Ghana, located in West Africa, possesses abundant renewable energy resources that hold the potential to transform its energy sector. These resources, ranging from solar and wind to hydropower and biomass, align with the country’s commitment to sustainability and energy security. The irony is that millions of people in Ghana do not have access to electricity.( Ghana Sustainable Energy for All)
Solar Energy Potential
Ghana receives an average of 5.5 hours of sunlight daily, making solar energy a viable option for addressing electricity challenges, particularly in rural areas. Initiatives such as solar mini-grids and home systems are already delivering electricity to schools, health centres, and households, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources. According to research by Amo-Aidoo and some other researchers, Solar Energy constitutes about 90% of the renewable energy resources in Ghana as of 2022.

Image by Markus Distelrath from Pixabay
Wind Energy Opportunities
Hydropower Contributions
Hydropower has been central to Ghana’s energy mix, exemplified by the Akosombo Dam. However, climate variability has highlighted the need for smaller hydropower projects. These projects, alongside hybrid systems like the Bui Dam’s integration of solar panels, are diversifying Ghana’s renewable energy portfolio.
Hydropower contributed significantly to global power plant installations in 2023, with a substantial total capacity that is expected to grow by 2030, though its share in the energy mix will slightly decline. Ghana accounts for a small portion of global hydropower capacity and has several significant projects underway:
- The Akosombo Hydrokinetic Project in Eastern Ghana, developed by Zoetic Global, is set to begin operations in the future.
- The Lanka Hydro Power Project in Upper West Ghana, developed by the Volta River Authority, is expected to come online soon.
- The Juale project, planned for Northern Ghana, is also being developed by the Volta River Authority.
- The Ntereso project, another initiative in Northern Ghana, is under development by the Volta River Authority.
- The Hemang project, overseen by the Ghana Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, is currently in the permitting stage.
These projects highlight Ghana’s ongoing efforts to expand its hydropower capacity. Source
Biomass and Waste-to-Energy Initiatives
Agricultural byproducts such as cocoa husks and municipal waste offer significant potential for biomass energy production. Urban centers like Accra and Kumasi are leveraging waste-to-energy technologies to generate electricity and manage waste effectively.
Fabian and other co-authors noted in ‘Renewable and Sustainable Energy Review’ that bioenergy presents a viable solution to meet the increasing energy demand. This paper explores the potential for biogas production from food and kitchen waste, as well as wood gas generation from forest biomass waste, in the Sunyani region.
Challenges and Strategic Directions
Key challenges include high initial investment costs, limited technical expertise, and policy barriers. Despite these obstacles, renewable energy offers economic, environmental, and social benefits. Ghana aims to achieve 10% renewable energy in its energy mix by 2030, supported by international partnerships and local innovations.
Conclusion
Renewable energy represents an opportunity for Ghana to enhance energy access, foster economic growth, and ensure environmental sustainability. Stakeholders must collaborate to realise this vision, from policymakers to private investors and citizens. Harnessing solar, wind, hydro, and biomass resources can secure a sustainable energy future for Ghana.
This effort aligns with global sustainability goals and underscores Ghana’s ambition to lead in renewable energy development in West Africa.