The IMANI Centre for Policy and Education has called on the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), the Ministry of Education (MoE), and the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (MELR) to collaborate with academic institutions to integrate critical green skills into Ghana’s education curriculum.
According to IMANI’s Senior Research Associate, Dennis Asare, this initiative is vital to building technical capacity, facilitating the growth of green businesses, and ensuring that students understand the relevance of sustainable practices in national development.
“We need to create an environment where students are equipped with the necessary skills to drive green innovation and entrepreneurship.
“By embedding green skills into our education system, we can cultivate a workforce capable of supporting and expanding sustainable businesses.”
Dennis Asare, IMANI’s Senior Research Associate
Dennis Asare also presented findings from a study examining the policy, market, and non-market factors influencing green business investments in Ghana.
The research, conducted between 2024 and early 2025, revealed that many green businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), struggle to scale due to an unsupportive policy and market environment.
“Green businesses in Ghana, most of which are SMEs, face scalability challenges because the policy and market environment are not supportive of attracting the needed investments.”
Dennis Asare, IMANI’s Senior Research Associate
Asare further noted that despite some reforms, such as legislating climate change issues to strengthen governance, persistent issues like a weak fiscal incentive system, uncoordinated policies, and technical capacity constraints continue to hinder growth.
“Green businesses are being suffocated by a system that doesn’t understand them. They need investment, but also an environment that allows them to grow.”
Dennis Asare, IMANI’s Senior Research Associate
Asare also urged green business owners to leverage existing financing opportunities to enhance their projects’ bankability and invest in product certifications to boost credibility.
Additionally, he called on Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to utilize provisions in the new Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Act to demand greater participation and accountability in environmental governance.
Government’s Commitment to Climate Action
Mr. Asare acknowledged the recent appointment of a Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, signaling the government’s commitment to prioritizing climate issues within Ghana’s development strategy.
“While these are relevant for climate governance, it is imperative to understand how they contribute to creating a supportive business environment to attract green investment.”
Dennis Asare, IMANI’s Senior Research Associate
Industry experts argue that strengthening climate governance and enhancing education and financing frameworks will be key to unlocking Ghana’s green economy potential.
“Without supportive policies and proper incentives, the green sector will remain stuck in pilot mode.”
Dennis Asare, IMANI’s Senior Research Associate
Despite Ghana’s rich natural resources and environmental potential, the country has yet to establish a strong, investor-friendly green business landscape.
Stakeholders stress that without urgent policy interventions, Ghana risks missing out on climate finance opportunities that could significantly boost sustainable business growth.
The integration of green skills into Ghana’s education system, coupled with targeted policy reforms, is essential for fostering a robust green economy.
By equipping the workforce with the necessary competencies and creating an enabling environment for sustainable businesses, Ghana can position itself as a leader in green innovation and achieve its climate goals.
The success of Ghana’s green transition will depend on the ability of the government, academic institutions, and the private sector to align their strategies, making the country a more attractive destination for climate-conscious investors.
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