How solar power transformed healthcare in Jantuakrom
In 2023, a news report by Joy News, a major news channel in Ghana revealed the daily struggles of nurses at the Jantuakrom CHPS compound in the Amenfi West District of Ghana’s Western Region.
Written by Desmond Agbadi
In 2023, a news report by Joy News, a major news channel in Ghana revealed the daily struggles of nurses at the Jantuakrom CHPS compound in the Amenfi West District of Ghana’s Western Region. The health facility was serving over five communities and was operating without electricity. Nurses had to attend to patients at night using torchlights. One statement from the nurse-in-charge captured the gravity of the situation;
“We have no option but to rely on torchlight to deliver babies at night”
For Dream Renewables, this was more than a news item - it was a call to action.
A journey to Juantuakrom
Moved by the report, Dream Renewables travelled to Juantuakrom to witness the situation first-hand. What we found confirmed the story exactly as reported. The facility was in darkness, and healthcare workers were doing their best under impossible conditions. Interviews with the nurses and the staff in charge revealed one painful truth; the lack of electricity was the biggest obstacle to quality healthcare delivery. From emergency care to maternity services, every aspect of their work was compromised.
From challenge to change: The solar intervention
Dream Renewables quickly began engagements with the Amenfi West Health Directorate, community leaders, and other stakeholders. After feasibility studies and assessments, a plan took shape. In February 2025, the solution became a reality.
A 3.6 kW rooftop solar system was installed and commissioned at the CHPS compound.
A vaccine fridge was donated for vaccine storage and to support safe immunization services.
Moreover, our vision went beyond providing electricity - it included building local capacity. Before installation, Dream Renewables organized an intensive 1-week solar PV design and installation training for young people in the district. Out of 10 trainees, 4 were from Jantuakrom, and they actively assisted in the installation of the new solar system. They are now the first line of support should any issue with the system arise. This is sustainability in action!
The day the lights turned on
The day of the inauguration remains a memorable day for the dream renewables team who worked so hard to make this happen, the nurses who work at the clinic day in day out and community members who rely on the clinic for healthcare needs. As lights came on at the facility, great joy swept across the community. The director and officials of the health directorate expressed overwhelming gratitude, acknowledging that this intervention would change healthcare delivery in the district for years to come.
“The solar power system is set to enhance the provision of health checks and services, ultimately improving health outcomes, especially for children in the community. Additionally, the solar installation will elevate living standards for healthcare staff, enabling better working conditions…”
Daniel Tetteh, Regional Health Director
Six months later…
Six months after commissioning, Dream Renewables returned to Juantuakrom for a follow-up assessment. The nurses described how the solar system has transformed their working conditions and enabled them to provide better care, especially during emergencies and night duties. The CHPS compound is now a reliable, safe and dignified place for healthcare - all powered by clean, renewable energy. The entire message was clear;
“…..electricity challenges are now a thing of the past…..’’
The impact on healthcare delivery and community wellbeing is clearly visible;
1. Expanded vaccine access: With reliable vaccine storage and lighting, the Juankuakrom CHPS compound now stores its own vaccines, this has led to a 24% increase in vaccines administered. But that's not all, this clinic also stores vaccines for an additional 2 nearby clinics.
2. Administrative and clinical efficiency: Previously, staff spent hours - sometimes an entire working day travelling to get vaccines, logistical supplies or electricity-related stuff. With reliable power and vaccine storage, the time spent on these trips has reduced by 90%, freeing up clinical time and increasing facility opening hours.
3. Staff motivation and service quality: Health workers reported significant improvement and higher job satisfaction, with morale ratings improving from 7 to 10 out of 10, representing a 30% increase in staff satisfaction. Nurses now work in a better, safer and more efficient environment where they can iron uniforms, charge equipment, store medicines and deliver night services without fear.
4. Better care experience for patients: Community feedback paints an encouraging picture of;
Shorter waiting times
Better communication between health workers and patients
Increased trust, confidence and satisfaction with the quality of services
Community leaders openly acknowledge greater belief in the clinic’s capacity
With these improvements, service utilisation continues to grow, reflecting restored confidence and accessibility.
5. Extended clinic operations and digital reporting: The clinic now enjoys longer opening hours, with staff able to perform everyday tasks such as ironing, charging laptops and powering essential equipment without disruption. Reliable power for laptops has improved timely and accurate reporting into the national DHIMS system, strengthening data quality at the district level.
6. Night-time safety and service delivery transformed: Access to electricity at night has brought safety, dignity and care:
More patients now visit the facility at night
Staff feel safer offering services at night
Night-time procedures have increased significantly, as health workers can deliver services in well lit rooms without using torchlights or mobile phone lights
Our commitment continues
The Juantuakrom story demonstrates what sustainable energy access can do for communities. At Dream Renewables, we believe that every community deserves reliable power, and we remain committed to expanding clean energy access while empowering young people with practical solar skills.
This is the future we are building - one community at a time.
