President Nana Akufo-Addo has cut the sod for the construction of two solar power plants in Kaleo and Lawra, all in the Upper West Region, under the 17-megawatt peak solar power project, Tuesday.  He said the project reaffirms his government’s commitment to diversify the country’s energy generation portfolio and, thereby, help increase the renewable energy component of the country’s energy mix, and contribute to her fight against the effects of climate change.  With the solar project coming on the heels of the construction of the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam and Irrigation Project, the 17-megawatt project is being funded the German Government’s Development Bank, KfW, at a cost of €22.8 million.  He stated that the project will “see to the construction of a 13-megawatt peak project in Kaleo and a 4-megawatt peak project in Lawra. “This will help Ghana avoid an estimated 7,400 tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year; making our country a cleaner place to live in.” He continued, “the project at Lawra is scheduled to be completed in June this year, with the one in Kaleo also scheduled to completed by December this year. “When finished, both projects will generate enough energy to power some 32,000 households, and increase the geographic spread of power generation in the country.” These solar power plants, the first of its kind in the Upper West Region, would mean that this Region also has its fair share of power generation assets in the country.  This, President Akufo-Addo stressed, will be the first grid-connected solar power plant in the Upper West Region, and he was, thus, expectant that it will serve as the impetus for the development of the region.  “The plants will also reduce the amount of energy that would have, hitherto, been transmitted from the hydro and thermal plants located in the south, and, thereby, help reduce transmission losses on our national grid. It will also create employment for our youth during the construction and operation stages of the project,” the President added.  Having been assured by the Volta River Authority that, just as is being done at the 2.5-megawatt peak plant at Navrongo, the 17-megawatt peak solar plants will be operated and maintained by Ghanaians living in Kaleo and Lawra, the President encouraged the youth in these areas to stand in preparedness for this wonderful opportunity. “I am looking forward to educational institutions in the Upper West Region bringing their students to see the practical demonstration of an operational solar plant. Students will have the opportunity to do their internships and National Service at these plants, thus, increasing their knowledge in the field of solar energy”, he said.  Tertiary institutions, President Akufo-Addo noted, can also collaborate with the VRA to undertake research in areas that will improve the efficiency and sustainability of the plant, amongst others.  “We should get our next generation of solar energy experts from this region,” he added. Whilst commending the Ministries of Finance, and Energy and, in particular, the Volta River Authority for the roles they have played in bringing this project to fruition, the President told the contractor “you have no reason to delay the timely execution of this project.”