Theovision International on Friday 10th July 2020, launched its pilot solar multi-purpose pole at Akurakese in the Eastern Region of Ghana. This project became necessary after many years of ministering to people living in deprived communities across Ghana that do not have access to electricity; and it became imperative for us to help meet this need.

Just like Akurakese, there are many communities in Ghana that do not have access to light or electricity and they resort to torch lights and lanterns at night for their activities. As a result, most of the inhabitants develop eye problems. These communities become so dark and very dangerous at night for the indigenes to move around. Aside the many known challenges that this lack of electricity poses, school children especially final year students, are forced to use torch lights and lanterns to study at night. In some cases, students who are preparing for final exams have to stay away from the village in order to have light to study at all times. This also has its consequences where parents are not able to monitor the progress of their wards. The indigenes also walk long distances to the nearest town, to charge their phones where they are charged between GHC0.50p to GHC 1.00 to charge their phones.

As our team of engineers researched different solutions, we came up with the idea of developing a solar powered pole that can broadcast the audio to the community but at the same time also provide light and a charging system (Sockets / USB Charging dock) for the people to charge their phones. Another factor that inspired the design of the multi-purpose pole is the COVID-19 pandemic currently prevalent in Ghana.

The multi-purpose pole has inbuilt solar powered audio playback device connected to horn speakers. It is also equipped with an inbuilt phone with a SIM card that you can call from your mobile phone.

This gives us access to and makes is possible for anyone with access to the phone number to send audios / information to the community whenever and wherever without having to be in the community. Any audio content i.e. the audio Bible, health & safety education, E-learning materials for school pupils, etc. can be broadcast to the community at any time.

We bless God for this great innovation.