Empowering Change: Advocating for an Inclusive Green Energy Transition in Ghana

Accra, Dzorwulu – August 15, 2024 – A transformative workshop took place on Thursday, bringing together civil society organizations (CSOs) in Accra to deliberate on the pressing theme: “Championing a Socially Inclusive Transition from Fossil Fuels to Green and Renewable Energy.”

Organized with the support of Milieudefensie (FoE-Netherlands) and facilitated by the AbibiNsroma Foundation in partnership with the FIDEP Foundation, the workshop aimed to equip CSOs with essential tools and strategies for fostering a seamless transition to renewable energy in Ghana.

Central to the discussions was the concept of a just transition—an equity-driven approach ensuring the shift from fossil fuels does not overlook marginalized communities. Amos Yesutanbul, Research Director at the Frontier Institute of Development Planning (FIDEP), articulated the purpose of the gathering: “This initiative serves as a consultative workshop, designed to unify civil society organizations in advancing advocacy for a Just Energy Transition. Our goal is to align funding from Export Credit Agencies towards this transition, led by the AbibiNsroma Foundation with the backing of FIDEP Foundation.”

Participants engaged in interactive sessions focused on exploring the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of the energy transition. They gained valuable insights into advocacy strategies, rights-based tools, and methods for developing collaborative action plans among CSOs.

In her keynote address, Portia Adu Mensah, Country Coordinator of 350 G-ROC, highlighted the need to contextualize the just transition, especially in sectors such as mining and oil extraction. She emphasized, “We must address the country’s needs while considering critical factors in the transition process. Ghana aims to meet a future electricity demand of 380,000 gigawatts while also diversifying our energy mix to include 21 gigawatts of renewable energy.”

The workshop aimed to deepen understanding of the just transition framework, equip CSOs with advocacy tools, and establish a collaborative framework for action. Key discussions included recognizing the potential negative implications of energy transition projects on human rights and the environment, and the necessity of supportive tools to mitigate these impacts.

Participants expressed a blend of optimism and apprehension regarding Ghana’s ambitious renewable energy targets. By 2030, the nation aims for renewable sources to contribute at least 10% to its total electricity generation. While some attendees were hopeful about the government’s commitment to renewable initiatives, others questioned the feasibility of meeting these targets amid existing infrastructural and investment hurdles.

One participant remarked, “Achieving these goals requires not just commitment, but also substantial investment in infrastructure and education. Civil society must continue to raise awareness and advocate for accountability in energy policies to realize these ambitions.”

During the workshop’s feedback session, Dr. Derek Sarfo-Yiadom from the Climate Change & Ozone Department of the Environmental Protection Agency addressed participants’ concerns regarding the viability of Ghana’s renewable energy targets and the financial resources needed to achieve them.

“We recognized early on that meeting our objectives necessitated strategic investment; relying solely on national capacity would be insufficient,” Dr. Sarfo-Yiadom stated. He noted that the government is actively seeking funding from various climate and international sources to support these initiatives. “We are currently pursuing financial assistance from bilateral partnerships and climate funds to enhance our national funding capabilities,” he added.

Dr. Sarfo-Yiadom highlighted the Prosperity Plan’s role in facilitating an equitable transition to renewable energy. “A core component of this plan is ensuring a fair and socially inclusive transition. I appreciate your input; however, we must acknowledge that our economy cannot sustain such a significant shift without external support,” he cautioned participants.

His insights underscored the necessity for collaboration between government entities, civil society, and international partners to effectively navigate the transition towards green energy. Echoing this call for teamwork, Amos Yesutanbul stated, “The government must acknowledge that working with civil society organizations is vital. Civil society plays a crucial role in raising awareness about their activities as well as governmental initiatives to ensure public knowledge.”

As Ghana strides towards becoming a leader in renewable energy, workshops like this highlight the importance of collective efforts to guarantee that no one is left behind in the journey towards a sustainable energy future.

The proactive involvement of CSOs opens a critical pathway to advocate for policies that are socially inclusive, environmentally responsible, and economically viable, paving the way for a just energy transition.

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