Ghana and Nigeria through their respective energy agencies i.e Energy Commission of Ghana and Standards Organisation of Nigeria, have advanced steps in achieving energy efficiency through regional cooperation.
As part of these steps the Energy Commission of Ghana hosted a high-level delegation from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) at its Head Office in Accra to share experiences and explore areas of collaboration in the implementation of Energy Efficiency Standards and Labelling (S&L) Programmes.
“The engagement formed part of SON’s preparatory activities towards the establishment of the Nigerian Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme (SONMELS), aimed at operationalising the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioners, refrigerators, and lighting products.”
Energy Commission
The meeting, which brought together key officials from both institutions including Engr. Enebi Shaibu Onucheyo, Director of Product Certification Department and Chairman of the SON Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme (SONMELS) Implementation Committee and Mr. Kennedy Amankwa, Assistant Director of Energy Efficiency at the Energy Commission of Ghana, focused on the Commission’s experiences in implementing Ghana’s Standards and Labelling Programme, enforcement mechanisms, and stakeholder coordination.
The Energy Commission of Ghana and Standards Organisation of Nigeria, emphasised the “importance of regional collaboration and knowledge exchange in advancing energy efficiency and sustainability across West Africa”.
Technical Cooperation and Practices
The two parties expressed their unwavering commitment to cooperating and assisting each other in achieving sustainable and efficient energy for their countries.
The parties also expressed their willingness to achieve this dream through “strengthening technical cooperation and promoting energy efficiency best practices within the subregion.”
The Energy Commission of Ghana and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria have been at the forefront of their respective countries’ efforts to promote energy efficiency and sustainability.
The Energy Commission of Ghana has been responsible for implementing Ghana’s Standards and Labelling Programme, which aims to improve the energy efficiency of various household and industrial appliances.
Similarly, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria has been working towards the establishment of the Nigerian Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme (SONMELS), a crucial step in operationalising the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioners, refrigerators, and lighting products.
The alignment of initiatives between the two countries underscores the growing recognition of the importance of regional collaboration in addressing energy challenges.
Knowledge Sharing
The meeting between the Energy Commission of Ghana and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria provided a valuable platform for the exchange of knowledge and best practices.
By sharing their experiences in implementing energy efficiency programmes, the two institutions were able to identify areas of synergy and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
“Discussions centred on the Commission’s experiences in implementing Ghana’s Standards and Labelling Programme, enforcement mechanisms, and stakeholder coordination.”
Energy Commission
This exchange of information not only benefits the two countries but also sets the stage for a broader regional dialogue on energy efficiency, ultimately resulting to more effective and harmonized approaches across West Africa.
Advancing Energy Sustainability
The joint commitment expressed by the Energy Commission of Ghana and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria to strengthen technical cooperation and promote energy efficiency best practices is a testament to their shared vision of a more sustainable energy future for the subregion.
This collaborative approach not only aligns with the broader sustainable development goals but also demonstrates the two countries’ commitment to fostering a more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible West Africa.
Regional Cooperation
The successful implementation of energy efficiency programmes often relies on the sharing of knowledge, best practices, and collaborative efforts across borders.
By engaging in this dialogue, the Energy Commission of Ghana and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria have set the stage for a more integrated and effective approach to energy efficiency in the subregion.
The Energy Commission of Ghana and its counterpart, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, both emphasized the importance of regional collaboration and knowledge exchange in advancing energy efficiency and sustainability across West Africa.
This recognition of the power of regional cooperation will undoubtedly pave way for more impactful and sustainable energy solutions in the years to come.
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