afrol News, 19 February - The European Union has awarded Ghana 28 million cedis ($1,966 million ) to support Sustainable Biomass Energy project in Ghana and Ethiopia.

The project which seeks to eliminate the use of charcoal and firewood Production in Africa, aims to increasing the use of bamboo as a source of energy for the poor households which has proven to more sustainable, environmental friendly and economical option to firewood and charcoal.

The 48-month project launched in March 2009-2013, is being coordinated by the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) in collaboration with the Governments of Ghana and Ethiopia.

The EU said the project in both Ghana and Ethiopia would respect existing government policies and proactively help in promoting sector governance issues and raising awareness of environmental aspects and consequences of the project.

Head of Infrastructure and Sustainable Development Section, of the EU Delegation in Ghana, Jannik Vaa, said the project did offer real opportunities, expressing hope that the project will engage with governments in each country to make the intervention a success.

“This will require the full support of the governments and most likely sector reforms which need to be sustained and extended in full co-operation with sector stakeholders, be they civil society organisations, industry or other important players," he said.

Henry Ford Kamal, Ghana's Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resource, said 70 percent of Ghana's energy was obtained from wood sources, which without proper management was a serious affront to sustainable energy development in the country.

He said charcoal would continue to play a major role in energy in Ghana therefore, the idea of an alternative to wood charcoal was welcome, further stressing that Ghana would promote the development of bamboo.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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