Accra: The government of Ghana has announced plans to intensify its nationwide renewable energy initiatives as part of its strategy to transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and sustainable economy. This expansion will focus on implementing solar power systems, mini-grids, rooftop solar installations, and other off-grid renewable energy solutions to increase electricity access and decrease reliance on fossil fuels.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Robert Sogbadji, Deputy Director for Renewable Energy and Green Transition at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, disclosed these plans during the Second Edition of the Ghana Green Investment Dialogue and Capacity Building Workshop in Accra. The event was organized by the Climate Parliament in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the Parliament of Ghana.
Dr. Sogbadji emphasized the need for Ghana to advance from pilot renewable energy projects and policy frameworks to large-scale implementation and investment-ready projects. He highlighted the progress made under the Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP), which has facilitated the installation of solar mini-grids in island and lakeside communities. These systems provide clean and reliable electricity to thousands, powering residences, educational institutions, health centers, and small businesses.
The Deputy Director also revealed plans for a national net-metering framework to allow households and businesses with rooftop solar systems to feed surplus electricity back into the national grid. This initiative aims to help consumers lower electricity costs while boosting private sector investment in solar energy technologies. Ghana's electricity access rate has surpassed 89 percent, positioning it among the leading countries in sub-Saharan Africa in terms of energy access.
The government's renewable energy agenda is supported by several policy frameworks, including the Renewable Energy Act, the Renewable Energy Master Plan, and the National Energy Transition Framework. An updated Renewable Energy Master Plan is set to be launched to guide the country's future renewable energy development.
The Green Energy Zones initiative is expected to attract sustainable investments, support local economic development, and create jobs nationwide. Mr. Samuel Arkurst, Director of the Real Sector Division at the Ministry of Finance, underscored the economic importance of Ghana's transition to renewable energy, citing ongoing climate-related challenges such as flooding and coastal erosion.
Mr. Dickson Kyere-Duah, Member of Parliament for Berekum West, emphasized the need for robust partnerships, innovative financing, and supportive regulatory frameworks to propel green investments in the country. He stressed the importance of collaboration among policymakers, investors, financial institutions, and development partners to transform national climate goals into actionable and investment-ready projects.