350 Ghana Reducing Our Carbon (350 G-ROC), through its Women in Renewable Energy (RE) Initiative, has successfully completed a major clean energy and women’s empowerment intervention in the Kong Traditional Area of the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District. The three-day project strengthened women’s leadership, expanded solar energy access, and deepened community awareness on clean and sustainable household technologies.
The initiative received full approval from Kongwura Yiram Adamu Seidu Ginkurige I, Paramount Chief of the Kong Traditional Area, and the active support of the Prince of Kong, Seidu Mandela, who served as focal person throughout the engagement.
Located within the historic Gonja Kingdom, Kong—like many rural communities—remains entirely off the national grid. Households depend on kerosene lamps, firewood, and charcoal, creating economic hardship, health risks, and environmental degradation. Yet the community is rich in sunlight, making solar energy one of the most practical solutions for household and community lighting.
District Assembly Endorses the Initiative
During the community durbar, Suraj Seidu, Deputy Director of the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District Assembly, who represented the District Chief Executive, hailed the initiative as a timely contribution while Ghana works toward national electrification by 2070. He emphasized that efforts like 350 Ghana’s complement government goals and acknowledged the positive impact of the organisation’s earlier solar distribution project in Domanguri in 2024.
Innovative and Culturally Grounded Engagements
As part of its commitment to community-driven and culturally sensitive climate work, 350 Ghana employed several community-centered approaches throughout the program.
Bonfire Night Engagement
The team hosted a traditional bonfire gathering to connect with women in an environment where storytelling naturally thrives. Through songs and discussions in the local language—supported by an interpreter—women openly shared their experiences with energy challenges and collectively discussed how renewable technologies such as solar lamps and clean cookstoves could transform their daily lives. This approach strengthened trust and allowed women to shape energy access demands that reflect their real needs.
Traditional Leadership in Action
Recognizing the cultural significance of leadership structures, the Paramount Chief mobilized all sub-chiefs within his district for a special learning session on renewable energy. The interaction highlighted solar as a sustainable solution to longstanding electricity challenges, aligning directly with Ghana’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), particularly NDC POA 42, which seeks to increase solar lantern replacement in rural non-electrified households to two million.
House-to-House Sensitization
In addition to mass gatherings, the 350 Ghana team conducted door-to-door education to ensure every household understood the benefits, usage, and maintenance of solar technologies. This hands-on approach helped deepen understanding and helped families appreciate how renewable energy can improve their health, safety, and livelihoods.
Women-Led Renewable Energy Durbar
The main event—the Women in Renewable Energy Durbar—was held at the palace of the Paramount Chief. Elders, queen mothers, women leaders, and youth participated in discussions on clean energy and sustainable household technologies.
Mrs. Portia Adu-Mensah, National Coordinator of 350 G-ROC, emphasized the need for a just energy transition that prioritizes women as central agents of change. She highlighted that because women manage household energy, they are uniquely positioned to drive the shift toward cleaner, safer, and more affordable energy options.
The team delivered practical demonstrations on:
•Proper use and maintenance of solar lamps
•Improved cookstoves and smoke-free cooking methods
•Health risks associated with biomass fuels
•Household safety practices
•How the community’s abundant sunlight makes solar energy highly effective
Medical professionals also provided education on respiratory health, dangers of smoke inhalation, and long-term health risks associated with traditional fuels.
Solar Distribution and Community Lighting
After the durbar, the team undertook a house-to-house solar distribution.
•120 households received solar lamps, reducing reliance on kerosene and unsafe lighting.
•Three solar streetlights were installed at the Kong community school, improving nighttime security and creating a conducive environment for evening learning and community gatherings.
Women Community Champions Established
A major outcome of the project was the establishment of Women Community Champions, led by Issa Hamdia, wife of the Paramount Chief. These women will:
•Support households with solar lamp usage and maintenance
•Promote clean cooking practices
•Serve as renewable energy ambassadors
•Ensure the long-term sustainability of the project
Their involvement strengthens women’s leadership and deepens community ownership.
Community Testimonies and Impact
Throughout the project, the 350 Ghana team lived in the community, giving them firsthand insight into the daily energy and water challenges residents face. This immersion strengthened relationships and made the intervention more responsive to real needs.
Community members expressed heartfelt appreciation.
Nasata shared that she used to pay GHC2 to charge her phone outside the community, but can now charge it at home without cost.
Another resident, Mumuni Halitu, said he and his sister can now study safely at night, free from smoke and dim light.
Strengthening National Efforts Toward a Just Energy Transition
Through this initiative, 350 Ghana continues to support Ghana’s broader agenda for a just, clean, and inclusive energy transition. By promoting solar access, empowering women, and strengthening rural voices, the organisation is advancing national goals on renewable energy adoption while ensuring community-led leadership.