Bringing light to Mafikope: Africa Just Transition Network powers off-grid community centre with solar energy

The Africa Just Transition Network (AJTN), through its Renewable Energy Working Group, provided, commissioned, and inaugurated a 6kWp + 10kWh Off-Grid rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system for Mafikope Community in Ghana on 19th October 2025.

This rooftop solar system was installed on a community center built by the community from funds raised internally.

The project represents a significant step in promoting community-designed and owned solar systems and ensuring equitable access to clean energy for underserved communities across the nation.

Africa Just Transition Network is a pan-African network that advocates for a just transition from fossil fuels to a society based on clean air and water, renewable energy that is accessible, and a transition rooted in social and gender justice.

AJTN advocates for community-owned renewable energy projects with communities at the forefront of benefit. 

Mafikope is a small peninsula community in the Kwahu Afram Plains North District of Ghana. It has about 500 residents with no access to electricity, as they are not connected to the national grid. This affected their daily activities and productivity. 

The Mafikope solar installation was the result of a journey that began with a community profiling exercise by the AJTN team across three island communities, including Mafikope,  to understand their energy challenges.

From unused ICT labs to difficulties in preserving fish and crop produce, the assessment revealed how a lack of power limited education and livelihoods. 

After a careful selection phase, Mafikope was chosen for its strong community readiness and commitment. The process was one of listening, learning, and co-creation, with the idea of a “community solar center” agreed on in the end.

In true partnership, the community provided the building while AJTN powered it with solar energy, turning shared challenges into a story of collaboration, innovation, and hope for equitable energy access.

The PV system was installed by Echoace Energy Solutions Ltd., with International Climate & Energy Consult (ICEC) designing the system and providing pro bono technical consultation to the AJTN team. The 6MW system consists of solar panels, hybrid inverters, and advanced battery storage to ensure a continuous power supply, even at night.

The AJTN team also funded the electrical wiring of the building, and this was also implemented by Echoace Energy Solutions. The service AJTN required from Echoace included a post-installation operation and maintenance training, which they delivered to selected youth in the community to ensure sustainability. 

The system provides lighting for and electrical sockets for six (6) rooms. The community communicated that they would allocate a room for a computer lab and library for their children.

They also mentioned that they would have a cold room/refrigeration room, an entertainment room, and would raise funds to purchase the necessary equipment and gadgets. The community solar center would also serve as a space for gathering and extending productive hours, significantly improving the standard of living in the community.

The project forms part of the Africa Just Transition Network’s ongoing efforts to showcase community solar systems done right, advance energy justice, climate resilience, and push for inclusive development across the continent. It also aligns with Ghana’s broader commitment to achieve universal energy access and reduce carbon emissions through renewable energy adoption.

At the commissioning ceremony, Mrs Patricia Odeibea Bekoe, co-facilitator of the working group, emphasized the importance of community-led solutions in achieving a just energy transition. She stated that the Mafikope community solar center is a symbol of empowering communities at the center of the energy transition, and that AJTN  is ensuring clean energy drives both social and economic transformation.

Community members expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, noting that the project will enhance education, health delivery, and livelihood activities.

The Chief said to the AJTN team, “Today we have also been remembered, light has come, and with it comes a positive change and development for Mafikope. He confirmed that the community solar center would serve as a hub for learning, a community cold storage,  a community entertainment center, and many more purposes.

The coordinator for the Africa Just Transition Network, Ing. Marina Agortimevor, said, “Through this project, we are showing what’s possible.”

AJTN remains committed to advocating for and scaling up similar renewable energy initiatives across Africa’s off-grid communities, ensuring that the continent’s transition to clean energy remains fair, inclusive, and locally driven.

Music, dance, and smiles filled the air as the Mafikope solar center was commissioned and inaugurated. AJTN hopes this success sparks many more projects across Africa’s off-grid communities.

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.