The Japanese Government has released a grant of 7.6 million dollars for the installation of equipment for solar panels for electricity at Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) at the University of Ghana, Legon.
The project code named: “Project for introducing clean energy by solar electricity generation system,” when completed would provide reliable and pollution-free electricity for the institute.
Additionally, it would provide reliable energy for the NMIMR to undertake its mandate of health research, provide training opportunities in biomedical research for undergraduate and post graduate students in tertiary institutions, and provide laboratory diagnostic and monitoring services in support of public health programmes in the country.
Professor Ernest Aryeetey, Vice Chancellor of University of Ghana, who cut the sod for commencement of the project commended the Japanese Government for the tremendous support offered Ghana, especially the Institute and University.
“As a university, we appreciate all the support given us and we will work to achieve worthwhile goals. We on our part would endeavour to assist our colleagues from Japan to complete the installation on schedule, which would go a long way to reduce the high cost on generating energy to the University.”
Prof. Alexander Nyarko, Director of NMIMR, narrated the history of the Institute since the death of Dr. Hideyo Nogochi, who died of yellow fever at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in 1920, when researching into yellow fever during an outbreak.
He noted that all arrangements including design and procurement processes had been completed for the first phase of the project, and Japanese engineers Marubeni Limited were on site to commence work for the installation of the solar panels to generate 315kW of power at the Institute.
Prof. Nyarko said design and procurement processes were currently underway for the second phase of the project, which would generate additional 400kW, and when completed, the Institute would have the capacity to generate a total of 715kW of power into the University grid.
“This will no doubt help the University and government to save cost of energy, beside the clean and renewable energy saving the environment,” he said.
Mr. Naoto Nikai, Ambassador of Japan to Ghana, commended the Institute for becoming one of the key research bodies on the continent.
He noted that the system was the biggest in the history of Ghana, and hoped the project would not only assist the Institute but stimulate and promote further establishment of more large-scale photovoltaic systems in Ghana.
Representatives of Ministers of Education and Energy commended the Japanese Government for the support and asked the Institute to ensure its effective use.
