Community Education and Marketing Sensitization on Solar Home Systems (SHS) in Northern Ghana

CIWED Ghana has intensified community education and marketing activities to increase awareness and sales of its solar home system products across target communities in Northern Ghana. The initiative forms part of the organization’s ongoing renewable energy intervention being implemented with support from the World Bank through the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP). The project seeks to promote access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable clean energy solutions for underserved households and communities. As part of the activity, CIWED Ghana organized a series of community engagement and sensitization sessions aimed at educating community members on the benefits of solar lamps and solar home systems. The education focused on how solar energy can improve household lighting, support small businesses, enhance children’s learning at night, and reduce dependence on kerosene lamps, candles, and unreliable national electricity supply. Demonstrations of the solar products were conducted to allow community members to better understand the functionality, durability, and cost-effectiveness of the systems. During the engagements, community members were informed about the long-term economic and environmental benefits of adopting solar energy solutions. Discussions highlighted how mini-grid and solar systems provide a more reliable and affordable alternative to the national electricity system, which is often affected by power fluctuations, outages, and high maintenance costs. The project also emphasized the role of renewable energy in improving livelihoods, reducing energy poverty, and promoting environmental sustainability. The activity attracted strong interest and participation from households, women’s groups, youth, local leaders, and small business operators, many of whom expressed appreciation for the practical benefits of the solar systems. CIWED Ghana remains committed to expanding access to clean and sustainable energy solutions while continuing community education and awareness creation to increase the adoption of renewable energy technologies in underserved communities.