Stakeholders in solar industry appeal for a review of taxes on components

Accra, Feb. 22, GNA - Mr Omane Frimpong, President of Association of Ghana Solar Industries (AGSI), on Tuesday reiterated their appeal to government to review taxes on solar components imported into the country. He said the review would help promote the use of solar and other renewable energies as well as serve as a tool to reduce poverty in the rura= l areas.

Mr Frimpong made the appeal at the Annual General Meeting of the Association in Accra.

Established in December 2005, it has 24 members with the aim to promot= e the solar industry in Ghana.

Mr Frimpong said the association had already engaged government and other stakeholders on efforts to reduce the up-front cost of solar systems and abolish taxes on imported solar components into the country. He urged members to upgrade their knowledge to enable them access fund= s from the World Bank and other donor agencies to undertake projects. Mr Chris Mountianu, Vice President of the Association, said it had setup new website to promote products from members. He urged the members to advertise their products on the new website to encourage people to use solar energy. Mrs Gifty Baaba Asmah, Executive Member of AGSI, stressed the need to explore alternative resources of funding in addition to the World Bank assistance to enable members undertake projects.