Hon. Collins Adomako-Mensah, the Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North Constituency and current Deputy Minister of Energy, has affirmed Ghana’s significant strides in the energy sector, marking the nation as a leader in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In his remarks at the Ghana Economic Forum 2024, where he represented his superior, Hon. Herbert Krapa, Minister of State-Ministry of Energy as the guest of honor, Hon. Adomako-Mensah highlighted the theme “Unlocking Opportunities by Re-engineering Ghana’s Economic Model for Sustainable Development” to underscore the critical role energy plays in the country’s growth trajectory.
In his speech, Hon. Adomako-Mensah celebrated Ghana’s impressive electricity access rate, which has reached 88.85% of the population. This milestone places Ghana among the top countries in Sub-Saharan Africa regarding energy accessibility.
“Our current energy landscape has observed significant positive growth over the years,” Adomako-Mensah stated. He emphasized that the country’s enhanced energy reliability has been a cornerstone for supporting industrial growth, creating a robust foundation for sustainable economic development.
Ghana’s progress in energy access is not only a statistic but a reflection of the country’s broader developmental goals. The near-universal access to electricity is a testament to the government’s commitment to ensuring that energy is a catalyst for industrialization, urbanization, and improved living standards.
This achievement also positions Ghana as a model for other nations in the region striving to enhance their energy infrastructure.
A key focus of Adomako-Mensah’s address was the role of renewable energy and technological advancements in Ghana’s energy sector. He emphasized that the integration of renewable energy resources has not only contributed to meeting the country’s energy demands but also opened up new opportunities for growth and innovation.
“Renewable energy, technological advancements, and the Ghana Nuclear Power Programme have significantly enhanced opportunities in the energy sector.”
Hon. Collins Adomako-Mensah, MP and Deputy Minister of Energy
The Ghana Nuclear Power Programme, in particular, has been pivotal in diversifying the country’s energy mix. As Ghana looks towards the future, nuclear energy is expected to play a crucial role in providing a stable and reliable power supply, which is essential for long-term economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Hon. Adomako-Mensah also highlighted the innovative strides made in solar energy. The Bui Power Authority’s 5MW floating Solar Power Station, currently the largest in Africa, alongside their 50MW land-based solar-hydro hybrid plants, has demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of large-scale renewable projects.
These initiatives not only showcase Ghana’s commitment to green energy but also serve as a blueprint for other nations seeking to harness the power of renewable energy.
Policies and Decentralized Energy Systems
The Deputy Minister of Energy outlined the government’s strategic approach to unlocking further opportunities in the energy sector. He stressed the importance of implementing supportive policies and streamlining regulatory processes to attract investment in clean energy.
These policies are crucial in creating a conducive environment for private sector participation, which is essential for scaling up renewable energy projects and achieving energy security.
“To bridge the urban-rural energy divide, the development of decentralized energy systems is imperative,” Hon. Adomako-Mensah stated. This approach is particularly important for ensuring that the benefits of Ghana’s energy advancements are felt across the entire population, including those in the most remote areas.
In line with this vision, the government has already made significant progress in providing electricity to island communities. Hon. Adomako-Mensah revealed that five mini-grid projects are currently in operation, with three additional projects underway.
These efforts are part of the broader Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Project, under which 35 island and lakeside communities will be electrified. The electrification of these communities is expected to boost socio-economic activities, improve living conditions, and reduce poverty in some of Ghana’s most underserved areas.
Adomako-Mensah’s address at the Ghana Economic Forum 2024 not only highlighted the achievements of the energy sector but also set a clear vision for the future. He underscored the importance of continued investment in renewable energy, technological innovation, and inclusive energy policies to drive sustainable development.
The Minister’s remarks reflect the broader commitment of the Ghanaian government to re-engineer the country’s economic model in a way that leverages energy as a key driver of growth. As Ghana continues to enhance its energy infrastructure, the focus remains on ensuring that this growth is sustainable, inclusive, and beneficial for all citizens.
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