The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has announced a comprehensive plan to accelerate Ghana’s renewable energy adoption, positioning the country as a key player in Africa’s green economy. Speaking at the Government’s Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, July 16, Mr Jinapor outlined strategic initiatives aimed at transforming the energy landscape, creating jobs, and driving sustainable economic growth.

Under the new initiative, the government plans to deploy 12,000 net-meter solar PV systems across homes, construct 35 mini-grids to electrify 47 island communities, and provide 1,450 solar home systems to off-grid households and public institutions. Additionally, a 200-megawatt solar project is in development across multiple locations nationwide.

As part of the efforts to diversify energy sources, Mr. Jinapor revealed that Ghana is constructing a 25-megawatt floating solar plant at the Bui Power Station, with floaters being manufactured locally to boost local content participation. The Volta River Authority (VRA) is also working on a 30-megawatt floating solar facility at the Pong Hydro Reservoir, funded by KfW.

“These measures will enable Ghana to leverage solar during the day while conserving hydropower for the night, effectively using hydro dams as battery storage. This strategy will extend the lifespan of our hydropower assets and ensure efficiency in power management,” the Minister stated.

To support this transition, Ghana has partnered with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to train citizens in solar energy technologies, creating thousands of green jobs. The country is set to host the 7th Africa Regional Committee Meeting of the ISA from September 2nd to 4th, 2025, under Jinapor’s leadership as Vice-President of the Alliance.

The government is also prioritizing clean cooking solutions by distributing 450,000 LPG cook stoves and shifting 23,500 streetlights to solar power, which could save up to 300 megawatts of grid electricity during peak hours.

In a bold move toward sustainable transportation, the Energy Ministry recently launched an Electric Vehicle (EV) Promotion Program, starting with government agencies. “Very soon, you will see ministers driving EV vehicles powered by solar energy,” Jinapor noted, adding that the initiative will extend to commercial drivers and the wider public in collaboration with the private sector.

To ensure long-term success, a five-year strategic roadmap is being developed to guide Ghana’s green transition agenda. The government has also established a Renewable Energy and Green Transition Fund to attract investment and bridge financing gaps in the sector.

“This ambitious plan will not only ensure energy security but also unlock economic opportunities for businesses and individuals in Ghana,” the Minister emphasized.

As the world races toward decarbonization, Ghana’s aggressive renewable energy strategy positions the nation as a model for sustainable development in Africa.