Ghana’s energy get entry to nears 90% – ASEC urges hybrid guidance to succeed in commonplace coverage – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

Maintaining sustainable energy access remains a cornerstone of national development, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions like West Africa. Ghana has recently achieved a remarkable milestone, with its electricity access rate soaring to nearly 90%, as highlighted in a 2024 report by the African Development Bank Group (AFDB). This achievement positions the nation as a regional leader, trailing only Cape Verde in West Africa.

However, while the progress is commendable, industry experts emphasize that reaching 100% coverage requires innovative strategies. The Africa Sustainable Energy Centre (ASEC) has called for a hybrid energy transition model, blending renewable energy adoption with strategic fossil fuel optimization. This approach aims to balance immediate accessibility needs with long-term sustainability goals, offering a blueprint for other African nations grappling with similar challenges.

Analysis

Regional Context: Ghana vs. West African Peers

Ghana’s 90% energy access rate, as of 2024, reflects its sustained investment in grid expansion and off-grid solutions. According to the AFDB, this statistic places Ghana second in West Africa, with Cape Verde holding a near-universal 98% access rate. Neighboring countries like Nigeria (45%) and Côte d’Ivoire (60%) lag significantly, underscoring Ghana’s regional leadership.

ASEC’s Hybrid Guidance Framework

The Executive Director of ASEC, Ing. Justice Ohene-Akoto, advocates for what he terms a “direct transition” model, where governments simultaneously invest in renewable energy infrastructure and modernize fossil fuel systems with carbon-capture technologies. Drawing parallels to Morocco’s success, ASEC highlights the importance of national commitment. “Morocco’s investment in solar farms and rural electrification programs exemplifies how targeted hybrid strategies can yield rapid results,” he noted during a 2025 Market Place segment.

Historical Progress and Future Challenges

Ghana’s energy access journey began in earnest following the 2000 power sector reforms. Key milestones include the 2010 launch of the Renewable Energy Master Plan and the 2021 Electricity Sector Strategy. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, particularly in rural corridors like the Northern Region, where access rates dip below 50%. Ing. Ohene-Akoto stresses that achieving universal coverage demands “sustained political will and robust financing mechanisms.”

Summary

Ghana’s near-universal electricity access demonstrates the viability of hybrid energy strategies in achieving national electrification goals. By combining renewable energy investments with fossil fuel optimization, the country offers a replicable model for West Africa. However, overcoming infrastructural and financial barriers will require innovative policy frameworks and regional collaboration.

Key Points

Practical Advice

Accelerating Rural Electrification

Deploy decentralized solar mini-grids in underserved areas to bridge the 10% coverage gap in northern regions. Partnering with organizations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) can unlock funding and technical expertise.

Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

Encourage joint ventures between Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and private renewable energy firms to balance grid stability and clean energy adoption.

Enhancing Energy Storage Infrastructure

Invest in battery storage solutions to address intermittency issues in solar and wind projects, ensuring reliable power supply during dry seasons.

Points of Caution

Sustainability of Fossil Fuel Integration

While hybrid strategies are pragmatic, over-reliance on fossil fuels risks environmental harm. ASEAN experts caution that carbon capture investments must be prioritized to align with UN SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

Financial Constraints and Policy Risks

The World Bank estimates that $1.2 trillion is needed globally to achieve universal electrification by 2030. Ghana’s transition hinges on securing loans and grants without compromising fiscal stability.

Comparison

Ghana vs. Morocco: A Regional Showdown

Morocco’s 2016-2020 Rural Electrification Program, which connected 1.2 million households, offers a blueprint for scale. Both nations prioritized solar investments, but Morocco’s centralized planning accelerated progress. Ghana’s decentralized approach, however, allows for greater community engagement.

Lessons from North Africa

Countries like Tunisia and Egypt demonstrate the scalability of hybrid models. For instance, Egypt’s Benban Solar Park generates 2.1 GW of clean energy, while its Gas Strategy 2050 outlines phased grid modernization.

Legal Implications

Policy Alignment with National Energy Laws

Ghana’s Energy Act (2019) mandates 10% renewable energy integration by 2025. Compliance with this mandate is critical for ASEC’s hybrid strategy, which seeks to harmonize legal frameworks with market realities.

Environmental Regulations and Incentives

The National Climate Change Policy (2021) requires environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for all energy projects. Ensuring alignment between hybrid initiatives and EIA protocols will mitigate legal and ecological risks.

Conclusion

Ghana’s energy access achievements highlight the potential of adaptive, hybrid strategies in driving electrification. By learning from regional peers and addressing financial-legal barriers, the nation can solidify its role as a green energy pioneer. Continued investment in education and infrastructure will ensure this progress translates to sustainable development.

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