The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), in collaboration with the Technical University of Munich (TUM) SEED Centre, has inaugurated a new phase of the Yeboakrom Community Solar Project. The launch was held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, in Yeboakrom, near Duampompo in the Juaben-Ashanti District, under the theme: “Achieving the Triple Nexus of Architecture, Energy, and Entrepreneurship for Rural Development in the Global South.”
Professor Rexford Assasie Oppong, the Scientific Director of the Project, disclosed that the new phase aims to serve as a commercial/civic hub for promoting energy access, entrepreneurship, and sustainable architecture while ensuring funding mechanisms to sustain the Project.

He explained that the Project was initiated in 2019 after he identified the community’s lack of access to electricity despite its significant contribution to Ghana’s agricultural economy. “Since we were targeting rural areas, we focused on communities without electricity that also produce crops vital to the economy. Yeboakrom stood out due to its proximity to the main Accra-Kumasi Road and KNUST, as well as its production of cocoa, plantain, and other cash crops. However, the community lacked access to basic energy infrastructure,” Professor Oppong stated.
He recounted that the Project initially connected parts of Yeboakrom to solar-powered electricity in December 2022, with the installation of 46 light poles. Subsequently, community members collaborated to procure an additional 10 poles, to facilitate efforts to connect the community to the national grid, through the Boamadumase community. While efforts are still being made to garner support for the complete electrification of the township, this solar mini-grid would provide the avenue for sustainable progress as a township with electricity.
Professor Oppong assured residents of his continuous technical support and emphasised the transformative potential of the new phase. “This solar mini-grid will upgrade small- to medium-scale enterprises, create entrepreneurship opportunities, and drive economic growth within the community,” he added.
The Scientific Director further appealed to the Government of Ghana, philanthropists, corporate organisations, and international funders to provide financial and technical backing for the Project. He stressed the importance of collective efforts to ensure economic sustainability and improved living standards for Yeboakrom residents.
The Yeboakrom Community Solar Project exemplifies the commitment of KNUST and TUM SEED Centre to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 7, Affordable And Clean Energy. Through innovative energy solutions, entrepreneurial development, and architectural advancements, the initiative is set to serve as a model for rural empowerment and sustainable growth in Ghana and beyond.

The Regent of Yeboakrom, Nana Omane encouraged community members to actively contribute towards the maintenance and sustainability of the facility. He emphasised the need for ownership and collaboration to protect this valuable resource.
Some Residents recounted how the provision of the solar mini-grid project at Yeboakrom has been instrumental in the efforts to help provide electricity and economic development opportunities. According to them, the solar mini-grid project has facilitated economic opportunities and empowered them to work towards integrating Yeboakrom with the national grid at Boamadumase community.
A tour at the electrification and the solar installation at Yeboakrom was held.