Ghana’s retail giant, Melcom Group, has successfully commissioned a major renewable energy project, bringing a combined 1.6 megawatts (MW) of solar power to its operations. In a strategic partnership with Societe General Ghana (SG Ghana), the company installed a flagship rooftop solar photovoltaic system at its primary supermall on Accra’s Spintex Road.
This landmark project, financed by a GH¢13 million green loan from SG Ghana, was completed in an expedited timeframe of just three months. Alongside the main Accra installation, the initiative also included new solar arrays at two other Melcom outlets: a 187 kWp system in Tema and a 162 kWp system in Madina. The entire system is engineered to cover the complete energy demands of the stores and is connected to the national grid, enabling it to feed surplus electricity back to enhance grid capacity.
Speaking at the launch event, Rupesh Singh, Group Project Manager at Melcom, affirmed the company’s commitment to energy independence. He stated that Melcom plans to replicate this model across its other regional branches, with a long-term goal of generating its own power to reduce reliance on the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Hakim Ouzanni, the Managing Director of SG Ghana, highlighted the project’s significant financial and environmental benefits. He noted that this investment is projected to cut the Spintex branch’s electricity costs by up to 35 percent. Ouzanni emphasized the project’s role in the broader fight against climate change, showcasing how solar energy can create a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure while lowering carbon emissions. “At SG Ghana, we acknowledge the urgent need to transition to a low-carbon economy,” Ouzanni said. “This financing arrangement reflects our firm belief in the viability and promise of renewable energy ventures.”
The project’s scale is substantial, with the capacity to power approximately 2,600 households that consume an average of 600 kilowatt-hours per month, according to a report from BusinessGhana. Hala Jurf, SG Ghana’s Business Development Manager, who managed the project, described it as the culmination of meticulous planning and hard work. She added that it represents more than just an installation of solar components; it symbolizes a shared dedication to sustainable solutions.
This initiative aligns with Ghana’s growing reputation as a prime location for solar investment. The government is actively encouraging growth in the sector with an ambitious goal of sourcing 5% of its electricity from solar by 2030. This has opened significant opportunities for utility-scale solar developments and off-grid projects aimed at electrifying rural communities. A supportive policy framework, including net metering regulations, tax incentives, and a feed-in-tariff program, further solidifies the country’s commitment to a clean energy future.
Sources
- Terra Mauricia Ltd 2024 Annual Report
- UNFCCC – Policies and Technologies for Mitigation
- Graphic Online – Melcom, SG Ghana install 1.6MW solar energy
- REN21 – GSR 2025 Global Overview
- Chellco Industries Solar Power Proposal via Scribd
- SolarPower Europe – Global Market Outlook 2023-2027
- Taylor & Francis Online – An assessment of renewable energy development
