‘Ghana committed to clean, equitable energy transition’
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed Ghana’s commitment to a clean, equitable energy transition that will harness the full potential of renewable sources and energy efficiency.
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Bearing in mind that ambition alone will not transform the country’s energy systems, he said, “That was 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.”
A release issued in Accra by the Director of Communications, of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), Sherry Kennedy, said the occasion was when President Akufo-Addo and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Special Representative of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General of SEforALL, and Co-Chair of UN-Energy, Damilola Ogunbiyi, met in Accra to discuss the plan's findings and recommendations, and ensuring that it is backed from the highest levels of government.
Ms Ogunbiyi, according to the release, 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 said at other stakeholder engagement, the private sector, civil society organisations, the youth and other advocacy groups were allowed to weigh in with 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 the youth.
Ms Ogunbiyi expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to meet with President Akufo-Addo, the ministers, local community groups and the youth.
According to her, it offered her the opportunity to hear first-hand how committed they were 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,” Ms Ogunbiyi added.
Brief
Consultations on Ghana’s much-anticipated energy transition and investment plan attracted diverse stakeholders from the government, the private sector, the youth and civil-society organisations who 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; therefore, 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.
By mapping out these needs, the plan will serve as the main tool for the government to engage the international community and investors for support.
The government is developing the plan with technical support from SEforALL.