From Cell Phone Charging to LED Lights

http://photos.mattberg.org/Travel/Bonsaaso-Ghana-2009/9466668_pGgPS#635535383_5d2Ed-A-LB

In an earlier post, I covered the work of a Ghana inventor named Nana Owusu Acheampong who was using D-Cells and a custom made wooden battery holder to charge cell phones. On a recent visit to Bonsaaso, a small village about 100KM south of Kumasi, the great pleasure of meeting Mr. Acheampong and seeing first hand some of the projects he has been working on.

Cheap Chinese LEDs, which are pervasive in Mali, have not yet reached this part of Ghana so Mr. Acheampong and others have started to make their own LED light arrays powered by wooden box battery holders. Asked how he came about the idea for the battery boxes, Mr. Acheampong explained that observed his radio worked that way so he “took the power out of his radio”.

I’ll let the photos speak for themselves. It was a thrill to meet someone so truly passionate and excited by his own creations. He is exactly the kind of person who with a bit of support, access to better materials and little extra electrical training could help light up a community.


LED light made from MTN advertising and LEDs purchased from Kumasi.

Used CD helps reflect the light from the LEDs.

How Mr. Acheampong lights his room. He no longer purchases kerosene he claims.

Note: Rural Africa still relies heavily on disposable D-Cells for much of its energy. They are popular for their low purchase price, however, they are expensive on a $/AH basis and environmental standpoint. Thus, the idea of creating small businesses around rechargeable D-Cells intrigues me. It seems like an obvious idea but I’ve yet to see it done. If you know of examples of where this is being attempted please let me know.

53 Responses to “From Cell Phone Charging to LED Lights”

  1. jke Says:

    …or a deposit system for batteries so that ppl realize there’s some value to drained batteries. Problem is that it would probably require huge amounts of batteries to get it going, but I think we urgently need a battery recycling plant in West- and East Africa one day.

    Or the Chinese take their batteries back and recycle them over in China.


  2. links for 2009-09-01 « Design in Africa Says:

    [...] From Cell Phone Charging to LED Lights handmade LED lights in Ghana (tags: bop_design appropriate_design) [...]


  3. adana havaalanı oto kiralama Says:

    thanks you bro.
    thank you admin..!509


  4. ArteteSueby Says:


  5. Sony NSX Says:

    Google Television or even a Laptop computer? Okay I wish to possibly obtain the Google television or perhaps a say 300-400$ laptop computer. Goggle television plus- I adore the way you can view television within the corner from the display screen and surf the net, would arrive in hand when them commecials appear, google television negative- Its not portible. Laptop computer plus-it is transportable and i will probally get on the list of net usb connectors for that laptop computer from att. Laptop computer Negative- I use to possess an iphone 3g and could do all my within the go browsing on there and i ended up brakeing my iphone and received sum dumb minor flip mobile phone, but agreement ends up in march and can manage to obtain the samsung captivate for 200 and my mother explained she would, after which i wouldnt be carying close to a laptop computer if my telephone can do it, i’ve a 37in Vizio television, and im 14, thanks


  6. cheap glass dildos Says:

    I lost 10 pounds of fat working out with kettlebells.


  7. computer tips Says:

    Hey, you used to write great posts, but the last few posts have been kinda lackluster… I miss your tremendous articles. Past several posts are just a bit out of track!


  8. kartvizit Says:

    Happala yarim yaz geldi derlerya biz onu demiyoruz kartvizit istiyoruz her türlü.


  9. Houston Neurology Says:

    It frequently amazes me how blog writers for example yourself can find some time as well as the commitment to carry on composing outstanding blogposts. Your blog issuperb and one of my need to read websites. I simply wanted to thank you.


  10. estetik Cerrahi Says:

    Hiya, I’m really glad I’ve found this information. Today bloggers publish only about gossip and web stuff and this is actually annoying. A good web site with exciting content, that’s what I need. Thanks for making this web site, and I will be visiting again. Do you do newsletters? I Can not find it.
    tr.


  11. Heidi Gray Says:

    this website was how do i say it… relevant, finally a thing that solved the problem. Thanks


  12. takdom Says:

    h, a lot of comments here


  13. hosting Says:

    seen your commet thke of your madames sedrert he relpertyt


  14. naprawa samochodów gdynia Says:

    I need website kind of this one, say:who made graphic layout for your website?


  15. office147 Says:

    I really like your writing style, fantastic info , regards for putting


  16. nklogseq Says:

    thank you for writing this article. god bless you and your family. p.s fantastic website youv’e done a wonderful job in creating a informative website on subject’s such as these ! Your website has some really well written articles in my field of work. i have passed this article onto some close colleagues who should find this well worth a read.One more thing,thanks for your post!welcome to best and cheap goods.


  17. name Says:

    Cheers! let me post some links here.,


  18. name Says:

    Cool! Yeah.,


  19. name Says:

    Hey! Great Website! Superb!,


  20. name Says:

    Thanks! Cheers mate.,


  21. LondonElectrician Says:

    Excellent post! You have to Respect the writer of this page. Great read, thanks.


  22. Whiting defends Canada safety car decisions | 2011 F1 season « vinocuriel Says:

    [...] Piers Courage Chris Craft Jim Crawford Ray Crawford Alberto Crespo [...]


  23. Bianchi among feature race penalties « ramiljoslin Says:

    [...] Gerard Gerino Gerini Peter Gethin Piercarlo Ghinzani Bruno [...]


  24. It’s Mercury Custom ’49 « vinocuriel Says:

    [...] Pedro Matos Chaves Bill Cheesbourg Eddie Cheever Andrea Chiesa Ettore Chimeri [...]


  25. Cheap Playstation Networkd Card Says:

    You have posted some perfect input on the theme, are you planning to do a FAQ facing this topic in the future, as i have some more doubts that should be common to other users.


  26. Webber needs to be the Bull in Istanbul « vinocuriel Says:

    [...] Frank Dochnal Jose Dolhem Martin Donnelly Carlo Abate George Abecassis [...]


  27. Lorenzo: Simoncelli deserves a ban « ramiljoslin Says:

    [...] Gardner Billy Garrett Jo Gartner Tony Gaze [...]


  28. Rosberg hits out at media ?misrepresentation? | F1 Fanatic round-up « vinocuriel Says:

    [...] Georges Berger Gerhard Berger Eric Bernard Enrique Bernoldi Enrico Bertaggia [...]


  29. Ram Updates HD Pickup Lineup for 2012, Adds ESC and New Six-Speed Auto « ramiljoslin Says:

    [...] Johnson Leslie Johnson Bruce Johnstone Alan Jones Tom [...]


  30. 1940 Ford Standard Coupe WIP « vinocuriel Says:

    [...] Franco Comotti George Connor George Constantine John Cordts David Coulthard [...]


  31. Stewart vows to keep wrecking drivers who block « vinocuriel Says:

    [...] Jaime Alguersuari Philippe Alliot Cliff Allison Fernando Alonso Giovanna Amati [...]


  32. Pedrosa says rain has helped him « ramiljoslin Says:

    [...] Hill Graham Hill Phil Hill Peter Hirt David [...]


  33. 'A little noise' is good, Penske notes « vinocuriel Says:

    [...] Jean Alesi Jaime Alguersuari Philippe Alliot Cliff Allison Fernando Alonso [...]


  34. Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Calculators « ramiljoslin Says:

    [...] Gordini Horace Gould Jean Marc Gounon Emmanuel de Graffenried Lucas di [...]


  35. 1940 Ford Standard Coupe WIP « vinocuriel Says:

    [...] Jenson Button Tommy Byrne Giulio Cabianca Phil Cade Alex Caffi [...]


  36. Vettel’s KERS for concern « vinocuriel Says:

    [...] Fernando Alonso Giovanna Amati George Amick Red Amick Chris Amon [...]


  37. unlimited cell phone plans no contract Says:

    Great post. It is nice to see such a nice story.


  38. Automobile Dehumidifier Says:

    Hello might you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using? I’m preparing to start my very own blog sooner but I’m working with a hard time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The rationale I ask is that your layout seems totally different from most blogs and I’m in search of something unique. P.S Sorry for being off-topic however had to ask!


  39. Adan Stadler Says:

    I don’t mean to hijack this blog but I’d like to find a good lawyer in Las Vegas Nevada and I can’t figure out how to find one. Do you have any info on this attorney? They are based out of Vegas close to my condo. I cant find reviews on them – Burdman & Coston, 8440 W Lake Mead Blvd # 100, Las Vegas NV 89128 – (702) 387-2400


  40. immobiliendarlehen vergleich Says:

    I used to be wondering in the event you can be concerned with turning into a visitor poster on my weblog? and in exchange you possibly can put a link the put up? Please let me know when you get an opportunity and Ill send you my contact particulars – thanks. Anyway, in my language, there arent a lot good source like this.


  41. Africa Finance Says:

    That is impressive!


  42. cat urine odor remover Says:

    Took me time to read all the reviews, but I truly enjoyed the article. It proved to be very handy to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It’s frequently great when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! I’m sure you had fun writing this article.


  43. реклама в бизнес центрах,реклама в лифтах,рекламное агенство,размещение рекламы,лайтбоксы,световые короба,световые панели,печатная рекла Says:


  44. fjvujartou Says:

    exsvhcvjmebgsjdb, ioebeuocjj


  45. Equatorial Platforms Says:

    that causes hair loss, like thyroid illness,…

    diabetes or lupus. your physician may possibly also ask questions about the types of medicines you are taking. occasionally hair loss is a side effect of particular drugs, such as those that treat gout, arthritis, depression, heart difficulties and hig…


  46. Katharine Claypoole Says:

    how can this happen yaixxx


  47. 1654oqs097 Says:

    Las Vegas strippers surprising life Las Vegas, America’s most exotic and most fiction sac louis vuitton, but also the most magical city. It impunity promote gambling, the pursuit of happiness and reputation. Las Vegas vulgar cultural clash on American cities, Las Vegas is the leader. opener character. Here, the female employment rate higher than other cities. feel exotic romantic honeymoon Source: Love webs mythological honeymoon want him darling, where to spend it? The pair is sweet for the weather was cold as the voyage aboard their own frown it? Love tangle specialist for you to pick a honeymoon overseas, climate and environment is very appropriate for winter honeymoon. Start the new annual, happy life for your navigate it! Las Vegas (Photo / Stock) one. Las Vegas: Live Flesh perfect trip to experience this chip of flashing neon streets of the metropolis of Nevada is not longer just the ATM and the couple eloped fast come to the place. Today’s revival has given way to Spanish method facilities and theme hotels. Unique situation makes the city work into the Grand Canyon sac louis vuitton, Zion National Park and other western venture outlook to pass. enjoy unlimited distraction paradise Las Vegas happy supremacists not you worry about here Aventure. Fun in Las Vegas show may be endless louis vuitton outlet louis vuitton site officiel louis vuitton site officiel Channel [K] – spring b, you may first and foremost sight with somebody here came to the famous Vegas marrying chapel by lightning. Las Vegas’s famous nightlife, bars, nightclubs and clubs everywhere. So sac louis vuitton, whether you would favor to have Aventure, here is your perfect place to relax. glamorous erotic chief of the world’s top ten Today small will take you to experience all beneath the world’s top ten erotic charm sac louis vuitton! Pattaya sac louis vuitton, Thailand Thailand city official called the libido to Disneyland, advertising slogan is Pattaya not sleep, for you, she is the best tourist destination. 300 million tourists annually gathered here, in the scatter in the city’s 275 hotels 25 000 apartments to enjoy the nightlife and the novelty of their so-called free (here one night to spend from $ 10 to $ 80 range). New Orleans – Louisiana Tong Dawei Yue Guan romantic honeymoon in Las Vegas, Las Vegas If that is the Nevada desert oasis, this oasis of adore is the drink of moisture. Guan Yue Tong Dawei and married three years this has not spent the honeymoon of entertainment and his wife peuterey Mekong River catastrophe the louis vuitton outlet, is base here in the sweet taste of the dream. Tong Dawei, Guan Yue romantic honeymoon let down any happy people Caesars Palace Las Vegas-style motel (Caesars Palace), priest introduces positive groom’s wedding is after hours begin the process, he promised a while, while showing a track belonging to new stresses. beautiful chapel in Las Vegas in Las Vegas Old Town a mutual side of the road, there is a quite small church, which is the city’s oldest churches sac louis vuitton, and Michael Jordan and Britney Spears’s marriage have nought to boast of in this mini cathedral was held. Las Vegas Las Vegas Las Vegas chapel beautiful mini church in this beautiful chapel, built in the final century sac louis vuitton, at best sac louis vuitton, merely a few dozen square area of ​​size louis vuitton outlet sac louis vuitton, must have Michael Jordan and Britney Jenny’s wedding will not have too many visitors it. The beautiful chapel in Las Vegas, Las Vegas drunk I do not know return ryan sac louis vuitton Works appreciation Guan Zeju bru, 28-year-old New Zealander. I recently ended a world excursion which lasted three and a half, returned to New Zealand. However, compared with my trip sac louis vuitton louis vuitton outlet sac louis vuitton, like my blog updated slower than the pace of a few hundred miles. Here are places you play manual navigate hangover. Our few nights in Las Vegas, spent a nice time, you can feel for the asset the following: Las Vegas, the first night louis vuitton outlet, we are wondered to ascertain that many Mexicans in the street at haphazard to taking out the litter, they were dressing brightly colored T-shirt, kept to the line of people in the pamphlets. beautiful world that never sleeps degree PK degree of ranking the earth beauteous night: the first one: Las Vegas (United States, the famous casino, the world-renowned night), second place: Paris (France louis vuitton outlet, Paris is world-renowned night) louis vuitton outlet, third place: Shanghai (China, been apt know), fourth place: New York (United States sac louis vuitton, the universal satellite pictures of the Earth is the brightest area) … experience the beauty of Las Vegas, we must begin from the first night: Las Vegas (United States, the famous casino, the world-renowned night) to experience the beauty of Las Vegas louis vuitton outlet, will start from the black night sac louis vuitton, bright neon lights are sunny, steady stream of brand the motorcars, here are coming from the charming men and women, merely also the leisure passengers tourist resort, mowing out the most trapped inside the Las Vegas night. You tin select to hike the access, coasted promenade sac louis vuitton, you can also lease automobiles when longer tasting rite, while seeing the night sac louis vuitton sac louis vuitton sac louis vuitton China Ping An insurance channel, whether namely does not dazzle, helicopters and also along night thing. brandy beauty likewise eclipsed the altitude nightclub for mediocre people, top nightclubs and luxury elegance is equated. Wine beauty also eclipsed the top nightclub which is situated in the Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas nightclubs of Vanity Fair, its luxurious inner space, decoration, nice ample to permit every to the inside of guests willing to open their purse. This 14,000-square-meter nightclub inside elaboration is a special custom-made. Strict implementation of the decoration designer renderings. Lighting peuterey outlet Inflection point is established, c sac louis vuitton, decorative substances, furnishings, audio belstaff Sito Ufficiale I was fearful my web and louis vuitton outlet, family … … is catered by the top vocational manufacturer of custom. The cost 2-3 times extra than the same production. Here it seems that entire the wine louis vuitton outlet, beauty is not essential.


  48. 4491swfm69 Says:

    Previous : Michael – Secret Michael Jackson – Jackson child molestation case the whole process ( Figure ) ,louboutin chaussures,doudoune moncler Next : Sun Li Sun Li to be produced until the production of private hospitals accompanying information carefully Deng Chao (Photos ) Photo Gallery > > more Qinzi Han Shu Qi,sac louis vuitton,sacs louis vuitton Louboutin Pas Cher Gone with the doctor Phoenix ph,doudoune moncler Memorial concert will be held – News – Chinese folk music onlin,christian louboutin pas cher,canada goose,louis vuitton sac,sacs louis vuitton louis vuitton sac Li Kaisheng Phoenix pho,spaccio woolrich,louis vuitton pas cher, Denise Ho released autumn half-naked photo shoot MV Freaky Miranda – Shu Qi,louis vuitton site officiel,spaccio woolrich,moncler Xian Sha Imura explosion near the track c,louboutin homme,Xu Guanying death of a heart attack last night – the number of Guangyuan Evening,sac vuitton, Denise Ho can be half-naked children swimming beat MV


  49. 046swbo30x Says:

    ,louis vuitton pas cher,louis vuitton sito ufficiale Shanghai 2011-11-29 Tyre Sales Management – Shanghai Branch agent 2011-11-29 tire sales A / S ( Shanghai Branch ) 2011-11-29 market planning department – advertising / promotional chief ( Shanghai ) 2011-11-29 Jiangsu & Zhejiang Province tire sales 2011-11-29 marketing / Sales / development director ; 2011-11-29 Corporate Planning 2011-11-29 IT management 2011 – 11-29 distribution / channel management 2011-11-29 Graduates reserves (national ) 2011 – 11-29 training Specialist / training Director 2011-11-29 Customer Service ( Korean ) 2011 -11-29 logistics play / director 2011-11-17 tire technology Services (National ) 2011 -11-17 financial Commissioner ( Shanghai )


  50. dy9f3i3i5e Says:

    ,louis vuitton site officiel After the massacre the Las Vegas strippers surprising life Las Vegas, America’s most exotic and most fiction sac louis vuitton, but also the most magical city. It impunity promote gambling sacs Louis Vuitton, the pursuit of happiness and reputation. Las Vegas vulgar cultural clash on American cities, Las Vegas is the leader. opener character. Here, the female employment rate higher than other cities. feel exotic romantic honeymoon Source: Love webs mythological honeymoon want him darling, where to spend it? The pair is sweet for the weather was cold as the voyage aboard their own frown it? Love tangle specialist for you to pick a honeymoon overseas, climate and environment is very appropriate for winter honeymoon. Start the new annual sac vuitton, happy life for your navigate it! Las Vegas (Photo / Stock) one. Las Vegas: Live Flesh perfect trip to experience this chip of flashing neon streets of the metropolis of Nevada is not longer just the ATM and the couple eloped fast come to the place. Today’s revival has given way to Spanish method facilities and theme hotels. Unique situation makes the city work into the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park and other western venture outlook to pass. enjoy unlimited distraction paradise Las Vegas happy supremacists not you worry about here Aventure. Fun in Las Vegas show may be endless, you may first and foremost sight with somebody here came to the famous Vegas marrying chapel by lightning. Las Vegas’s famous nightlife sacs Louis Vuitton, bars sac vuitton, nightclubs and clubs everywhere. So sac louis vuitton,sacs louis vuitton, whether you would favor to have Aventure sac vuitton, here is your perfect place to relax. glamorous erotic chief of the world’s top ten Today small will take you to experience all beneath the world’s top ten erotic charm! Pattaya, Thailand Thailand city official called the libido to Disneyland, advertising slogan is Pattaya not sleep sacs Louis Vuitton, for you, she is the best tourist destination. 300 million tourists annually gathered here, in the scatter in the city’s 275 hotels 25 000 apartments to enjoy the nightlife and the novelty of their so-called free (here one night to spend from $ 10 to $ 80 range). New Orleans – Louisiana Tong Dawei Yue Guan romantic honeymoon in Las Vegas sac vuitton, Las Vegas If that is the Nevada desert oasis, this oasis of adore is the drink of moisture. Guan Yue Tong Dawei and married three years this has not spent the honeymoon of entertainment and his wife peuterey Mekong River catastrophe the, is base here in the sweet taste of the dream. Tong Dawei, Guan Yue romantic honeymoon let down any happy people Caesars Palace Las Vegas-style motel (Caesars Palace), priest introduces positive groom’s wedding is after hours begin the process, he promised a while, while showing a track belonging to new stresses. beautiful chapel in Las Vegas in Las Vegas Old Town a mutual side of the road, there is a quite small church, which is the city’s oldest churches sac louis vuitton sacs louis vuitton Ten worldwide mark fragrance -, and Michael Jordan and Britney Spears’s marriage have nought to boast of in this mini cathedral was held. Las Vegas Las Vegas Las Vegas chapel beautiful mini church in this beautiful chapel, built in the final century sac louis vuitton, at best sac vuitton, merely a few dozen square area of ​​size, must have Michael Jordan and Britney Jenny’s wedding will not have too many visitors it. The beautiful chapel in Las Vegas, Las Vegas drunk I do not know return ryan, 28-year-old New Zealander. I recently ended a world excursion which lasted three and a half sac vuitton, returned to New Zealand. However sacs Louis Vuitton, compared with my trip sac louis vuitton, like my blog updated slower than the pace of a few hundred miles. Here are places you play manual navigate hangover. Our few nights in Las Vegas, spent a nice time sacs Louis Vuitton, you can feel for the asset the following: Las Vegas, the first night, we are wondered to ascertain that many Mexicans in the street at haphazard to taking out the litter, they were dressing brightly colored T-shirt, kept to the line of people in the pamphlets. beautiful world that never sleeps degree PK degree of ranking the earth beauteous night: the first one: Las Vegas (United States sacs Louis Vuitton, the famous casino, the world-renowned night), second place: Paris (France, Paris is world-renowned night), third place: Shanghai (China sac vuitton, been apt know), fourth place: New York (United States sacs Louis Vuitton, the universal satellite pictures of the Earth is the brightest area) … experience the beauty of Las Vegas, we must begin from the first night: Las Vegas (United States, the famous casino sac vuitton, the world-renowned night) to experience the beauty of Las Vegas,louis vuitton sac Feel to m A shares in 2011 to re, will start from the black night, bright neon lights are sunny, steady stream of brand the motorcars sac vuitton, here are coming from the charming men and women sacs Louis Vuitton, merely also the leisure passengers tourist resort, mowing out the most trapped inside the Las Vegas night. You tin select to hike the access sac louis vuitton Japanese media falling house amo sacs Louis Vuitton, coasted promenade, you can also lease automobiles when longer tasting rite, while seeing the night sac louis vuitton, whether namely does not dazzle, helicopters and also along night thing. brandy beauty likewise eclipsed the altitude nightclub for mediocre people, top nightclubs and luxury elegance is equated. Wine beauty also eclipsed the top nightclub which is situated in the Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas nightclubs of Vanity Fair, its luxurious inner space, decoration,louis vuitton sac British medium the fact rhetoric, nice ample to permit every to the inside of guests willing to open their purse. This 14,000-square-meter nightclub inside elaboration is a special custom-made. Strict implementation of the decoration designer renderings. Lighting peuterey outlet Inflection point is established, c, decorative substances sacs Louis Vuitton, furnishings, audio belstaff Sito Ufficiale I was fearful my web and sac vuitton, family … … is catered by the top vocational manufacturer of custom. The cost 2-3 times extra than the same production. Here it seems that entire the wine Louis Vuitton Sac Damier Azur Korean distraction c, beauty is not essential.


  51. Наружная реклама киев, реклама в метро, реклама в трамваях, наружная реклама, наружка, Размещение рекламы, бигборды, ситилайты, троллы, разм Says:


  52. otomotiv Says:

    otomotiv…

    [...]BuildAfrica.org » From Cell Phone Charging to LED Lights[...]…


  53. масло оливковое, оливковое масло, чем полезен оливковое масло, лучшее оливковое масло, полезное оливковое масло, оливковое масло - цена, куп Says:


Leave a Reply