Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Ghana's Energy Minister,  popularly known as Napo, has emphasised Ghana's dedication to a clean energy sector and its commitment to an energy transition framework aimed at achieving carbon neutrality.

Speaking at a panel discussion on the energy sector during the opening session of the UK-Africa Industrial Decarbonisation Ministerial Tour in London on July 17, 2023, Dr. Prempeh highlighted the significant progress Ghana has made in developing a transition framework for a just and equitable path towards achieving net zero emissions.

The Energy Minister acknowledged the strides made in advancing Ghana's national energy policy and the vision for a clean power sector within the Ministry of Energy.

He noted that Ghana is on track to provide universal access to electricity by 2024, with current access standing at 88.85 per cent. Furthermore, the country aims to increase the share of modern renewable energy in the energy mix to 10% by 2030.

Dr. Prempeh stressed that Ghana's energy transition framework is being diligently implemented and provides an investor-friendly environment, presenting strategic investment opportunities.

He highlighted that Ghana's future economy will heavily rely on electricity, with a projected electricity demand of 380,000 GWh and an installed generation capacity of 83 GW by 2070. This transition is expected to save an estimated 200 million tons of CO2 equivalent emissions.

The Minister also mentioned that Ghana has revised and presented its Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement at COP26, setting new emission reduction targets in key sectors of the economy. The emission reduction target currently stands at 68 million tons of CO2.

Dr. Prempeh called for substantial investment in Ghana's energy sector and reiterated the government's commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment. He encouraged attendees at the UK-Africa Industrial Decarbonisation roadshow to engage in discussions that bring issues related to decarbonization to the forefront.

The UK-Africa Industrial Decarbonisation Ministerial Tour will continue in Edinburgh, Leeds, and Newcastle throughout July, aiming to facilitate important discussions on decarbonization and related topics.