Government targets certification of all energy appliances by 2030

The Minister for Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has announced that all energy appliances in Ghana will be certified to meet moderate energy consumption standards by 2030 as part of the country’s energy transition agenda.

He said the initiative forms part of Ghana’s National Energy Transition Plan, which seeks to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources to combat climate change.

Dr Opoku Prempeh made the announcement at a stakeholder forum in Kumasi organised by the Ministry of Energy to gather public and industry input on the development of the National Energy Transition Plan.

According to the Minister, the nationwide consultations will help shape a comprehensive roadmap that promotes renewable energy adoption and supports large-scale afforestation efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

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He emphasised that the transition to cleaner energy would only succeed if renewable energy technologies became more affordable and accessible, particularly for low-income households.

Dr Opoku Prempeh said the government remained committed to implementing measures aimed at reducing the adverse effects of climate change on both the environment and human livelihoods.

The Director of Policy and Coordination at the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Sheila Addo, said the disruption to global energy markets caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict had underscored the need for countries to diversify their energy sources and strengthen energy security.

She described the crisis as a wake-up call for governments to explore alternative and more sustainable fuel supplies.

Participants at the forum called on the government to subsidise Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to make it more affordable for consumers and encourage its wider use.

Stakeholders also appealed to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to promote alternative sources of cooking fuel and firewood to help reduce deforestation and protect the country’s forests.