Renewable energy in Ghana: A missed opportunity or the future?
As Ghana prepares for the 2024 elections, both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have made significant promises about renewable energy adoption.
The question is whether these promises can be translated into real progress in the face of the country’s ongoing energy and environmental challenges.
The State of Renewable Energy in Ghana
Ghana’s journey towards renewable energy is a slow but necessary one. Despite the country’s vast potential for solar, wind, and biomass energy, renewable sources currently account for less than 2% of the national energy mix.
Meanwhile, Ghana continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels like natural gas, contributing to the country’s carbon emissions and environmental degradation.
In their 2024 manifestos, both major political parties the NPP and the NDC have highlighted renewable energy as a priority. However, the extent of their commitment and the feasibility of their promises vary.
NPP’s Promises: A Solar Future?
The NPP, led by President Nana Akufo-Addo, is focusing heavily on solar energy as the cornerstone of its renewable energy plan. Their 2024 manifesto includes a commitment to increasing solar energy capacity by 2,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030, a move they say will significantly reduce Ghana’s reliance on fossil fuels.
The NPP has also promised to expand the Government Goes Solar initiative, which aims to power public institutions — from schools to hospitals — with solar energy. By reducing the government’s energy bills and promoting clean energy, this initiative is meant to encourage wider adoption of solar solutions across the country.
However, the NPP’s track record raises concerns. Despite similar promises made in 2020, the share of solar energy in Ghana’s total installed energy capacity remains below 2%. The expansion of solar energy is crucial, but whether the NPP can deliver on its bold promises remains to be seen.
NDC’s Diversified Approach: Wind, Biomass, and More
In contrast to the NPP’s solar-focused strategy, the NDC’s 2024 manifesto takes a more diversified approach. While the party acknowledges the importance of solar, it also emphasizes the need to develop wind and biomass energy sources. The NDC argues that relying solely on solar is risky, and by diversifying, the country can improve energy security and build resilience against climate change.
The NDC’s plan also includes expanding decentralized renewable energy solutions for off-grid communities. Many rural areas in Ghana remain disconnected from the national grid, and the NDC aims to implement localized energy solutions, such as mini-grids powered by solar or wind.
While the NDC’s broader approach is promising, the development of wind and biomass energy in Ghana is still in its infancy. For instance, despite the country’s considerable wind potential, there are currently no large-scale wind energy projects. The NDC’s ability to deliver on these promises will require significant investment and technological capacity that Ghana does not yet fully possess.
The Road Ahead: Beyond Manifesto Promises
While both parties have outlined ambitious renewable energy goals, the reality of implementation is a major hurdle. One of the primary challenges is the high upfront cost of renewable energy infrastructure. Solar panels, wind turbines, and biomass plants require substantial investment, and in a country where fiscal space is tight, finding the funds for these projects can be difficult.
Moreover, inconsistent policy implementation between election cycles has hindered progress in the energy sector. Both the NPP and NDC have made renewable energy promises in previous manifestos, but follow-through has often been lacking. Without strong leadership and sustained effort, these new promises could easily become just another round of missed opportunities.
Supporting Data and the Bigger Picture
According to the Energy Commission of Ghana, renewable energy accounts for only about 0.5% of the country’s total energy mix as of 2023. Solar energy, in particular, remains underutilized despite Ghana’s abundance of sunlight. The government’s Renewable Energy Master Plan* set a target of 10% renewable energy by 2030, but progress remains slow.
In addition, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that Ghana could create over 26,000 new jobs in the renewable energy sector by 2030, provided that investments in solar, wind, and biomass are scaled up. This highlights the economic potential of renewable energy not only as a solution to climate change but also as a driver of job creation and economic development.
Conclusion: Can Ghana Keep its Promises?
As Ghana heads into the 2024 elections, the adoption of renewable energy is more important than ever. The effects of climate change are already being felt, with erratic weather patterns affecting agriculture and energy production. Both the NPP and the NDC have made bold promises, but the key will be in the follow-through.
Ghanaians need more than just campaign rhetoric they need a clear, actionable plan that will transform renewable energy from a distant goal into a reality. The next government must prioritize policy continuity, investment in infrastructure, and collaboration with the private sector to ensure that renewable energy is not only adopted but also sustainable in the long term.
Renewable energy is not just about protecting the environment, it is about securing Ghana’s future. The question remains, will Ghana’s leaders rise to the challenge, or will renewable energy remain a missed opportunity?