Accra: The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has announced that the establishment of a National Renewable Energy Agency is progressing steadily, with operations expected to commence by mid-2026. Dr Robert B. M. Sogbadji, Deputy Director for Power at the Ministry, stated that the Agency would serve as a 'one-stop shop' for renewable energy development, improving coordination among investors, regulators, and implementing agencies.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Sogbadji expressed optimism about the timeline, suggesting that the Agency could be operational by the end of the second quarter next year, pending parliamentary review. He noted that Ghana's collaboration under the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) initiative had bolstered confidence in scaling up renewable energy targets and accelerating the implementation of the Renewable Energy Master Plan.
'Based on the APRA partnership and what is in store for us, it has given us the zeal to increase our targets and not be afraid to aim higher,' Dr Sogbadji commented. 'APRA has shown that they are ready to support us with a lot of funding, so our focus now is to make sure projects are bankable to attract investment.'
Ghana's track record with development partners has demonstrated its ability to deliver value for money, reinforcing investor confidence in the energy transition process. On environmental concerns associated with large-scale renewable energy deployment, Dr Sogbadji mentioned the government's proactive steps to manage electronic waste generated from solar systems and e-mobility technologies.
He explained that an e-waste processing plant is under construction at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, which will recycle electronic waste upon completion. With the country's push towards electric mobility and battery-based energy systems, e-waste volumes are anticipated to rise over the next three decades. The government is encouraging private sector participation in developing sustainable recycling infrastructure.
Efforts are also underway to expand bio-ethanol production from feedstocks such as cassava and sweet sorghum, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and promoting cleaner transport alternatives. Ghana's Energy Transition Framework (2022-2070) outlines a path to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, focusing on energy security, economic growth, and job creation.
The plan envisions a diversified energy mix, with increased reliance on solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy alongside natural gas. APRA, launched by the African Union, IRENA, and development partners, supports countries like Ghana to mobilize investment, enhance regulatory frameworks, and fast-track renewable energy deployment.
Experts estimate Ghana's renewable energy potential at over 42,000 megawatts, with solar resources alone accounting for more than 35,000 MW. The country also holds untapped wind energy potential along coastal and highland zones, with favorable wind speeds in areas such as Ada, Nkwanta, and Kwahu. Hydropower remains a key component, with opportunities for small and mini-hydro plants in river basins nationwide.
Moreover, the Ministry is advancing research and partnerships to scale up biogas and biofuel production from agricultural waste, livestock manure, and municipal refuse, supporting rural electrification and off-grid communities. The creation of the Renewable Energy Agency aligns with Ghana's commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 7 and the Paris Agreement.
