Ghana is embarking on a bold new journey toward sustainability with its focus on green transitions as a cornerstone of the country’s energy transformation. On January 9, 2025, just two days after being sworn into office, the President renamed the Ministry of Energy to include “Green Transition.” This significant move reflects a commitment to addressing climate change and transitioning to a just and sustainable energy system.
A green transition represents a shift from unsustainable energy systems to sustainable, low-carbon, and climate-resilient energy models. In Ghana’s context, it entails phasing out fossil fuel dependence, increasing the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix, and creating an inclusive, low-carbon economy that benefits all citizens.
This transition is critical as Ghana’s current energy landscape remains dominated by fossil fuels. The Ministry of Energy reports a total installed capacity of 4,132 MW, comprising hydro (38%), thermal (61%), and solar (less than 1%). The reliance on crude oil, natural gas, and diesel as thermal power sources contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change and its devastating effects, such as rising sea levels, biodiversity loss, extreme weather, and food insecurity.
Green transitions are not just about reducing emissions but also about fostering a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable energy future. For Ghana, this means:
- Transitioning to renewable energy sources to achieve real zero emissions and energy sovereignty
- Developing manufacturing and value chains for renewable energy technologies, which will stimulate socio-economic growth and creating green jobs
- Lowering the cost of renewable energy technologies, such as solar PV systems, to ensure equitable access for underserved and off-grid communities. And lastly,
- Adding value to Ghana’s abundant natural resources, such as strategic minerals to power the renewable energy value chain.
Despite the promising outlook, Ghana faces several challenges in its energy sector. These include:
- Mounting debts owed to independent power producers (IPPs), which threaten power supply stability.
- Persistent power cuts, or “dumsor,” which disrupt economic activities.
- High energy costs that burden households and businesses.
Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring a smooth and equitable green transition.
Ghana’s path to a green transition is underpinned by several policies and initiatives designed to guide the country’s energy transformation. These policies align with Ghana’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and are pivotal in shaping the development of future NDCs.
Green transitions hold immense potential to transform Ghana’s energy sector into a model of sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience. By leveraging its policies, resources, and commitment to renewable energy, Ghana can reduce emissions, achieve energy sovereignty, and foster a green economy that benefits all citizens.
The shift toward a just sustainable energy future is not merely an environmental necessity—it is a moral and economic imperative. Through decisive action and collective effort, Ghana can lead the way in Africa’s clean energy revolution while securing a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.
References
MOE – www.energtmin.gov.gh
Reform-support.ec.europa.eu
Ghana National Energy Transition Franework
Read more about the policies and frameworks
National Energy Policy, Renewable Energy Act,
Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP),Energy Sector Strategy and Development Plan (ESSDP),Sustainable Energy for All Action Plan, Ghana Scale-Up Renewable Energy Program (SREP),National Energy Transition Framework, Ghana Energy Transition and Investment Plan
