Energy for Poverty Alleviation and Economic Growth: Policy Framework, Programmes and Projects

The provision of adequate, reliable and competitive energy supply is a prerequisite that will underpin the growth of the national economy. It is the objective of the Government of Ghana to develop reliable and affordable energy delivery systems that promote the development of basic infrastructure to support economic activity especially in the rural areas to alleviate poverty. The provision of electricity is essential for developing information and communication technologies in the rural areas and establishing, where they exist, more reliable electronic communications access. Within this context, seven policy objectives and associated actions have been developed to provide the framework for the development and implementation of energy sector programmes and projects in the country. -Consolidate and improve existing energy supply system -Increase access to high quality energy services -Secure future energy supplies -Stimulate economic development -Minimize environmental impacts of energy supply and consumption -Strengthen institutional and human resource capacity and R & D in energy development -Special Concerns - Renewable Energy Technologies. The Ministry of Energy will pursue the following policies to accelerate the development and utilisation of renewable energy sources: -Create a level playing field for renewable energy by removing all fiscal and market barriers. -Encourage utility companies to adopt renewable energy in their supply mix. -Institute a "RET-Friendly" pricing framework in competitive applications such as in electricity supply. -Provide Government funding support for non-grid connected renewable energy technologies for economic activities (such as agriculture) and social services (such as schools, health centres, provision of potable drinking water). -Support technological development and cost reduction through pilot demonstration projects and local manufacture of RETs.