The LEAF Ghana Project is conducting a nationwide assessment to pinpoint the country’s most promising “hotspots” for Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) installations, with the goal of delivering clean, reliable power where it is needed most.
Speaking at a high-level stakeholder engagement session, Project Coordinator Francis Adarkwah said the mapping exercise goes beyond simply identifying locations, it is about targeting areas where renewable energy can deliver the greatest social and economic impact, from powering health facilities and schools to improving access to clean water.
“This is not just about technology but it’s about transforming lives,” Adarkwah stressed. “We’re making sure women and vulnerable groups are at the centre of this rollout so that renewable energy becomes a tool for equity as well as development.”
The assessment incorporates agroecological zoning to ensure that solutions are tailored to the unique climate and environmental realities of each region.
In coastal areas, for example, hazard mapping is being used to address vulnerabilities such as flooding and extreme weather, while in inland farming communities, energy solutions will be aligned with agricultural needs.
“If you go to the coastal region, we know what technology is needed because of fishing activities. Hazard mapping helps us understand the risks, especially in high-vulnerability areas like the western coast,” he explained.
The project is working closely with private sector partners and relevant government ministries to validate findings, ensuring that the renewable energy installations are not only technically sound but also aligned with local priorities and economic realities.
By strategically identifying these renewable energy hotspots, the LEAF Project aims to fast-track solar and other clean energy deployments that can power livelihoods, strengthen local economies, and push Ghana closer to its climate action targets.
“This is an opportunity to close the energy gap, boost resilience, and put communities on a path to sustainable growth,” Adarkwah said. “We are building the foundation for a cleaner, fairer energy future for Ghana.”
