Accra: Mr. Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo, a sustainable energy specialist, has urged the government to diversify Ghana's energy mix to ensure reliable and affordable electricity for the 24-hour economy initiative. He emphasized the need to include clean coal, natural gas, and nuclear as primary fuels for the power sector.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo, the immediate past Director of Renewable Energy at the Bui Power Authority, made these remarks during an interview at a public lecture marking the fifth anniversary of Energy News Africa. The lecture was themed: '24-Hour Economy: Can Ghana's Current Energy Situation Support the Policy?'
Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo highlighted that affordable electrical power is crucial for any industrialized nation with a 24-hour economy initiative. He stressed that Ghana must double or triple its power availability, especially during peak demand periods. He criticized the current policy, which focuses 82 per cent on solar, as overly ambitious and misaligned with the 24-hour economy goals.
He further noted that a diversified energy mix would reduce Ghana's vulnerability to power outages and disruptions, positively impacting businesses and industries. He urged the government to re-align its policy instruments to better meet the expertise of the industry.
Dr. Ishmael Nii Amanor Dodoo, Head of Innovative Finance, Partnership, and Markets at the 24-hour Economy and Accelerated Exports Secretariat, stated that the government is implementing bold energy sector reforms to ensure uninterrupted power supply for the 24-hour economy policy. He noted that peak power demand reached 3,952 MW in December 2024, marking a 9.2 per cent increase over 2023.
Dr. Dodoo described the 24-hour economy initiative as a generational shift in redefining Ghana's global economic standing, grounded in robust infrastructure, including energy. He called for a transition from rhetoric to concrete action in building a reliable, resilient, and renewable energy system that powers industry, job creation, and national progress.
