In 2023, Ghana's electricity consumption is dominated by fossil fuels, accounting for more than 61% of the total, with gas being the major contributor in this category at almost 60%. Low-carbon energy, which primarily consists of hydropower, makes up approximately 39% of consumption, with hydropower alone contributing nearly all of this share. There is a clear reliance on fossil energy, which raises concerns about the environmental impact and sustainability of Ghana's electricity sources. The situation presents an opportunity for Ghana to transition towards more clean electricity generation to ensure a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Ghana?
Electricity consumption in Ghana is showing signs of growth. In 2023, the average electricity use per person is 719 kWh, marking an incremental increase from 2022, which recorded 700 kWh per person. This is a positive step indicating growing electricity accessibility. However, it’s notable that the low-carbon electricity generation is still far below historic levels, with the latest figure being 277 kWh per person, compared to the 1980 record of 444 kWh per person. This significant decline emphasizes the need for initiatives to bolster low-carbon energy production, especially given the global call for sustainable energy paradigms.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Ghana can look towards regions with successful clean energy initiatives as a model. Countries like Lebanon, operating at 31% solar, provide encouraging examples of how to harness solar energy effectively. Additionally, states like Iowa, where wind contributes 60% to the electricity mix, exemplify the effectiveness of exploiting wind resources. Importantly, the adoption of nuclear energy should be explored, as it constitutes a major share of electricity generation in countries like France at 69%. By drawing inspiration from these regions, Ghana can significantly expand its solar and nuclear capacity for a cleaner energy future while mitigating the adverse effects of fossil fuel dependence.
History
Ghana's history with low-carbon electricity primarily revolves around its reliance on hydropower. In the early to mid-1980s, the country experienced fluctuations in hydropower generation, with some years seeing declines, such as in 1983 and 1984, and other years experiencing growth, like in 1985 and 1986. The late 1990s and early 2000s also witnessed variability, with notable reductions in 1998 and 2002 offset by increases in surrounding years. Recent years have seen mostly positive contributions, especially 2008 and 2019, showing an upward trend. The decade of 2010s largely reflected stable or slight increases in hydropower generation. While commendable, this reliance on a single low-carbon source underscores the need for diversifying into other clean energy streams like solar and nuclear to ensure stable and clean electricity supply in the future.
