Jinapor: energy access key to Africa’s future
African countries must chart an energy transition agenda that addresses the continent’s development challenges while advancing environmental sustainability, Energy and Green Transition Minister Dr John Abdulai Jinapor has said.
According to the minister, efforts to shift toward cleaner energy sources should not overlook the pressing need to expand electricity access, create jobs and support industrial growth across the continent.
Sharing reflections after participating in a discussion on Africa’s energy future, Dr Jinapor argued that the continent’s approach to energy transition should be guided by local realities rather than external expectations.
He noted that millions of Africans still lack reliable access to electricity, making energy availability a critical component of economic transformation and poverty reduction.
Dr Jinapor stressed that Africa’s relatively low contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions should be considered in international conversations on climate action, even as the continent continues to experience the effects of climate change.
He also highlighted the need for governments to establish predictable and credible energy policies capable of attracting long-term private sector investment into the sector.
The minister said Ghana is positioning itself to accelerate renewable energy adoption through a number of initiatives, including a competitive 200-megawatt solar tender programme and plans to increase national solar generation capacity to 1,000 megawatts.
Other measures being pursued include solar-powered battery storage systems, household solar installations and the development of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
Dr Jinapor maintained that Africa’s energy transition should ultimately deliver both environmental benefits and economic progress, ensuring improved living standards while supporting a cleaner and more resilient energy future.
Source: myjoyonline.com
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