Ghana’s energy transition plan gains momentum …as consultations with key stakeholders held

Consultations on Ghana’s much-anticipated energy transition and in­vestment plan took place in Accra this week as diverse stakeholders from the government, the private sector, youth and civil-society organisations offered feedback on the plan ahead of its launch.

The energy transition and investment plan is expected to serve as the government’s main roadmap for achieving universal energy access and net-zero carbon emissions, as expressed under the country’s current Energy Transi­tion Framework and Nationally Determined Contributions while fostering economic growth and protecting jobs.

Ghana has set goals to diver­sify its energy portfolio, increase the role of renewables and reduce energy intensity. All of these will need to be done in parallel, and the upcoming energy transition and investment plan provides a detailed view of what is needed in terms of technical assistance and investment across key sectors.

A statement issued by the or­ganisers after the meeting in Accra said by mapping out these needs, the plan would serve as the main tool for the government to engage the international community and investors for support.

The Government of Ghana is developing the plan with technical support from Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL).

President NanaAkufo-Addo and Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of UN-Energy, met in Accra to discuss the plan’s findings and recommendations, ensuring it was backed by the highest levels of government.

“Ghana is committed to a clean, equitable energy transition that harnesses the full potential of renewable sources and energy ef­ficiency. However, ambition alone will not transform our energy sys­tems, which is why we embarked on creating an energy transition and investment plan that details what is needed to reach our goals. I look forward to working with international partners to realise the many opportunities presented in this plan,” President Akufo-Addo said.

Ms Ogunbiyi also participated in an inter-ministerial committee meeting, where she briefed minis­ters on how the plan was designed to support the work of various ministries, including environment, transportation, industry, and others.

“It was a pleasure to meet with President Akufo-Addo, govern­ment ministers, local community groups and youth this week and hear first-hand how committed they are to a just and equitable en­ergy transition. Their commitment has translated to an ambitious energy transition and investment plan that builds a case for chang­es across Ghana’s entire energy system. These changes present a tremendous opportunity for part­ners and investors from around the world to contribute to climate action and sustainable develop­ment in Ghana,” she said.

At additional stakeholder engagement events, the private sector, civil society organisations, youth and other advocacy groups were given the opportunity to weigh in on what they would like to see the plan prioritise.

Among the points raised was the need for equitable access to the social and economic opportu­nities generated by the plan, such as jobs, particularly for women and youth.

Feedback from all consulta­tions was guiding the plan’s finali­sation, with its launch expected to happen this fall.

 BY TIMES REPORTER