Accra: Parliament is set to lead by example in Ghana's transition to renewable energy with plans to install solar panels at the Parliamentary enclave as part of efforts to promote clean energy adoption across Ghana. The initiative would demonstrate Parliament's commitment to sustainable energy while encouraging constituencies nationwide to embrace renewable energy solutions.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Yaw Addo Frimpong, Chair of the Committee on Environment, Science and Technology, emphasized the need for Ghana to transition "from awareness to action" in addressing energy challenges and boosting investments in clean energy infrastructure. He made these remarks at the Ghana Green Investment Dialogue held in Accra, a workshop organized by the Climate Parliament in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the Parliament of Ghana. The event gathered policymakers, legislators, investors, financial institutions, and development partners to explore strategies for mobilizing green investment and climate finance.
Mr. Frimpong highlighted that Parliament is ready to support the passage of necessary laws and regulations to foster a favorable environment for renewable energy investments, focusing particularly on constituency-based energy projects. He stressed the importance of collaboration among government ministries, investors, financial institutions, and energy providers to mobilize resources for large-scale renewable energy implementation in Ghana.
Drawing from Zambia's experience during its energy crisis, Mr. Frimpong mentioned that allowing legislators to use constituency development funds for alternative energy projects had significantly reduced pressure on the national electricity supply system. He suggested that similar initiatives in Ghana could potentially mitigate the impact of past energy crises, improve energy security, create jobs, and support sustainable development.
Dr. Robert Sogbadji, Deputy Director for Renewable Energy and Green Transition at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, stated that Ghana has reached a critical stage where it must move beyond pilot renewable energy projects and policy frameworks towards large-scale implementation and bankable investment pipelines. He noted the Government's progress through the Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP), which has facilitated the installation of solar mini-grids in island and lakeside communities, delivering clean and reliable electricity to thousands of underserved residents.
Dr. Sogbadji added that the renewable energy projects showcase the Government's commitment to inclusive energy access and climate-resilient development. He also disclosed plans for a national net-metering framework that would enable households and businesses with rooftop solar systems to feed excess electricity into the national grid, further enhancing Ghana's renewable energy landscape.