SUSTAINABLE ENERGY POLICY DIALOGUE, 2025
Introduction
Ghana is committed to achieving its Net-Zero emissions target by 2070, as the national Energy Transition Policy document outlines. This commitment was reiterated at the Energy Transition Dialogue 2025, held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Accra. The event, themed ‘Accelerating Energy Transition’, was organized by the GIMPA-PURC Centre of Excellence in Public Utility Regulation (CEPUR). The dialogue brought together key stakeholders from the energy sector to discuss policies, investments, financial strategies, and technological approaches necessary for a successful energy transition.
Background
Currently, Ghana’s energy generation mix comprises 69 percent fossil fuels, with the remaining portion coming from renewable sources. To accelerate the transition towards Net-Zero Emissions, the Ministry of Energy has integrated the Green Transition into its mandate. The country’s Renewable Energy Act, passed in 2011, laid the foundation for renewable energy initiatives, and further steps have been taken, including the launch of an energy transition and investment plan in 2023. Ghana’s comprehensive natural energy transition framework, unveiled at the COP27 Climate Conference in Egypt in 2022, aims to achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2070.
Additionally, Ghana’s Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, highlighted the alarming state of energy access in rural Africa. He revealed that 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity, while a billion more are without clean cooking facilities. This energy deficit has severe socio-economic implications, affecting education, healthcare, and economic growth in rural communities.
Methodology
The dialogue featured a panel discussion with key industry players, policymakers, and regulatory bodies. The session was moderated by Prof. Phillip Kofi Adom, a Research Fellow at CEPUR. Presentations and discussions were centered on the progress of Ghana’s energy transition, key policies, investment opportunities, and the role of stakeholders in ensuring sustainable energy practices. Participants included representatives from the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, civil society groups from the energy value chain, and the media.
Discussions
- Commitment to Net-Zero by 2070
Mr. Seth Mahu, Director in charge of Renewable Energy at the ministry of energy, reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to achieving Net-Zero Emissions by 2070. He emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach involving policy, financial, investment, and technological strategies to reduce environmental impact.
- Role of the Energy Commission
Madam Eunice A. Biritwum, Acting Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, highlighted the commission’s efforts to fast-track Net-Zero goals. She announced a collaboration with the African Development Bank to procure 12,000 standardized net meters, with 3,600 already approved for implementation.
- Call for Stakeholder Collaboration
A seasoned energy consultant, Michael Opam, who chaired the session, stressed the importance of collective efforts among stakeholders in the energy value chain to drive Ghana’s energy transition.
- Existing and Future Initiatives
Ghana has been gradually implementing renewable energy initiatives since 2011. The government launched an energy transition and investment plan in 2023, further outlining the steps towards achieving the Net-Zero objective by 2060. The 2022 natural energy transition framework provided a strategic roadmap for sustainable energy development.
- Five-Point Agenda for Energy Transition
Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, introduced a comprehensive 5-point agenda to accelerate Ghana’s energy transition:
- Increasing Access to Electricity: Expanding grid extension and promoting off-grid renewable energy solutions to reach remote and underserved communities.
- Promoting Renewable Energy: Scaling up the development and deployment of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- Improving Energy Efficiency: Implementing measures to reduce energy waste and promote energy-efficient practices in industries, homes, and institutions.
- Enhancing Energy Storage and Grid Resilience: Investing in energy storage technologies and grid modernization to ensure reliable and efficient energy supply.
- Fostering International Cooperation and Investment: Collaborating with global partners and investors to leverage financing, technology, and expertise to support Ghana’s energy transition.
The Minister expressed optimism that the successful implementation of this agenda would significantly benefit rural Ghana and the broader African region by ensuring sustainable energy access and fostering socio-economic growth.
Conclusion
The Energy Transition Dialogue 2025 highlighted Ghana’s commitment to sustainable energy practices and achieving Net-Zero Emissions by 2070. The discussions underscored the importance of policy reforms, investment, technological advancements, and stakeholder collaboration in accelerating the transition. The introduction of the Ministry’s 5-point agenda provides a structured approach to improving energy access, promoting renewables, and enhancing grid resilience. CEPUR remains committed to championing research and regulatory advancements in the energy sector to support Ghana’s energy transition agenda.
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