Accra: Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has stressed the importance of long-term planning, periodic policy reviews, and enhanced inter-sectoral cooperation to effectively address Ghana's development challenges, particularly within the energy sector. She made these remarks during a visit to the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition in Accra, aimed at closing gaps between the Presidency and various government bodies and gaining direct insight into their successes and challenges.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Vice President commended the Ministry and its agencies for their efforts to stabilize the energy sector amidst significant challenges such as heavy debt and looming power shortages. She expressed the government's full support and emphasized the need for sustainable development through solid planning, advocating for openness to evaluation and adaptation of strategies in response to changing circumstances.
Prof Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the importance of diversifying the energy mix with a focus on renewable sources like solar, and suggested alternatives for domestic cooking gas, such as piped gas. She also linked energy stability to agriculture, urging Ghana to reduce its reliance on food imports, given the country's favorable climate.
Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Mr. John Jinapor, briefed the Vice President on the sector's crisis when the National Democratic Congress (NDC)-led government took office, citing a deficit of about 700 megawatts and sector debt exceeding US$3 billion. He detailed reforms that have reduced sector debt by approximately US$500 million and highlighted 10 months of uninterrupted power supply due to increased gas utilization and reduced reliance on costly liquid fuels.
Mr. Jinapor also reported renewed investor confidence in the petroleum and gas sectors, increased domestic gas supply, and plans for a second gas processing plant. He noted a significant drop in fuel prices and outlined green transition initiatives, including solar-powered irrigation and nationwide solar streetlights.
The Vice President was joined by senior officials from her office, highlighting the government's commitment to addressing these issues collaboratively.