Story By: Ishmael Barfi
Ghana’s Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has revealed alarming statistics on the state of energy access in rural Africa.
Speaking at the 2025 policy dialogue of the Centre of Excellence in Public Utility Regulation (CEPUR)-GIMPA, held on 5th March, 2025, the Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor, stated that 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity, while a billion more are without clean cooking facilities.
According to him, this staggering energy deficit has severe implications for the socio-economic development of rural Africa.
The Minister emphasized that the lack of access to electricity hinders the ability of rural communities to power homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses, thereby perpetuating poverty and inequality.
To address this crisis, the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition outlined a comprehensive 5-point agenda to fast-track Ghana’s energy transition.
The agenda focuses on:
1.Increasing Access to Electricity: Expanding grid extension and promoting off-grid renewable energy solutions to reach remote and underserved communities.
2.Promoting Renewable Energy: Scaling up the development and deployment of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
3.Improving Energy Efficiency: Implementing measures to reduce energy waste and promote energy-efficient practices in industries, homes, and institutions.
4. Enhancing Energy Storage and Grid Resilience: Investing in energy storage technologies and grid modernization to ensure reliable and efficient energy supply.
5. Fostering International Cooperation and Investment: Collaborating with global partners and investors to leverage financing, technology, and expertise to support Ghana’s energy transition.
By prioritizing sustainable energy solutions and collaborative efforts, Ghana aims to address the energy crisis in rural Africa and achieve universal access to energy.
The Minister of Energy and Green Transition,John Abdulai Jinapor was optimistic that, the successful implementation of the 5-point agenda will have far-reaching benefits for the socio-economic development of rural Ghana and Africa at large.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
