Ghana is charting an ambitious course toward universal electricity access, affordability, and environmental sustainability, according to Richard Gyan-Mensah, Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition. Speaking at a high-level seminar co-hosted by the International Growth Centre (IGC) and the Centre of Excellence for Public Utilities Regulation (CEPUR), Gyan-Mensah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sweeping policy reforms to accelerate energy sector transformation.
He emphasized that electricity is the cornerstone of industrialization and daily livelihoods.
“Electricity is the fulcrum around which industrial transformation and daily life revolve,” he stated, noting that Ghana currently boasts a national electrification rate of 89.03%, with urban access at 91%. However, only 50% of rural communities are connected, highlighting the urgency for inclusive and targeted energy policies.
The event, themed “Towards Affordable and Sustainable Electricity Sector for Inclusive Growth,” brought together policymakers, industry leaders, regulators, and development experts to tackle one of the nation’s most pressing development challenges.
Gyan-Mensah detailed government initiatives focused on striking a balance between cost recovery for utilities and affordability for consumers. In collaboration with the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), the government is developing a balanced tariff structure designed to shield vulnerable populations while ensuring the financial viability of energy providers.
He also highlighted reforms to the Cash Waterfall Mechanism a critical financial framework for the energy sector noting that recent changes had improved transparency and accountability in revenue distribution.
Over 200 islands and more than 2,000 lakeside communities along the Volta remain off-grid. To bridge this divide, the Ministry is designing a targeted electrification program tailored for remote and underserved populations, a move seen as pivotal to achieving Ghana’s vision of universal access.
Looking ahead, the Deputy Minister unveiled Ghana’s Green Transition policy, which aims to boost the share of renewable energy in the national mix by 10% by 2030. The government is actively inviting private sector participation in utility-scale solar and wind projects to accelerate this shift.
“The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition’s policy places emphasis on renewables and alternative energy as sources of power to complement conventional power.”. Gyan-Mensah said.
He concluded with a call to action for collective responsibility, urging stakeholders across government, regulatory bodies, industry, and civil society to work together to ensure energy security and power Ghana’s growth.
