Business & Economy

Energy expert calls for urgent action to reduce Ghana's dependence on fossil fuels

Karen Tei•2d ago•703 words · 4 min read

Summary

Lom-Nuku Ahlijah, a lawyer and energy expert, called on the government to urgently diversify Ghana's energy sector due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuels, speaking on JoyNews AM on Monday, March 16. He warned that the country is vulnerable to global shocks, citing escalating military exchanges involving Israel, Iran, and the United States, and the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Ahlijah emphasized that international developments, such as security incidents in Burkina Faso and the war in Ukraine, directly impact Ghana's trade and supply chains.

Ahlijah urged the government to prioritize renewable energy and modern technologies, noting that the Ministry of Energy now has a mandate for green transition. He highlighted the shift in Ghana's electricity generation mix, where thermal power, largely fueled by gas, now accounts for roughly 80 percent of the country's power generation, while hydroelectric power contributes only about 20 percent - a reversal from a decade ago. He stated that Ghana has struggled to meet its renewable energy targets, with solar and other renewable projects contributing less than five percent to the generation mix.

Ahlijah also referenced Ghana's nuclear energy ambitions, which began in 2007 during the administration of former president John Agyekum Kufuor. He noted that despite successive governments pursuing the project, the country has yet to establish a nuclear power plant. He stressed the need for stronger policy interventions to promote renewable energy and reduce Ghana's dependence on fossil fuels.

Quick Summary

Energy expert Lom-Nuku Ahlijah is calling for a restructuring of Ghana's energy system. He warns that the country's reliance on fossil fuels leaves it vulnerable to global economic shocks- but why is this the case?

#energy #fossil fuels #renewable energy #Ghana #economy

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