Solar lanterns sold to rural folks at Ghc80 instead of Ghc30

Solar lanterns being distributed to rural folks in the North Gonja District in the Northern Region are being sold at Ghc80 instead of Ghc30, TV3 has gathered.

The situation is making it difficult for the rural folks - for whom the lanterns were specially made - to buy them.

The lanterns are being distributed to reduce the overdependence on kerosene lamps for lighting.

The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum initiated the distribution of the lanterns under the Solar Lantern Distribution Programme.

The Programme is aimed at distributing 200,000 solar lanterns to rural homes over a five-year period.

The first phase started in February 2013 in very remote communities especially islands and lakeside communities.

“I don’t know the one who is in charge,” complained Baba Musah, a resident in the District.

“They brought some but when it came they sold it at a price more than what the DCE has prescribed.”

According to the District Chief Executive of the District, Sorku Yahuza, government has subsidized the lanterns by Ghc70 and so, those selling it at Ghc80 are doing so on criminal grounds.

“I won’t take it lightly,” Mr Yahuza said.

He promised to look into the incident to bring the perpetrators to book.

“This is an effort the government of Ghana has put into place to ease the pressure on communities that are off the national grid.”

He, however, stated that rural electrification in the District has received a massive boost in the past year with most areas awaiting the Volta River Authority to power the lines.