Consultations on Ghana’s much-anticipated energy transition and investment plan took place in Accra this week, as diverse stakeholders from government, the private sector, youth and civil-society organisations offered feedback on the plan ahead of its launch.

This energy transition and investment plan is expected to serve as the government’s main roadmap for achieving universal energy access and net-zero carbon emissions, as expressed under the country’s current Energy Transition Framework and Nationally Determined Contributions while fostering economic growth and protecting jobs.

Ghana has set goals to diversify its energy portfolio, increase the role of renewables and reduce energy intensity.

All of these will need to be done in parallel and the upcoming energy transition and investment plan provides a detailed view of what is needed in terms of technical assistance and investment across key sectors.

By mapping out these needs, the plan will serve as the main tool for the government to engage the international community and investors for support.

The government is developing the plan with technical support from Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL).

President Akufo-Addo and Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, and Co-Chair of UN-Energy, met in Accra to discuss the plan's findings and recommendations, ensuring it is backed by the highest levels of government.  

“Ghana is committed to a clean, equitable energy transition that harnesses the full potential of renewable sources and energy efficiency. However, ambition alone will not transform our energy systems, which is why we embarked on creating an energy transition and investment plan that details what is needed to reach our goals," President Akufo-Addo said.

He added that " He is looking forward to working with international partners to realize the many opportunities presented in this plan.”

Damilola Ogunbiyi also participated in an inter-ministerial committee meeting, where she briefed ministers on how the plan is designed to support the work of various ministries, including environment, transportation, industry, and others.

“It was a pleasure to meet with President Akufo-Addo, government ministers, local community groups and youth this week and hear first-hand how committed they are to a just and equitable energy transition.

"Their commitment has translated to an ambitious energy transition and investment plan that builds a case for changes across Ghana’s entire energy system," she said.

She added, "These changes present a tremendous opportunity for partners and investors from around the world to contribute to climate action and sustainable development in Ghana.”

At additional stakeholder engagement events, the private sector, civil society organisations, youth and other advocacy groups were given the opportunity to weigh in on what they would like to see the plan prioritize.

Among the points raised was the need for equitable access to the social and economic opportunities generated by the plan, such as jobs, particularly for women and youth.

Feedback from all consultations is guiding the plan’s finalisation, with its launch expected to happen this fall.

A similar plan was launched in Nigeria last year and a dedicated Energy Transition Office has been established to drive the plan’s activation, having already secured $3.6 billion for its underlying projects.