KMA Turns to Solar Power as Cable Theft Plunges Kumasi Streets into Darkness
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has begun the installation of solar-powered streetlights across the city following persistent cable theft that rendered conventional street lighting systems ineffective, KMA Mayor Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi (King Zuba) has revealed.
Speaking on Nkwantannanso on Opemsuo Radio, the Mayor, said repeated vandalism forced the Assembly to rethink its approach to street lighting after newly installed lights stopped functioning within months.
“We installed streetlights in September, but as at April all the lights were off,” he disclosed, explaining that investigations showed cables supplying power to the poles had been cut and stolen.
According to him, replacing the stolen cables would only have perpetuated the problem, prompting him to explore alternative solutions that would be both cost-effective and sustainable.
“I realised that if I replaced the same cables, the same activities would take place these as same people would come and steal them again,” he said.
King Zuba revealed that one of the options considered was a security-linked streetlight system used in Rwanda, where poles are digitally monitored and connected to electricity management and security personnel.
“If a thief tries to steal from pole number four, the person will receive a notification that the pole is under attack.”
However, financial analysis showed that the Rwanda-style option would require about GHC750,000 to purchase cables for just 100 poles. This led the Assembly to opt for solar-powered streetlights instead.
“One solar unit was going to cost $240. I did the calculations and realised it was more prudent to go for solar,” the Mayor stated.
He announced that the installation of solar streetlights has already commenced, with more than 240 poles expected to be completed before Christmas.
“Today, as we speak, we have started the installation of solar streetlights in Kumasi. Before Christmas, we will install over 240 poles.”
The Mayor further noted that the solar system eliminates cable theft and offers longer durability, with batteries lasting up to two years, allowing the Assembly to redirect limited funds to other pressing needs.
“If I fix conventional lights and after about eight months people cut the cables again, it is better to use solar lights that can last about two years,” he added.
King Zuba stressed that his administration prioritises careful planning over rushed solutions, especially in a city grappling with financial constraints.
“Most of the time, I am not in a haste to solve problems. I look at various alternative solutions and choose what is best for us, considering our limited resources.”
He expressed confidence that the shift to solar lighting will improve public safety, reduce maintenance costs, and provide a lasting solution to Kumasi’s streetlight challenges.
