As we explored in Part 5 of this series, Ghana’s green business ecosystem is constrained not only by fragmented climate policy and limited public awareness but also by deeper structural issues, ranging from ineffective incentives to critical green skills shortages. These challenges stall the scalability of environmentally sustainable enterprises and hinder Ghana’s progress toward a resilient, low-carbon economy.
In this sixth installment, we turn to the recommendations outlined in a joint assessment by the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education and the Africa Centre for Energy Policy. The report offers a thoughtful blueprint for reforming Ghana’s governance and market systems to provide a more enabling environment for green enterprise. According to the authors, “Ghana’s green business ecosystem is growing rapidly, but the governance and market constraints are stalling the scalability of green enterprises.”
A Call for Stronger Regulation and Policy Harmonisation
One of the key recommendations is for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to pass new regulations under the revised EPA Act to specifically address climate change. These regulations would serve as a vital complement to the existing Act by providing a clear operational framework for coordinating all climate-related policies.
More significantly, the report urges the government to enact a dedicated climate change law anchored in a long-term decarbonisation strategy. Such legislation would separate climate change governance from the broader environmental regulatory framework, making space for targeted action and stronger accountability. This, IMANI argues, is essential to “strengthening institutional coordination and improving the effectiveness of climate governance.”
Creating an Incentive System That Works
Ghana’s current fiscal incentives for green businesses have been widely criticised for being fragmented and ineffective. As noted in Part 5, even when businesses are granted exemptions on specific items like solar panels, the overall tax burden across the project lifecycle erodes those benefits.
The report therefore recommends that the Climate Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance develop a comprehensive framework to streamline all green investment incentives. This framework should clearly identify available incentives, simplify access procedures, and be backed by transparent operational plans.
Unlocking Access to Green Finance and Skills Development
The IMANI report also highlights the importance of capacity building, urging green enterprises to tap into grant facilities under the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to strengthen their skills in developing bankable projects. In parallel, it calls for academic institutions and ministries to align Ghana’s education system with the needs of a green economy.
The Ministries of Environment, Education, and Labour are encouraged to work with GTEC and tertiary institutions to conduct a long-term green skills gap analysis. This analysis should inform the redesign of curricula to include STEM and technical programmes critical to the green transition. Collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and international partners is further recommended to secure funding for these reforms.
Empowering Civil Society for Accountability
Finally, the report emphasises the role of civil society in holding institutions accountable. It encourages CSOs to leverage provisions in the new EPA Act that mandate public consultation and participation. According to the report, CSOs must “effectively use newly created institutions like the Citizens’ Bureau at the Office of the Speaker of Parliament and the new Office of the Minister of State on Climate Change” to demand transparency and inclusivity.
Key Recommendations from the IMANI Report
- Pass climate-specific regulations under the EPA Act to harmonise climate governance efforts.
- Enact a dedicated climate change law tied to a long-term decarbonisation strategy.
- Streamline fiscal incentives for green investments through a coordinated framework by the Climate Finance Division.
- Leverage GCF and international support to enhance the bankability of green business projects.
- Conduct a national green skills gap analysis to align education and training with the needs of a low-carbon economy.
- Promote CSO engagement through new participatory mechanisms in the EPA Act and other state offices.
In Conclusion
The reforms outlined above represent more than policy suggestions, they are essential steps for reimagining Ghana’s green economy. As IMANI and ACEP argue, only through deliberate institutional strengthening, targeted legislation, and inclusive governance can Ghana move from fragmented ambition to sustainable action.
This marks the final installment in our Ghana’s Green Business Ecosystem Series. Over the past six parts, we’ve uncovered the opportunities, constraints, and urgent reforms needed to support a thriving green economy. From policy fragmentation and financial bottlenecks to skills gaps and civic participation, the path forward is clear: Ghana must build a coherent, inclusive, and future-ready framework to unlock the full potential of its green enterprises.
