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GHANA CCG NETWORK ANNUAL WORKSHOP REPORT: September 2024

Authored by: Francis Kemausuor, Joseph Akowuah, Akwasi Adu-Poku, Chinagorom Ajike, Elizabeth M Tennyson, and Lara Allen

On 24-25 September 2024, the Ghana Climate Compatible Growth Network held its annual workshop at the Fiesta Royale Hotel in Accra, marking exactly one year since the programme’s inception workshop. This event provided a unique platform for members to engage in substantive discussions, share insights, and collaborate on strategies to drive Ghana’s efforts toward sustainable growth. The workshop focused on actionable solutions and partnerships to address key challenges related to Ghana’s Energy Transition.

The workshop was attended by 68 participants drawn from government ministries, academic institutions, research organizations, civil society groups, and CCG researchers from the UK. The goal was to foster dialogue on CCG’s activities and operations within the newly launched Special Interest Groups (SIGs). The current five SIGs include Financing the Energy Transition, Green Hydrogen, Inclusive Net-Zero Emission Future, Clean Cooking, and New Energy Vehicles and Sustainable Transport.

Event Summary and Highlights

The workshop began with a welcome address from Prof David Ato Quansah, Director of TBHEC-KNUST, who provided an overview of TBHEC, ongoing projects, and how CCG’s partnership strategically aligns with Ghana’s energy transition steps. His address was followed by goodwill messages from Richard Sandall, representing the British High Commission, and Ing Seth Mahu, who spoke on behalf of the Ministry of Energy. Finally, Dr Jairo Quiros-Tortos, Deputy Director of CCG, delivered a keynote address highlighting CCG’s global activities, officially opening the workshop. The plenary session featured presentations from ongoing and completed research activities related to CCG activities in Ghana. The presentations shed light on various facets of Ghana’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

Presentations and Discussions

Dr Elizabeth TennysonCCG Network at a Glance

Dr Tennyson provided an overview of the global CCG Network’s structure, partnerships, and core research themes, which include system design, geospatial modelling, resilient infrastructure, material emissions, and investment pipelines. She highlighted the importance of data and models, capacity building, and advocacy efforts in driving climate-compatible growth across eight partner countries, including Ghana.

Prof Joseph Akowuah and SIG LeadsCCG Ghana Network and Special Interest Groups Overview

Prof Akowuah outlined the coordination of the CCG Ghana Network from TBHEC, the activities of the SIGs, and the broader country strategy aimed at fostering collaborative research and advocacy. He emphasized the need for financing and developing net-zero infrastructure, particularly in the energy and transport sectors, to support a just energy transition. The presentation was followed by a summary of the SIGs’ activities and plans by the SIG Leads.

Prof Jim Hall, University of OxfordTowards Climate Resilient Infrastructure in Ghana

Prof. Hall introduced a potential sixth SIG focused on climate-resilient infrastructure. His presentation emphasized the importance of incorporating climate risk assessments into infrastructure investments. By pooling hazard and infrastructure data, Prof. Hall highlighted how adaptation planning, risk prioritization, and stakeholder-driven decisions could help develop a roadmap for projects that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Hannah Luscombe, University of OxfordIs Climate Transition Financially Affordable for Low- and Middle-Income Countries?

Ms. Luscombe’s presentation focused on the financial challenges of climate transitions in low- and middle-income countries. She introduced the MinFin tool, which projects financial requirements for net-zero transitions by integrating outputs from energy system models. Her presentation included a case study for Ghana, illustrating the financial feasibility of transitioning to a net-zero economy under current conditions.

Prof David Ato Quansah, KNUSTThe Political Economy of Land Access for Large-Scale Solar Projects in Ghana

Prof. Quansah discussed land acquisition challenges for large-scale solar PV projects in Ghana. The study highlighted investor experiences, community sentiments, and potential solutions, including public-private land partnerships and community-based PV systems. His recommendations also included transitioning to rooftop solar systems and exploring alternative models for community participation.

Mr Mamud Musah, UENREnergy Planning and Modelling through Integrated Assessment of CLEWs in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Cases of the Volta and Tana River Basins

Mr. Musah shared findings from the EPIC Africa project, which aims to optimize the synergy between land, water, and energy resources for sustainable development amidst climate uncertainties. He elaborated on UENR’s efforts to integrate a CLEWs-informed approach into Ghana’s energy planning, with applications in educational programs like the MPhil in Sustainable Energy Engineering and Management.

Dr John Bosco Dramani, KNUSTEnergy System Modelling for the Real World: Transforming Modelling Approaches for Sustainable and Resilient Urban Development (MEASURES)

Dr Dramani presented findings from a Swiss-funded project aimed at advancing energy modelling methods for developing countries. Using Accra as a case study, the project addressed the challenges of energy system planning in developing countries, including economic imperfections and climate change impacts, using OSeMOSYS as a modelling tool.

Mr Dennis Asare, IMANIOpportunities for Facilitating Investments for Ghana’s Energy Transition

Mr Asare’s presentation highlighted the financial hurdles to Ghana’s energy transition. He shared insights from a CCG-funded project to identify practical policy tools and strategies for attracting national and international financing. Key insights focused on the bankability of clean energy projects, public-private financing sources, and overcoming macroeconomic challenges.

Mrs Judith Oppong-Tawiah, Women Leaders in EnergyGender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) in The Energy Transition

This presentation explored how gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) must be integral to Ghana’s energy transition. It emphasized the need for equity in decision-making, economic opportunities, and access to energy solutions, particularly for marginalized groups such as Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Mrs Oppong=Tawiah argued that addressing GESI issues would lead to a more just, inclusive, and sustainable energy future for all Ghanaians.

Afternoon Session: Panel Discussion

Day 2 featured a Panel Discussion on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) in Ghana’s Energy Transition. The discussion, moderated by Jeffery Ken Baiden, featured panellists Ernest Agyeman (University of Ghana), Gerald Arhin (CCG), and Judith Oppong-Tawiah (Women Leaders in Energy). The panel explored the intersection of social policies and energy transition goals, discussing how gender equity and inclusivity can shape a just energy transition. The discussion also highlighted the challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities in accessing energy solutions, stressing the importance of ensuring their representation in decision-making processes. The session ended with reflections on how Ghana can optimize its critical minerals to meet climate goals while ensuring that transition benefits are shared equitably across all demographics.

Afternoon Session: Breakout Groups

Following the presentations and panel discussion of both Day 1 and Day 2, participants broke into five collaborative working groups aligned with the five Special Interest Groups (SIGs). Each group was tasked with identifying opportunities and challenges within their respective SIGs and developing actionable projects to support CCG’s goals in Ghana. The groups presented their outcomes, which included the following highlights:

  • Financing the Energy Transition SIG: This group focused on creating policies and financial instruments to attract investment in renewable energy projects. They proposed a due diligence framework for assessing renewable energy investments, training programs to enhance local expertise in clean energy financing, and strategies to improve carbon financing.
  • Clean Cooking SIG: This group emphasized promoting clean cooking technologies, particularly biomass cookstoves, LPG, and electric cooking (e-cooking). Their action plan aimed to align with the national LPG promotion policy, which targets 50% household usage and the distribution of 500,000 cookstoves by 2024.
  • New Energy Vehicles and Sustainable Transport SIG: The group outlined the need for electric vehicle (EV) integration into Ghana’s energy system, focusing on battery mineral processing and fuel research to reduce emissions. They proposed public awareness campaigns to address misconceptions about EVs and strategies for developing the necessary infrastructure for EV charging stations.
  • Green Hydrogen SIG: This group proposed conducting a techno-economic analysis of hydrogen production using agricultural waste and offshore wind. Their activities would include mapping potential hydrogen use sectors, such as heavy industry, agriculture, and transport while exploring storage options and sustainability measures using machine learning.
  • Inclusive Net-Zero Emissions Future SIG: The group highlighted the need for public education on GHG emissions and the promotion of energy efficiency. They proposed the development of a national GHG emissions map, strategies for reducing emissions, and industrial decarbonization solutions. Their targets include supporting 20-30 Bachelor degree level projects, 10-20 Masters degree theses, and 5 PhD theses over the next few years.

Closing remarks

In closing, Prof Francis Kemausuor emphasized the importance of collaboration among SIGs, stakeholders, and partners in achieving the goals of the CCG program. He announced plans for regular webinars and surveys to track progress, support research, and develop joint proposals for grant funding. Dr Chinagorom Ajike made the final concluding remarks with a call for continued teamwork and dedication to achieving CCG’s vision for Ghana’s sustainable development.