20/10/2026
VRA Engages Asuogyaman District Assembly on Proposed Floating Solar Power Project
The Volta River Authority (VRA) has initiated discussions with the Asuogyaman District Assembly on the proposed development of a floating solar power project on the Volta Lake, aimed at expanding renewable energy generation in Ghana.
On Tuesday, 20 October 2026, a delegation from the VRA paid a courtesy call on the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Asuogyaman, Hon. Godwin Bobobee, to brief him on the proposed project and seek the Assembly's support and input on its implementation.
The proposed project, known as the Solar Island Project, will involve the installation of solar panels on sections of the Volta Lake to generate clean and sustainable electricity. The initiative forms part of efforts to diversify the country's energy mix while promoting environmentally friendly power generation.
During the engagement, Hon. Bobobee welcomed the initiative and acknowledged its potential contribution to national development and energy security. However, he stressed the need for the project developers to pay particular attention to the socio-economic impact the project may have on communities whose livelihoods depend heavily on fishing activities on the lake.
According to the DCE, the placement of solar panels on portions of the water body could affect fishing operations, as fish may congregate beneath the solar structures, making access difficult for local fishermen. He therefore called on the VRA to develop alternative livelihood programmes for affected residents to ensure that no community is disadvantaged by the project.
"While we appreciate the importance of renewable energy development, we must also safeguard the livelihoods of our people. Fishing remains the primary source of income for many families along the Volta Lake, and measures must be put in place to support them if their economic activities are affected," he noted.
Hon. Bobobee further advocated for the creation of employment opportunities for residents within the project catchment communities. He urged VRA to prioritise local labour during both the construction and operational phases of the project to enable community members to benefit directly from the investment.
The DCE also appealed for educational support for children in communities likely to be impacted by the project. He encouraged VRA to consider scholarship schemes, school infrastructure improvement programmes, and other social interventions aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for young people in the area.
The discussions highlighted the importance of balancing environmental sustainability, economic development, and community welfare in the implementation of major infrastructure projects. Both parties expressed their commitment to continued stakeholder engagement to ensure that the project delivers long-term benefits while addressing the concerns of affected communities.
The proposed Solar Island Project is expected to undergo the necessary environmental and social impact assessments before implementation, with stakeholder consultations remaining a key component of the planning process.
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