Accra: The Indian community in Ghana, in partnership with some Ghanaian philanthropists, have sponsored the deployment of solar street lights in some rural areas in the country. The project forms part of the celebration of Diwali, the Indian festival of light.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative, led by IPMC Chairman Amar Deep Singh Hari, received support from businesses, including Nankani and Hagan, M and G Pharmaceuticals, Kane-Em Industries, DPS Group, Poly Group, Link@, Moti Mahal Restaurant, RSKC Foundation, and Tropical Cables. Some beneficiary communities include Dondoli, Kumbienhe, Kabanya in Central Wa; Brada and Tornu in North Dayi, Kusele, Vapour, Tuopare, Puffien, Ketuo in Nandom, and other areas in the South Tongu constituency.
The communities received solar streetlights with components including poles, mounting brackets, 300 watts LED Solar light with battery fixtures, and remote controls. Mr. Hari, Chairman of IPMC, said the first phase of the project targeted 500 villages at an estimated cost of 7.5 million Ghana cedis. It aims to improve safety, economic activity, and nighttime study in the identified communities.
"The Diwali festival celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. By providing these solar street lights in different villages, we are not only banishing pitch darkness but hoping to stimulate the economy and raise living standards," he said. Mr. Hari thanked members of the Indian community and his Ghanaian compatriots for contributing to the project and called on others to join the initiative.
Mr. Richard Kuuire, Member of Parliament for Nandom, commended IPMC and the Indian community in Ghana, urging more Ghanaian philanthropists to contribute to the initiative across the country. "The people are really happy and grateful for these streetlights. Their lives no longer come to a standstill with each sunset, and now they are capable of working, studying, and even socializing at night," Mr. Maxwell Lukotor, Member of Parliament for South Tongu, added.
