. Despite the 2.5 MW project being a technical success, the socio-economic promises made to the local community remain largely unfulfilled. In July 2025, ACEES brought together the Pungu Community, civil society organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to reflect on the past decade of solar power development in Navrongo. The engagement uncovered significant gaps in community involvement and a lack of integration of socio-economic benefits into renewable energy projects.
The key issues identified during the engagement include the need for equity, with a focus on fairness and inclusivity in renewable energy projects. The importance of building trust and maintaining credibility with communities was emphasized as essential for the sustainability of such initiatives. Additionally, the discussion highlighted the climate social nexus, stressing the importance of linking renewable energy projects to local livelihoods to enhance community resilience. The lessons learned from the Navrongo experience should guide future renewable energy projects to avoid similar pitfalls.
The Navrongo Solar Power Plant was an important step for Ghana in deploying utility-scale solar power. However, its failure to deliver equitable benefits to the host community poses a risk to public trust in renewable energy initiatives. ACEES has called for stronger policies, inclusive planning, and enforceable community benefit frameworks to ensure that Ghana's energy transition is both environmentally sustainable and socially just.
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