Networking via REEEP enables Ghana Rural Lighting Project
Nkwanta District, 11.08.2010 - James Smith
The Women and Youth Survival Foundation Programme (WAYSFOP), a local NGO based in the Nkwanta South district in the Volta Region of Ghana and a REEEP partner organisation, has set up a collaboration to enable the people of the district and surrounding districts to have access to renewable energy products like solar home lighting systems, cook stoves, and information in order to combat climate change.
 "Solar light compared to kerosene lamp")
The Nkwanta North and South districts have a population of about 187,000 inhabitants (2000 Ghana National Population Census). There are about 311 settlements and only 18 have access to electricity.
By using the networks of REEEP and the Global Village Energy Partnership (GVEP), WAYSFOP has set up an active partnership in which Energy In Common in the USA provides energy loans to clients through Christian Rural Aid Network, and Toyola Energy Limited supplies products to WAYSFOP for distribution to clients. Small loans will be repaid within 3 months for and big loans within 6 months.
The project is currently being piloted with 14 beneficiaries for products worth US$2,753. Since March, 2010, WAYSFOP has registered 600 clients for products worth US$70,000. It should enable people to stop buying kerosene, which in turn will contribute to reduced poverty levels since kerosene is scarce and expensive in the Nkwanta districts of Ghana.