Building bridges for inclusive energy transitions: SHINE-Ghana begins community engagements
Before implementing any intervention, true impact begins with understanding and listening to communities, learning from their lived experiences, and building trust. In this spirit, the Ghana SHINE team has embarked on a series of community entry engagements across eight different communities, four in the Ashanti Region and four in the Greater Accra Region to introduce the Sustainable, Holistic and Inclusive Energy Systems for Well-being (SHINE) project and lay the groundwork for collaboration.
The SHINE project, part of a global initiative funded by UKRI and led in Ghana by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), seeks to co-design energy interventions that enhance livelihoods and promote inclusive well-being. It explores how equitable access to reliable, clean energy can transform lives, from improving health outcomes to promoting climate resilience and gender equality.
The Ghana SHINE team with one of the leaders of the Adumasa community
The first phase of SHINE’s community engagement in Ghana took place from 27th to 28th October 2025 across four on-grid communities in the Ashanti Region; Anwiafutu, Adumasa, Amangoase, and Atwimaa Takoradi within the Nkawie and Atwimaa Mponua Districts.
The Ghana SHINE team, led by Bernice Wadei, with Kingsly Apusiga, Julius Adinkrah, and Richard Tetteh, paid courtesy calls on traditional and opinion leaders, following local customs by presenting tokens of goodwill to announce their presence and intentions.
Discussions centered on current energy realities, aspirations for improved access, and how the SHINE project could complement community development priorities. The leaders’ responses were that of optimism and eagerness to collaborate. Some highlighted the potential of sustainable energy to stimulate local businesses, education, and household welfare.
Ghana SHINE team with the leaders of the Atwimaa Takoradi community
The Ghana SHINE team with the leaders of Amangoase community
From Ashanti, the team journeyed to the Ada East District in the Greater Accra Region on 30th and 31st October 2025, where engagements were held in four off-grid island communities; Aflive, Alorkpem, Azizakpe, and Pediatorkope which are along the Volta River estuary. These communities, largely dependent on off-grid systems and generators (gensets).
The SHINE team held meetings with community leaders and elders to introduce the project’s objectives and seek their consent to pilot the study in their communities. The discussions provided deeper insights into how energy limitations affect their health, time, and small-scale economic activities, and why the pilot study will be of great importance to the communities
Across all eight communities, a common feeling emerged which is the desire for sustainable and inclusive energy solutions that improve daily life while protecting the environment.
Community leaders warmly welcomed the SHINE initiative, and expressed readiness to collaborate in the upcoming pilot studies.
The Ghana SHINE Team with a Community Lead
