Audio Attachment:Listen to Kwesi Pratt Jnr. |
President Akufo-Addo on Sunday pledged his government’s commitment to increase the contribution of the solar energy to the country’s energy-mix.
Delivering a speech at the Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance held in New Delhi, India, the President was concerned that despite the abundance of sunshine in Ghana, solar energy only contributes 1% to the energy mix, as opposed to 59% from fossil fuels and 40% from hydro.
He therefore assured that “on the basis of my country’s specific needs, Government is keen on developing utility-scale solar energy projects, as well as accelerating the development of mini-grid solutions in off-grid and island communities for lighting, irrigation and other economic activities”.
Addressing the government’s pledge to supplement the national grid with solar energy, Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper Kwesi Pratt noted on Peace FM’s "Kokrokoo" that the initiative is long overdue.
According to him, Ghana should have by now installed solar panels to harvest the sun and exploit it to the benefit of Ghanaians in order to resolve the energy challenges.
He wondered how foreign countries where the consumption of sun is unavailable are utilizing solar energy but Ghana, with over 75% of sunshine, didn’t come to the realization of the significance of solar energy till date.
In supporting the President’s call for the introduction of solar energy to augment the national grid, Mr. Pratt, in an openly unpleasant and carping remark, took a swipe at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
He questioned the University’s authorities and students' research capabilities asking “what happened to the Science and Technology?”
To him, KNUST should have been able to make solar panels and proposed the use of solar energy to government by now, but it appears they are not making their research in the field of Science and Technology useful to the growth of the energy sector.
“We have a University of Science and Technology which is more than 50 years but in the entire nation, we can’t construct a battery and solar panel…This is extremely disturbing…What happened to the Science and Technology?” the Senior Journalist barbed.
Mr. Pratt however tasked President Akufo-Addo and his government not to renege on their decision to use solar energy.
Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana
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This man called PRAT should shut his big mouth.... What New English word has he added to the English Words through out his "talking" carrier? Talk is cheap..... ***barred word***,if u don't know universities are to give knowledge,research and if possible help industries with scientific principles to achieve a particular project. ***barred word***, go establish your own university and go into full time manufacturing of solar panel.....***barred word*** ***barred word***
When we prioritise research and development, and resource our institutions we will be capable of doing and achieving anything: You can’t eat your cake and have !!
Very cheap country that has all kinds of people saying things they don't understand. And in the process injuring people and organisations' reputations. Who is pratt? what journalistic impact has he made in this country?
Inventions are not a result of intellectual ideas but rather it is as a result of a Gift from God..
Kwesi for once i agree with you
Is this not the same Kwasi Pratt who supported the cancellation of research alowance for Universities during NDC time? What is he talking about?
It is people like Pratt and Kweku Baako who are doing even the biggest damage to our society. Seriously, what does Kwesi Pratt know?! What are his credentials? All these hangers-on do is pandering to politicians for crumbs and favours. Until politicians and policy makers start doing the right things, our universities will continue to not produce anything. We just buried one of the best brains the world has known yet what can Ghana point to as a benefit of his brain power? Am referring to Professor Allotey. Universities primary responsibility is to Teach and conduct Research, period! Building a factory to manufacture something isn't one of those primary responsibilities. It is rather collaboration and partnership between private entrepreneurs and universities that translate these research works into meaning services and products. In developed countries, universities have incubators and partnerships with Venture capitalists who put their private capital into efforts to transform research into things that will benefit society, and of course for a profit. ***barred word*** like Pratt who haven't risen to the point of writing a thesis or a dissertation should stay in their lane. In a serious and civilized society, the likes of Pratt are not invited into any radio station or TV channel to discuss matters that are beyond their grasp. Kweku Baako couldn't complete even mere form 5. Kwesi Pratt I don't think had A-levels. Kwame Sefa Kanyi A-level from Labone. Alhaji Bature (R.I.P) - ??? - Kennedy Agyapong said he was a goat shepherd/herdsman. Allotey Jacobs - The loudmouth fisherman. And on and on and on. Folks, without disrespecting these people, these are so-called Ghana's seasoned and respectable journalists! Shithole indeed.
HOW MANY UNIVERSITIES IN THE WORLD HAS MADE SOLAR PANELS.ALL OVER THE WORD, KWESI, MANUFACTURING AND PRODUCTION ARE NOT DONE IN THE WORLD OUTSIDE THE CLASS ROOM, LIKE APOSTLE KWADWO SAFO IS DOING. THE PRODUCTS OF THE UNIVERSITIES GO OUT TO ADD UP TO WHAT IXIST IN THE WORLD OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM. WE NEED AS POLICY MAKERS TO SET UP THE MACHINERY FOR PRODUCTION TO EMPLY THE STUDENT AND EXPLOIT THEIR TALENTS AND SKILLS. IF A FATHER OF THE FAMILY FAILS IN LIFE HE SHOULD NOT BLAME HIS CHILDREN NOT TO DO OTHERWISE.
What have you done for Ghana, Mr. Pratt, apart from been a failed MP. Stop your ***barred word***
Kwesi is partly right,