Dr. Robert Bright Mawuko Sagbadji, Deputy Director for Nuclear and Emerging Green Technologies at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, has stressed that financing a just green energy transition is vital to protecting Ghana’s food sovereignty and livelihoods.
He explained that Ghana’s transition strategy was deliberately designed to balance sustainability with economic stability, ensuring that no citizen was left worse off in the process.
“In Ghana, a just transition means moving towards cleaner fuels without imposing economic hardship. We must minimise stranded assets, reduce job losses, and maximise the benefits of energy transition without undermining our economy,” Dr. Sagbadji said in an interview with the Ghana News Agency after a panel discussion at the Future of Energy Conference 2025 in Accra.
Unlike the global 2050 deadline, Ghana has extended its energy transition framework to 2070, giving the country time to harness its natural resources while steadily advancing towards renewable energy.
According to Dr. Sagbadji, this gradual approach will help prevent energy poverty and economic shocks often caused by rushed transitions.
“Our pathway ensures Ghana can sustainably exploit its resources while progressing towards clean energy in a way that protects jobs and economic growth,” he added.
The Future of Energy Conference 2025, organised by ActionAid Ghana in collaboration with the Africa Centre for Energy Policy, convened government agencies, private sector players, civil society, and development partners to deliberate on financing a just transition under the theme “Financing a Just Green Energy Transition for Sustainable Food Sovereignty.”
Discussions highlighted the growing links between renewable energy adoption and food security, particularly as climate change continues to impact agriculture and rural livelihoods.
Stakeholders agreed that scaling up renewable energy investments would not only cut emissions but also strengthen resilience in food systems, particularly for smallholder farmers.
Dr. Sagbadji described the conference as a valuable platform for Ghana to showcase its transition framework while sharing lessons with other African countries, many of which are yet to develop long-term energy transition strategies.
“This is one of the platforms for Ghana to present its plans for others to learn from. Not all African countries have developed their own frameworks, and Ghana is ready to support them to do so sustainably,” he said.
Highlighting Ghana’s commitments, Dr. Sagbadji pointed to the Energy Transition Framework (2022–2070), the Renewable Energy Master Plan, and the National Energy Policy, which he said had been aligned to provide clear, measurable pathways toward net zero.
He further revealed that Ghana was finalising its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) 2.0 and developing NDCs 3.0 to reflect new climate targets under the Paris Agreement.
“These policies incorporate contributions from energy, transport, agriculture, and other sectors, ensuring emission reduction efforts are comprehensive. Whether it is renewable energy penetration, fuel blending, or sector-specific targets, the pathway is clearly outlined for accountability,” he said.
Other experts at the forum, including Mr. Kwadwo Gyasi Santo, a Lecturer at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, underscored that linking energy transition financing to food sovereignty was essential.
He noted that access to affordable clean energy for smallholder farmers and rural communities would play a decisive role in building sustainable food systems and national resilience.
Stakeholders resolved that inclusivity must be central to Ghana’s transition, ensuring vulnerable groups benefit from energy investments.
They agreed that a well-financed and equitable transition could position Ghana as a model for Africa in navigating the challenges of climate change while safeguarding livelihoods.
