The government, private sector, civil society organisations and representatives of the UN have met to feedback on the plan ahead of a launch later this year.
Ghana’s 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 it seeks to deliver on its international commitments and its promise to grow the economy.
Ghana has set goals to diversify its energy mix by increasing the role of renewables and reducing energy intensity and the upcoming energy transition and investment plan is intended to provide 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. To help ensure that happens, the plan is being drawn up with technical support from Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), an independent international organisation that works in partnership with others to drive faster action towards Sustainable Development Goal 7 – access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030.
Speaking about the plan, Nana Akufo-Addo, the president of Ghana said “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.”
This month, Akufo-Addo met with Damilola Ogunbiyi, the CEO and special representative of the UN secretary general for Sustainable Energy for All to discuss the plan’s findings and recommendations to ensure it is backed from the highest levels.
Ogunbiyi also participated in an inter-ministerial committee meeting, where she briefed ministers on how the plan is designed to support the work of various ministries, including environment, transportation and industry.
Ogunbiyi commented: “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.”
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 is guiding the plan’s final shape, with its launch expected to happen this autumn.
A similar plan was launched in Nigeria last year and a dedicated Energy Transition Office has been established to drive the plan’s activation after already secured $3.6bn for projects.
