As Ghana intensifies efforts to achieve universal electricity access, experts in the energy sector are urging government and private stakeholders to invest in small hydro power (SHP) projects as a sustainable and practical solution for electrifying rural and remote communities.
Dr. Charles Sekyere, Chairman of the Wind and Hydro Power Group at the Brew-Hammond Energy Centre (TBHEC), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has argued that while the extension of the national grid is effective in urban settings, the same approach is costly and impractical for rural, island, and mountainous communities.
“There are some communities we can never extend the national grid to, but they have small hydro resources that can be developed into pico, micro, and mini hydro power plants.
“These can support the rural electrification agenda by providing stable and localized power generation.”
Dr. Charles Sekyere, Chairman of the Wind and Hydro Power Group at the Brew-Hammond Energy Centre (TBHEC)
According to the Ghana Energy Commission, national electricity access stands at around 88.85%, but this figure hides the deep disparity between urban centres and rural districts.
Many island and hinterland communities still live in darkness, relying on firewood or kerosene for basic energy needs. Dr. Sekyere believes SHP can change this narrative.
His group at TBHEC is focused on developing the technical and operational capacity to roll out real-life hydro and wind power solutions tailored to underserved regions.
“Our aim is to design and implement power solutions using locally available materials and expertise to reduce costs and improve sustainability.”
Dr. Charles Sekyere, Chairman of the Wind and Hydro Power Group at the Brew-Hammond Energy Centre (TBHEC)
One such initiative is a collaborative project with the Volta River Authority (VRA) exploring the use of hydrogen energy and small hydro resources.
A feasibility study is currently underway on a river within the KNUST campus, led by a doctoral student, with the goal of launching a functioning demonstration plant. The hope is that this model can be replicated in rural communities across the country.
“Small hydro plants don’t require huge infrastructure.
“When strategically installed, they can reliably power essential services like schools, clinics, and homes. The social impact of even limited energy access in these areas cannot be overstated.”
Dr. Charles Sekyere, Chairman of the Wind and Hydro Power Group at the Brew-Hammond Energy Centre (TBHEC)
Small Hydro Power in Rural Development
Hydropower has traditionally played a key role in Ghana’s energy mix, particularly through large-scale projects such as the Akosombo Dam.
However, small hydro projects offer a more decentralized approach, providing direct electricity access without the need for extensive national grid expansion.
Dr. Sekyere pointed out that properly installed small hydro plants could supply reliable electricity to clinics, schools, and households in areas currently struggling with energy access.
“Even small hydro projects can make a huge difference in local communities.
“A well-positioned plant can power essential services and improve livelihoods.”
Dr. Charles Sekyere, Chairman of the Wind and Hydro Power Group at the Brew-Hammond Energy Centre (TBHEC)
While hydropower is widely regarded as one of Ghana’s strongest renewable energy sources, experts note that wind energy development has been relatively slow due to lower wind speeds across much of the country.
“The wind resource in Ghana is not very strong, and it’s mainly concentrated in the Volta region where wind speeds range between 6 and 8 m/s.
“Nonetheless, VRA is developing two major wind farms—Ayitepa (225 MW gross) and Konikablo (200 MW)—to boost wind energy contributions.”
Dr. Charles Sekyere, Chairman of the Wind and Hydro Power Group at the Brew-Hammond Energy Centre (TBHEC)
Beyond large-scale wind farms, Dr. Sekyere believes smaller horizontal-axis wind turbines could play a role in rural electrification when installed in strategic locations.
“Ghana has appreciable wind energy resources in remote rural settings—adequate enough for small turbines to support electrification.
“We are considering feasibility studies in various rural areas to assess wind energy potential.”
Dr. Charles Sekyere, Chairman of the Wind and Hydro Power Group at the Brew-Hammond Energy Centre (TBHEC)
Despite ongoing research and private sector interest, experts caution that government backing is critical to scaling up small hydro and wind energy projects.
Dr. Sekyere urged policymakers and academia to support initiatives led by research centers like the Brew-Hammond Energy Centre, which train energy specialists capable of implementing real-world solutions.
With Ghana striving for universal electricity access, experts highlight the urgent need to incorporate localized renewable energy projects into the broader electrification strategy.
Small hydro power presents a cost-effective, sustainable, and scalable alternative for rural communities facing grid expansion limitations.
READ ALSO: Mahama Promises Revamp of Tema Oil Refinery Through PPP
