In 2023, Ghana's electricity consumption primarily relies on fossil fuels, such as gas, which account for just over 60% of the total electricity use. More specifically, gas makes up nearly 60% of this consumption. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources, including hydropower, contribute to a little over 38% of the electricity usage. Hydropower alone comprises almost 38% of the clean energy mix, illustrating Ghana's continued reliance on its hydro resources. These figures highlight a substantial dependence on fossil fuels, emphasizing the need to increase the share of low-carbon energy to reduce environmental impact and enhance energy security.
Is Electricity Growing in Ghana?
When assessing growth in electricity consumption in Ghana, there has been a noticeable increase, though modest, in per capita electricity usage in recent years. In 2023, the average person in Ghana consumed 719 kWh, reflecting an 18 kWh increase from the previous year's figure of 700 kWh. Meanwhile, in terms of low-carbon electricity generation, there has been a decline from the peak seen in 1980 when low-carbon electricity per person was 444 kWh. The 2023 figure for low-carbon electricity, at 277 kWh per person, is significantly lower, indicating a reduction of 167 kWh from the historic high. Despite the overall growth in electricity consumption, the decrease in low-carbon electricity is troubling and calls for policy interventions to reverse this trend.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Ghana can take cues from regions that have successfully integrated solar, wind, and nuclear power into their electricity mix. With regions like Nevada and California generating over 30% of their electricity from solar power, Ghana can follow suit by leveraging its abundant sunlight to expand solar power. Furthermore, countries such as France and Slovakia, which produce more than 65% of their electricity from nuclear power, exemplify the potential of nuclear technology as a clean, reliable energy source that can operate at a large scale. By investing in solar and exploring the potential of nuclear, Ghana can diversify and strengthen its energy portfolio, enabling sustainable growth while minimizing environmental impact.
History
Historically, Ghana's focus on hydro energy saw varying trends, especially from the 1980s to recent years. In the early 1980s, the country faced reductions in hydroelectric power, with significant declines in 1983 and 1984. However, a positive turnaround occurred mid-decade, illustrated by increased hydroelectric output from 1985 to 1986. The following decades showed a similar pattern of ups and downs, with notable decreases at times such as 1998 and 2015. More recently, from 2019 to 2023, there have been incremental improvements in hydropower generation, contributing to Ghana's current low-carbon electricity landscape. To sustain and expand upon these successes, Ghana must enhance its existing hydro capacity while embracing additional low-carbon technologies.
