The Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr.
Mahamudu Bawumia, has pledged that Ghana will begin manufacturing solar panels if the party wins the upcoming elections.
As outlined in the NPP's manifesto, the party plans to generate 2,000 MW of solar energy to help reduce electricity costs.
During a campaign stop in the Tema East constituency, Dr.
Bawumia emphasised that his government would prioritize the local manufacturing of solar panels, not only to boost the country's energy sector but also to create employment opportunities for Ghanaians. "I want to bring in a new policy that will ensure that the cost of energy is going to be reduced for everybody.
We are putting up factories right here to manufacture solar panels right here for Ghana. "We won't import them, we will manufacture them right here and create jobs for our people because there will be a lot of solar panels.
That will also give us the expertise and after we do it, we can also sell the solar panels to other countries.
On creating jobs and supporting local businesses, Dr Bawumia said he would implement a policy he termed the 'Buy Ghana First Policy'.
This, according to him, will ensure that goods and services produced in the country are prioritised. "I also want to help businesses create jobs for our youth.
The jobs are very important.
So, I have a policy I have termed 'Buy Ghana First Policy' So, whatever the government will buy, by law; we are going to pass a law, you have to first in Ghana.
If we don't have it here then you can look elsewhere. "If it's about uniforms, we have the tailors.
If it's about furniture, we have the carpenters.
Anything we have to buy, we first look for it and buy it here in Ghana," he added.