The Electricity Hub, a subsidiary of Nextier, held its second Ghana webinar on December 4, 2024. The webinar brought together a distinguished panel of experts to discuss Ghana’s clean energy future, focusing on innovative pathways to achieve climate action goals through renewable energy solutions.
The meeting brought together key panellists in the energy sector in Ghana, which included Prof. David Ato Quansah, Thomas Kankam-Adjei, Victor Tobenna Ezenwoko, and Yorm Ama Abledu, who shared insights on the challenges and opportunities in Ghana’s clean energy transition and addressed critical challenges and opportunities in transitioning Ghana to a greener energy future.
Dr. David Ato Quansah, Director of the Brew-Hammond Energy Centre at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), emphasised the importance of aligning economic development with environmental sustainability.
He highlighted the need for a diversified and resilient energy system: “We must ensure that Ghana’s energy transition is well-rounded, powering economic growth while safeguarding the environment.” Dr Quansah also addressed the importance of data collection in attracting private capital to the renewable energy sector, calling for more investment in research and development.
Thomas Kankam Ajei, National Project Coordinator for the UNEP NDC Action Project, focused on the critical role of policy frameworks in driving renewable energy adoption.
He discussed Ghana’s obligations under the Paris Agreement and highlighted the importance of developing bankable, demand-driven projects to attract financing. “The key is to develop policies aligned with the needs of the people while ensuring the projects are financially viable,” Ajei noted. He also stressed the need for collaboration with international partners to mobilise grants for rural electrification projects.
Thomas Kankam Ajei also highlighted the need for streamlining regulations, proposing that the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) play a more significant role in coordinating cross-sector efforts and aligning policy goals.
Victor Tobenna Ezenwoko, Daystar Power’s Country Head for Nigeria and Ghana, addressed the pressing financial barriers to solar adoption in Ghana.
He explained that although the cost of solar technology has decreased, financing remains a significant challenge. “Our lease-to-own model has helped lower the barrier for businesses, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of solar power without upfront costs,” Ezenwoko explained. He also called for government incentives, such as tax exemptions on key equipment like inverters and batteries, to drive solar adoption further.
Yorm Ama Abledu, Moderator and Energy Lawyer underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement across sectors, particularly the collaboration between public and private entities.
She highlighted the role of grassroots participation in ensuring that communities are beneficiaries and active drivers of renewable energy initiatives. “Ghana’s clean energy journey must be inclusive, with local communities playing a central role in shaping the future of energy,” she stated.
The panellists identified several actionable steps to enhance Ghana’s clean energy efforts, including expanding tax exemptions on solar equipment, developing bankable business models, and training local contractors in solar installation and maintenance. The meeting also called for more substantial alignment between government ministries, financial institutions, and private sector actors to create a cohesive, clean energy marketplace.