The Minister for Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has disclosed that, his ministry is looking at special industrial tariffs for the sale of electricity and natural gas to strategic industries.
In an address read on his behalf by the Deputy Minister of Energy,;Andrew Egyapa Mercer, on access to affordable energy, the Minister indicated that, the reform is expected to support national development and revenue generation.
“…strategic industries such as iron and steel, bauxite, aluminum, fertilizer, ceramics amongst others. It is expected that these tariff reforms will support national development objectives such as increase revenue,;industrialization and employment creation in accordance with government’s Ghana beyond aid programme.”
Dr.Opoku Prempeh
He made this statement at the IMANI-Giz dialogue on;“Access to affordable energy to support economic growth and job creation in Ghana.”
Deputy Minister of Energy, Andrew Egyapa Mercer
Energy policy has been reviewed
Dr. Opoku Prempeh disclosed that the energy policy has been reviewed and is about to seek cabinets approval for it to be implemented.
“We have therefore reviewed the energy policy of 2010;and have come up with an updated version taking into consideration unforeseen challenges and changes in global trends. We’re about seeking cabinet’s approval for its implementation.”
Dr.Opoku Prempeh
Touching also on access to electricity in Ghana by way of the population,;he indicated that access has increased from about 15% at inception of the National Electrification Scheme to the current level of 55.17%.
“One thing that has sustained the momentum of the scheme is the commitment of successive governments towards providing the needed support for implementation.
“The current government, consistent with the momentum, has indicated its commitment toward the achievement of the universal access to electricity by the end of 2024.” Also
Dr.Opoku Prempeh
He further disclosed that, the Energy Ministry has come up with a number of strategies to meet the target of access to electricity by 2024. Additionally, he averred that it is his responsibility to deal with the challenges that are affecting the provision of sustainable energy for the economic development of our country.
“Ladies and gentlemen,;whiles we make efforts toward the existing provision of sustainable energy for economic development,;one must not lose sight of the needed upgrade of the existing infrastructure. This is to guarantee a firm-based supply to underpin the industrialization forces.”
Dr.Opoku Prempeh
Gov’t committed to fixing energy challenges
The minister also reiterated government’s commitment to fixing the challenges,;that is, dealing with the power issues, facilitating additional oil finds to make more cheaper gas available and to restore the financial health of the sector as soon as possible.
With regards to renewable energy,;he further revealed the ministry is undertaking a study being funded by the World Bank;to develop a clean cooking strategy and investment prospectus for Ghana. This, he says, will drive investment in the sector to help the sector achieve its goals.
He also said the Energy Ministry is committed to ensuring 50% LPG penetration in the country as a means of providing affordable energy. Also
The Deputy Energy Minister on his part also assured that,;the ministry will foster quarterly energy sector round table discussion to tackle,;deliberate and propose solutions to policies and issues affecting the energy sector. Also
