Electricity in Ghana in 2022
Global Ranking:
#123
34.0% #101 Low-carbon electricity
678.75
kWh #162 Generation / person
In 2022, Ghana's electricity generation predominantly relied on fossil fuels, which accounted for nearly two-thirds of the total output. Specifically, gas made up most of this category, representing roughly 63% of the overall electricity generation. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources contributed to about a third of the electricity mix, with hydropower being the sole representative of this category, providing approximately 33% of Ghana's electricity. The current reliance on fossil fuels poses significant challenges, as it contributes to climate change and air pollution. Therefore, increasing the share of low-carbon electricity is crucial for enhancing sustainability and reducing environmental impacts.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Ghana can take cues from other countries that have successfully diversified their energy portfolios. For instance, Denmark and Uruguay have harnessed wind power to become leading contributors to their energy mix, with wind accounting for more than half and over a third of their electricity, respectively. Similarly, the experience of Greece serves as a valuable lesson, as solar power contributes to about a fifth of its electricity. Adopting and adapting strategies from these nations, such as investing in solar and wind technologies and encouraging policies to support their deployment, could significantly enhance Ghana's low-carbon electricity generation.
History
Examining the historical data of electricity generation in Ghana, particularly focusing on hydropower, reveals a pattern of fluctuations over the decades. During the mid-1980s, hydropower saw a recovery from a slight decline initially, followed by periods of modest growth, peaking with incremental increases of around 1.2 to 1.4 TWh in some years. However, these gains were punctuated by significant downturns, notably in 1998 and 2002, where reductions of 3 TWh and 1.5 TWh occurred, respectively. Later years, such as 2007 and 2015, also experienced declines in hydropower output. Yet, from 2008 onwards, Ghana showed resilience with growth resuming sporadically until 2019. Ghana's experience with hydropower underscores the importance of diversifying the low-carbon electricity portfolio to stabilize supply and enhance energy security.
Electricity Imports and Exports
Balance of Trade
Data Sources