Ghana’s government is calling on local and international investors to back its solar energy sector to ensure energy security and combat climate change. Speaking at the West Africa Power Summit in Accra, Vaughan Aryee, Director of Renewable and Nuclear Energy at the Energy Ministry, emphasized solar power’s potential to stabilize Ghana’s energy supply.
A Timely Call for Solar Investment
Ghana’s call for solar investment comes at a crucial time, as the country prepares for general elections next year. The government is seeking to boost its energy infrastructure, stabilize electricity rates, and transition to renewable energy sources. This shift aims to address challenges such as rising energy costs and climate change.
“We must work together to find solutions. Gas will remain a critical fuel for electricity generation, but we need to diversify our energy mix to ensure security and resilience,” Aryee said at the summit.
Government Pledges a Supportive Framework
The Ministry of Energy is committed to enhancing Ghana’s energy infrastructure and promoting the use of renewables like solar. To that end, Vaughan Aryee highlighted the ministry’s work to create a regulatory framework that encourages investment while ensuring transparency and accountability.
Aryee stated, “The Ministry of Energy is committed to ensuring the development of Ghana’s energy infrastructure, particularly in renewable energy. We are working hard to create a regulatory framework that attracts investment in solar energy and ensures transparency and accountability in the sector.”
Developing New Policy Frameworks
The Energy Ministry is developing new policy frameworks to attract investment in solar and other renewable sources. These policies are designed to create a business-friendly environment and establish the public-private partnerships needed to advance solar energy projects.
One key initiative is a regulatory framework that provides incentives for solar energy investors. This framework aims to balance the interests of investors with the needs of consumers and the environment.
Fostering Public-Private Partnerships
To attract investment, the Ghanaian government is also fostering public-private partnerships. These initiatives aim to reduce the risks and costs of solar projects by providing financial support and technical expertise.
Aryee stated, “The public-private partnerships will help reduce the risks and costs associated with solar energy projects. The government will provide financial support and technical expertise to help investors succeed.”
Local Content and Community Engagement
Beyond attracting foreign investment, the Energy Ministry is also focusing on local content and community engagement. Ghana’s energy transition is expected to create job opportunities for local communities, and the ministry is working to ensure these benefits are widely shared.
Aryee emphasized, “We want to ensure that the benefits of the energy transition are shared by all Ghanaians. We are working to create a regulatory framework that promotes local content and community engagement.”
Outlook for Ghana’s Solar Investment
With the government’s commitment to renewables, Ghana is poised to become a leader in clean energy. The country’s abundant sunlight and supportive policies make it an attractive destination for solar investors. A significant milestone in this journey will be in September 2025, when Ghana hosts the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Africa Forum, a pivotal event aimed at promoting solar energy use across the continent.
The Energy Ministry is also exploring other renewable sources, such as wind and hydropower, to diversify the country’s energy mix and ensure a stable supply. Ghana’s renewable energy sector has already seen notable progress, including an $85 million program to electrify 400 rural communities across 10 regions.
Ghana’s solar focus is part of a broader strategy to ensure energy security and address climate change. By attracting investment in renewables, the country aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and create a more sustainable energy future. Recent initiatives, like the collaboration between Melcom Group and Societe General Ghana to install a 1.6 MW rooftop solar PV system, underscore the country’s appeal to foreign investors and its commitment to expanding solar capacity. You can find detailed analysis and insights into Ghana’s solar market in the PVKnowhow Ghana Solar Panel Manufacturing Report.
