Dean of Graduate School, Ghana Technology University College, Dr Francis Agyenim Boateng has stated that solar cannot be an alternative to the current energy crisis but can rather supplement the ones produced.
Speaking at the 5th Annual Housing Conference in Accra which was under the theme “Alternative Energy, A must for Socio Economic Development”, Dr. Boateng said Ghana is not ready to deal with the challenges associated with the use of solar as the main source of energy for the country.
Though he was of the opinion that the country cannot rely on hydro power for the rest of the years, Dr Boateng indicated that it will be proper to develop solar related appliances which will reduce the dependant on hydro power.
“We can develop generators and air conditioners which will use solar energy so that we will not over rely on hydro electric power and other sources of energy,” he said.
Highlighting some of the challenges in using solar energy, Dr Boateng stated that lack of qualified personnel to install the solar panels, and the absence of institution to provide training in that field poses a threat to the usage of solar in the country.
He however argued that solar energy could be the best option for the country in the near future but cautioned that it will be suicidal to completely shift to it now.
Symon Sentain, a building and planning expert, also urged government to draw a long term plan to redevelop abandoned facilities to help better the lives of the local people living in that area.
This, he added, will spread development across the country and ensure that people live in a better and safe community.
Mr Sentain indicated that, regeneration, when done will help build a strong and diversified economy.
He further added that, Ghana stand the chance of developing a high quality physical environment as well as providing jobs, when regeneration of old facilities are taken seriously.
“England did not build the Olympic Stadium in 2012 for only the sporting event; she also used that to develop the communities which were located around the facility.
“The plan they had was not for the games but rather for the future and the games only served as a catalyst for development,” he explained.
He however called for a strong and sustained partnership between the private and the public organizations across all sectors in order to achieve this feat.
The United Kingdom based architect cautioned leaders of African countries to desist from preaching the negative side of their country to the outside world in order to attract funds.
“We should avoid ugly competition to attract funds from outsiders. This rather discourages investors since they will not like to do business in a country where there are sicknesses.
“We have to make sure we sell our country to the extent that people will be eager to come and do business in,” he said.
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