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Ghana’s Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Osei-Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has said utilizing renewable energy resources which abounds on the African continent presents an opportunity for industrialization in Africa, offering economic, environmental and socio-economic benefit.

According to him addressing the exiting financial, technical, policy and ecological challenges, capitalising on the opportunities, African Countries can unlock the full potential of renewable energy to drive sustainable industrial growth and improve the quality of life for their people.

He made these remarks, in Arusha Tanzania where he presented a paper on the theme: “harnessing abundant renewable energy sources in African to speed up industrialisation opportunities and challenges”, at the 53rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) African Region Conference.

Current Energy landscape in Africa:

The 2020 IEA and World Bank report revealed that 46% of Africans were without access to electricity in 2018. Approximately 900 million individuals in Africa rely on traditional biomass for cooking. Biomass usage, especially, firewood and coal from felled timber, degrades the environment and negatively impacts climate change.

This emphasises the critical importance of addressing energy poverty in Africa and implementing sustainable solutions for reliable and clean energy access. Universal access to electricity and clean cooking is paramount for many nations, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where 25 countries grapple with energy crises and frequent blackouts.

Opportunities of industrialisation:

Renewable energy projects can stimulate local economies by cultivating and nurturing associated industries and services.

It is projected that Africa could potentially experience a substantial 6.4% increase in GDP between 2021 and 2050, directly attributable to the energy transition.

This anticipated economic growth is expected to be propelled by public investment and expenditure, private investment in energy transition technologies, and favorable net trade differences.

Challenges:

While Africa is rich in potential for renewable energy, several challenges have combined to restrict its ability to harness the abundant renewable energy resources fully.

First, one of the primary challenges many African countries face is the significant capital cost required for renewable energy projects. Limited access to international finance and high perceived investment risks compounds the struggle to secure the necessary funding.

Secondly, certain major regions face challenges related to the lack of grid infrastructure to support large-scale renewable energy projects.

Thirdly, there is a shortage of technical expertise and skilled labour necessary to design, install, and maintain renewable energy systems in these areas.

The Government of Ghana has acknowledged renewable energy as a crucial option to mitigate the negative effects of energy production on the environment.

Currently, the energy mix in respect of electricity is about 30% renewable to 70% non-renewable, but in terms resort to total energy use, the picture is scary: for in that regard, the energy mix consists of 10% renewable and 90% non-renewable sources.

There is a pressing need for more sustainable energy alternatives to mitigate the impacts of potential energy crises in Ghana.

The country’s heavy reliance on imported petroleum fuel makes energy security precarious. In response, the government has established targets for the energy sector, including achieving a 10% contribution of renewable energy in the electricity generation mix by 2025 and increasing investment to meet renewable energy targets of adding 2000mw of solar power to increase the renewable energy stock to 3500MW by 2028.

For electricity generation, the mix then will be by 2028 47% renewable to 53% non-renewable. Commensurately though, given the high cost of thermal power generation, demand for it, would wane and thereby decrease its component in the energy mix to below 45% by 2028.

Renewable Energy Potentials in Ghana

Studies indicate that Ghana’s current and future energy requirements can be met through the utilisation of renewable energy sources. Presently, renewable energy accounts for 80% of the country’s total energy potential and 20% of its electricity generation.

Wind power

The Energy Commission of Ghana has reported that there is significant potential for wind energy generation in the country. Data from the Ministry of Energy indicates that the annual wind speeds consistently exceed 50m, with certain areas experiencing speeds of 8.4 to 9.9 m/s. The primary wind resources are concentrated along the narrow stretch of the eastern coastline of Ghana and on the hilltops surrounding Volta Lake and the border with Togo.

Bio-mass
Biomass encompasses wood used for fuel, charcoal, agricultural waste, waste-to-energy, and burnt palm kernel shells utilised for heating and cooking. In Ghana, traditionally, approximately 40% of households rely on wood for cooking, while close to 33.7% utilise charcoal. Charcoal production and sale are prevalent in certain regions of Ghana, particularly the central and northern areas. Over the years, Ghana has heavily depended on biomass energy sources.

In comparison to electricity and petroleum, biomass consumption in Ghana has experienced a decline from 54% in 2005 to 43% in 2010 and as of 2020 declined further to 30%. This trend suggests a gradual shift towards the adoption of sustainable energy sources such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and biogas by the Ghanaian populace.
Solar Power.

Ghana has abundant solar resources, with an average solar radiation ranging from 4.4 to 5.6 kWh/m2/day and sunshine duration between 1,800 and 3,000 hours annually. Until recently, there has been little exploitation of this resource. However, the solar market has started to be tapped for photovoltaic (PV) systems and solar water heaters. The Government of Ghana has also begun using solar energy to light some major streets.

Hydropower
The hydropower potential in Ghana is estimated to be approximately 3,000 MW. The Akosombo and Kpong hydroelectric plants, located on the White Volta, along with the Bui plant on the Black Volta, collectively generate 1,580 MW. According to the Ghana Sustainable Energy for All Action Plan, there are nearly 22 potential minihydro sites in Ghana that can be developed for power generation.

Renewable energy Policy in Ghana
Ghana’s energy policy is based on the Renewable Energy Act, 2011 (Act 832) of Ghana.. Renewable energy sources include hydro, ocean energy, biofuel, landfill gas, biomass, wind, solar, and geothermal energy. These sources are abundant in Ghana and can be harnessed to achieve sustainability. The Act is based on the following principles: achieving long-term energy supply through public, private, and foreign investment; expediting privatization activities; and ensuring the optimal and sustainable development and operation of all renewable energy sources. The overall aim is to use energy sources sustainably while minimizing environmental damage due to development programs.

The main challenge in using renewable energy in Ghana is its low energy intensity. There are significant barriers that need to be addressed to increase the use of renewable energy in the market, including the cost of technologies, financing issues, and scientific and technical barriers.

Ghanamps.com

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ellembelle, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has launched the second phase of the “Skill-Up Ellembelle” initiative to create employment opportunities for about 1,000 young people in the Constituency.

This phase targets 1,000 young people in Ellembelle constituency.

Mr Buah, who is also the Deputy Minority Leader in Parliament, presented start-up kits to beneficiaries, including 500 sewing machines, 200 hair dryers, and 500 hair clippers.

As part of measures to eliminate financial barriers, and ensure uninterrupted training, the MP absorbed the entire cost of their apprenticeships.

Mr Buah said the ‘Skill-Up Ellembelle initiative was designed to provide comprehensive skills training across a diverse range of hands-on trades and empower the teeming youth to seize job opportunities and build sustainable livelihoods.

He said: “I am committed to transforming lives and equipping our youth with valuable skills to be self-reliant and to also contribute meaningfully to the larger society.”

By: P.K. Yankey

In the wake of the military leaders in the Three Sahel Countries (Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger) closing their doors to any negotiation to avert their exit plan from the West African bloc, despite efforts by Authority of Heads of States and Government, the ECOWAS Commission and Parliament, one of the MPs is calling for a survey among the citizens of those countries on whether or not they endorse the exit of their respective countries from the bloc.

A member of Ghana’s delegation to the Community Parliament, Hon Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah in a telephone interview in Lome Togo where he is attending the third Extraordinary Session of the Parliament agreed that there should be a survey to find out if indeed the citizens of the three Sahel Countries (Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger) will want to exit the West African bloc.

And further pointed out that, if the military junta had open up to hear from ECOWAS, “we will not be here contemplating on survey to find out if the citizens agree with their entrenched position of exiting the bloc”.

He revealed that at the last ordinary session in Abuja, they agreed to send an Ad Hoc Committee to the three countries, adding that ground works have started in earnest. “It is left with our colleagues, who are working with the ECOWAS institutions to speak to their Heads of States to allow for communications to see how best to resolve the situation”.

“We are better as ECOWAS than the three of them to have Sahel Alliance; and I hear some Community member states are preparing to join them from the rumors on the ground and that will be a disaster for ECOWAS if that happens”.

He further stated that there is a meeting with the Committee on Political Affairs, Peace, Security and African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) on Ghana’s upcoming presidential and Parliamentary elections, Senegal and Guinea Bissau’s National Assembly being dissolved and the exit of the three Sahel countries from the sub-regional bloc.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Hon. Dakoa Newman among few female MPs is the Member of Parliament for the Okaikwei South Constituency.

Chairman of the Committee on Parliamentary Affairs Alhassan Bashir Fusein has lauded the works of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA).

He affirmed that the MoPA is doing a good work by serving as a coordinating link between the House and ensuring speedy passage of legislations, Bills like the Affirmative Action Bill, that had stayed in the House for so long.

According to him another success of MoPA is the passage of the Private Members Bill, one of the most important Bills that have seen the passage of Anti LGBTQ Bill.

In an interview he noted that President Nana Akuffo-Addo “is running away” from a lot of positive things that have happened under MoPA.

But pointed out in an interview that it’s the prerogative of the President to decide which Ministries to keep and should President John Dramani Mahama emerge victorious, MoPA will not stand alone as a Ministry.

“MoPA will be merged with another Ministry as we see the NPP government has large number of Ministers and a lot of Ministries; we want a downsized Ministries and Ministers”, he noted.

The Sagnarigu lawmaker, further pointed out that, the engagement by MoPA on the validation of the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) report on the 1992 constitution is very important, adding that “wisdom does not reside in the head of one person. So the more you open yourself to the participation of people, the greater the perspective of you getting input to enrich the content of your legislation. I salute this ideal of getting broad stakeholder consultation”.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Member of Parliament for Sege Christian Otuteye Corleytey has bemoaned the current hybrid system of Ghana’s legislature and expressed worry over lawmakers playing dual roles as Ministers, and Members of Parliament.

According to him they have divided attention because the lawmakers who are Ministers and thus belong to the Executive arm of government and at the same time the Legislature.

In an interview he noted that, when you bring a Bill to the House as a Minister from the Executive at the same time you are an (MP), “as an MP you are expected to play a role on this Bill, you are now a Minister at the same time you have to defend the Bill from the Executive arm of Government, where do you stand?”

“It will be better for us as a Nation, if we can quickly do something about it. If we want the work of parliament to go on well we should get a clear distinction between workings of the Executive and workings of Parliament. It is not helping in terms of attendance to the House.”

He affirmed that people only rejoice over this because to beneficiaries, they are enjoying two powers “but is not the best for the nation as at now”, he lamented.

He said this in an interview on the sidelines of Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) workshop on validating the report of the Constitutional Review Commission of the 1992 Constitution.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Hon. Mavis Nkansah Boadu is the first female elected to the Afigya Sekyere Parliamentary seat since 1992.

 

Hon. Adelaide Ntim makes parliamentary debut as MP for Nsuta Kwaman Beposo in 2021.

 

Nana Nketsia V, Omanhene of the Essikado Traditional Area has harped on the need for peace and unity among duty bearers and chiefs, to ensure unity, development and progress.

He said: ” Whether New Patriotic Party (NPP) or National Democratic Congress (NDC), we’re all Ghanaians.”

The revered chief said this during a pacification rites at the palace of Nana Egya Kwamina XI Chief of Apremdo to end the feud that ensued between the Chief and Dr. Prince Hamid, the Member of Parliament for the area over a KG block project in the area.

On September 16 this year, the new KG block was to be unveiled by Dr Armah at the Apremdo School Complex, but Nana Kwamina’s name was excluded on the plaque of honour despite his contribution towards the process.

The matter generated much controversy between the Apremdo palace and the office of Dr Armah, and even attracted media attention, which nearly marred the peace of the area.

Nana Nketsia noted that the chief was the father for everybody in the community and found it disturbing that the impasse should generate media attention instead of being settled in the room.

But, happily, Nana Kwamina and Dr Armah agreed to a truce through the mediation of the Omanhene of Essikado, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, to ensure peace in Apremdo and beyond.

As part of the settlement, Dr Armah presented a ram, a bottle of drink and undisclosed cash to the Apremdo palace, to pave way for the peace processes.

Nana Kwamina and Dr Armah shook hands, embraced and also observed libation prayer for the peaceful settlement of the impasse.

Abusuapanyin Kow Kan supervised the sacrifice of the ram to seal the peaceful settlement and also ensure unity among Apremdo stakeholders.

Abusuapanyin Kan highlighted concerns of Apremdo community about the exclusion of the name of Nana Kwamina on the plaque, arguing that, “the land belongs to Nananom and so the right things must be done.”

The Municipal Chief Executive of Effia Kwesimintsim, Mr. Kojo Acquah, who led the delegation, thanked Nana Nketsiah and elders of Apremdo for the peaceful settlement of the matter.

He gave assurance that the plaque that sparked the contention had been removed and replaced with a new one that included the name of Nana Egya Kwamina XI.

By Mildred Siabi-Mensah

The Member of Parliament for Sege, Christian Otuteye Corleytey says the elections of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) is long overdue.

According to him electing leaders at the local levels allows people to make choices of leaders they believe can best push the needed development in the area.

In an interview on the sideline at a stakeholders’ engagement organized by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) to validate the Constitutional Review Committee Report of 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the Sege MP pointed out that, it should not be that when a party is in power, they put someone there to direct affairs at the Assembly.

Rather there should be an election of MMDCEs so that the people at the local level would have someone to better serve them and be accountable to them. Thus, the people will hold the person responsible for his stewardship. “In the legislature we elect our representatives; so same should be done at the local level”, he affirmed.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com