Juaben MP Writes: Investment in Clean Energy Is A Catalyst for Ghana’s Transformation

Francis Kwabena Berepong Owusu-Akyaw, the Member of Parliament for Juaben in the Ashanti region has obsereved that investment in clean energy sources offers a transformative potential in addressing challenges facing the country.

In a statement commemorating the 2025 edition of the International Day of Clean Energy, the Juaben lawmaker said investment in clean demonstrate commitment to the wellbeing of the planet in the wake of climate change and energy insecurity.

According tMr Owusu-Akyaw investment in renewable sources of energy provdes and opportunity for 1. Job creation in the country a country, an opportunity to 2. drive innovation and foster global cooperation.

Read the full statement below:

THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CLEAN ENERGY BY COMMEMORATING ITS SIGNIFICANCE AND THE NEED FOR GHANA’S PROGRESSIVE ADOPTION TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, DELIVERED BY FRANCIS OWUSU-AKYAW MP FOR JUABEN ON THE 26^TH OF JANUARY 2025

1. Today, we commemorate International Day of Clean Energy a powerful symbol of hope, progress, and a sustainable future. This day marks a call to action and a celebration of the transformative potential of clean energy to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
2. Clean energy is more than a technology; it is a commitment to our planet, our people, and our shared prosperity. In a world facing the dual crises of climate change and energy insecurity, clean energy stands as a beacon of possibility. It offers a way to power our homes, our industries, and our aspirations without compromising the health of our environment or the well-being of future generations.
3. For decades, Ghana has relied heavily on fossil fuels, a dependence that has come at a great cost—rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and a toll on human health. Clean energy represents a pivot away from this trajectory. It is a pathway to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and fostering resilience against the challenges ahead.
4. However, Ghana has been making significant strides in adopting clean energy solutions to address its energy needs, combat climate change, and achieve sustainable development goals. The country’s efforts reflect its commitment to transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable and sustainable energy sources.
5. Nevertheless, the challenges facing the adoption of clean energy may include high initial costs for renewable energy infrastructure particularly in rural areas, enforcement and incentivization mechanisms, integrating variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the national grid requires technological upgrades and the limited awareness about the benefits of clean energy.
6. The Challenges notwithstanding, Clean energy adoption in Ghana is more than a necessity; it is an opportunity to transform the country’s energy landscape, reduce environmental impact, and improve livelihoods.
7. By addressing existing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities, Ghana can continue to build a sustainable energy future that benefits its people and inspires the region.
8. Today, we celebrate the remarkable strides made in clean energy development and adoption. Wind farms now used in some parts of the country; solar panels gleam on rooftops of some government and private institutions; and cities are transitioning to energy saving electrical appliances, reducing pollution and enhancing quality of life of the citizenry.
9. Yet, as much as we have achieved, there is still so much more to do.
10. The clean energy revolution is an opportunity to:
11. a. Create Jobs: The renewable energy sector is already employing millions worldwide, with the promise of even more opportunities as we scale up our efforts as a country;
12. b. Drive Innovation: From energy storage to smart grids, clean energy is at the forefront of technological breakthroughs that will define the next century; and
13. c. Foster Global Cooperation: Clean energy unites us in a shared mission. It transcends borders, encouraging nations to collaborate in pursuit of a greener, more equitable future.
14. The Government of Ghana, with its recent discovery of lithium in commercial quantities provides us with an undoubtedly great opportunity to move towards environmentally friendly sources of energy for adoption and usage in homes, factories, vehicles, amongst others. Lithium’s role in clean energy is profound and by prioritizing sustainability, innovation, and equitable practices, Ghana can harness the potential of lithium without compromising the well-being of communities and ecosystems.
15. However, these opportunities require action—bold, decisive, and inclusive action.
16. The Government of Ghana must prioritize renewable energy policies, businesses must lead with innovation, and communities, both rural and urban, must embrace the change. Each of us has a role to play.
17. Whether through advocacy, education, or daily choices, we contribute to a global movement that places sustainability at its core.
18. Imagine a world powered by clean energy, a world where cities, towns and villages are vibrant and pollution-free, where energy is accessible to all, and where we live in harmony with nature. This is not a distant dream; it is a future within our grasp, one we must collectively strive to achieve.
19. To conclude, today, let us honour the progress we have made, acknowledge the work that lies ahead, and reaffirm our commitment to a sustainable future powered by clean energy. Together, we can ensure that this vision becomes a reality, not just for us but for the generations to come.

Hon. Francis Kwabena Berepong Owusu-Akyaw, Member of Parliament for Juaben