The Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Alliance has called for decisive policy reforms to address critical issues in the extractive and energy sectors, urging the government to align its strategies with global sustainability and energy transition goals.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on January 22, 2025, the CSO Alliance, comprising four coalitions and eight organizations, outlined a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening governance, fostering transparency, and bolstering the country’s energy framework.
Among its proposals, the CSO Alliance emphasized the need to harmonize petroleum sector regulations, invest in infrastructure, and explore partial privatization to alleviate financial constraints. It also called for a prioritization of domestic crude oil supply for local refineries in accordance with existing Petroleum Agreements.
On the energy transition front, the CSO Alliance welcomed the Ministry of Energy’s addition of “Green Transitions” to its portfolio but noted that achieving meaningful results would require a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach.
The CSO Alliance further proposed the establishment of a high-level coordinating body, similar to Nigeria’s Energy Transition Implementation Working Group or South Africa’s Presidential Climate Commission, to oversee efforts across ministries and sectors. It also advocated for the development of an integrated energy transition strategy, acceleration of renewable energy investments, and linking energy transition efforts to green mineral development through resource mapping and value addition.
“We commend the government’s commitment to addressing climate and energy issues, but a broader, more integrated approach is essential to ensure national impact,” the Alliance said in a statement.
The recommendations come as Ghana grapples with the dual challenge of leveraging its natural resources while meeting international climate targets. The Alliance underscored the importance of building investor confidence through regulatory clarity and a favorable business environment, particularly for renewable energy projects.
The CSO Alliance further expressed its readiness to partner with the government in advancing reforms, stating, “By working together, we can transform Ghana into a leader in governance and sustainable development on the continent. Our commitment remains unwavering in supporting efforts that prioritize transparency, accountability, and the well-being of future generations.”
The Alliance urged the government to act swiftly on its recommendations, framing them as pivotal to ensuring the long-term resilience of Ghana’s extractive and energy sectors.
