Albert Oppong-Ansah
Accra, Oct. 24, GNA – The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has announced that the establishment of a National Renewable Energy Agency is progressing steadily, with operations expected to commence by mid-2026.
Dr Robert B. M. Sogbadji, Deputy Director for Power at the Ministry, said the Agency would serve as a “one-stop shop” for renewable energy development, improving coordination among investors, regulators, and implementing agencies.
“The Agency is going to create a one-stop shop for all renewable energy investments and support,” he told the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines of the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) Investment Forum.
“My best bet will be at the end of the second quarter next year because it has to undergo the parliamentary review process before it can be implemented,” he added.
Dr Sogbadji said Ghana’s collaboration under the APRA initiative had boosted confidence to scale up renewable energy targets and accelerate implementation of the Renewable Energy Master Plan.
“Based on the APRA partnership and what is in store for us, it has given us the zeal to increase our targets and not be afraid to aim higher,” he said.
“APRA has shown that they are ready to support us with a lot of funding, so our focus now is to make sure projects are bankable to attract investment.”
He noted that Ghana’s track record with development partners had demonstrated its ability to deliver value for money, reinforcing investor confidence in the energy transition process.
On environmental concerns associated with large-scale renewable energy deployment, Dr Sogbadji said the government was taking proactive steps to manage electronic waste generated from solar systems and e-mobility technologies.
“This is one of the big issues we are discussing to make sure there is an e-waste processing plant,” he said.
“One such facility is under construction at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, and when completed, it should be able to recycle electronic waste.”
He added that with Ghana’s growing push toward electric mobility and battery-based energy systems, e-waste volumes were expected to rise significantly over the next three decades. To address this, government is encouraging private sector participation in developing sustainable recycling infrastructure.
Dr Sogbadji also highlighted efforts to expand bio-ethanol production from feedstocks such as cassava and sweet sorghum to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and promote cleaner transport alternatives.
Ghana’s Energy Transition Framework (2022–2070) outlines a path to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 while ensuring energy security, economic growth, and job creation.
The plan envisions a diversified energy mix, with increased reliance on solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy alongside natural gas.
APRA, an initiative launched by the African Union, IRENA, and development partners, supports countries like Ghana to mobilise investment, enhance regulatory frameworks, and fast-track renewable energy deployment.
Experts estimate Ghana’s renewable energy potential at over 42,000 megawatts, with solar resources alone accounting for more than 35,000 MW.
The country also has untapped wind energy potential along coastal and highland zones, with favourable wind speeds in areas such as Ada, Nkwanta, and Kwahu.
Hydropower remains a key component, with opportunities for small and mini-hydro plants in river basins nationwide.
Additionally, the Ministry is advancing research and partnerships to scale up biogas and biofuel production from agricultural waste, livestock manure, and municipal refuse to support rural electrification and off-grid communities.
The creation of the Renewable Energy Agency aligns with Ghana’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 7 and the Paris Agreement.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey