NPP, NDC and Movement for Change Commit to Nuclear Energy, Transition Minerals as Key Drivers of Sustainable Energy Dev’t in Ghana
The Civil Society Organization (CSO) Alliance, at a recent post-manifesto engagement with the NPP, NDC and Movement for Change, discussed Ghana’s energy transition strategies specifically focusing on the inclusion of nuclear energy and the role of transition minerals such as lithium.
Dennis Gyeyir, a Policy Analyst and Senior Program Officer at the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), provided a critical analysis of how the New Patriotic Party (NPP), National Democratic Congress (NDC), and Movement for Change have framed their energy policies around the effective utilization of nuclear energy and transition minerals in view of the country’s transition goals.
Nuclear energy surfaced as a common theme across the manifestos of all the three political parties, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of its potential as a clean energy source. However, the CSO Alliance cautioned that the risks associated with nuclear energy cannot be overlooked.
Mr Gyeyir emphasized that while nuclear power could contribute to Ghana’s energy needs, significant concerns regarding environmental impact, human safety, and vulnerability to natural disasters must be addressed.
“The potential for nuclear energy to play a role in Ghana’s energy future is tempered by the inherent risks it brings,” Mr Gyeyir remarked. “It is essential to consider how we can manage these risks effectively, especially in a country still grappling with various developmental challenges.”
Moreover, the CSO Alliance highlighted that any exploration of nuclear energy must be framed within the context of competitive procurement. Mr Gyeyir pointed out that Ghana’s energy sector has long been plagued by inefficiencies stemming from non-competitive procurement processes.
“The past has shown us the pitfalls of entering contracts with various international firms without proper bidding processes. This approach has led to significant debt burdens on the sector, contributing to the broader economic challenges we face today,” he remarked.
The Case for Competitive Procurement
The issue of procurement is crucial, as it influences the viability of energy projects and their fiscal sustainability. Mr Gyeyir stressed the need for transparent and fair procurement processes that would foster accountability and ensure that financing for energy sources is established from the outset.
This approach is particularly important given the government’s track record of incurring substantial debt in the energy sector, which has raised questions about the long-term sustainability of such investments.
As the discourse around energy transitions intensifies, the focus must also extend to transition minerals, which have garnered attention as critical resources for renewable energy technologies. The NPP and NDC both acknowledged the importance of these minerals in their manifestos, reflecting a recognition of Ghana’s rich mineral endowment.
Transition Minerals: A Shared Vision
The NPP has committed to stimulating investment in strategic minerals through its Ghana Critical Mineral Strategy, which outlines plans for exploration and local beneficiation. This strategy is aimed at ensuring that Ghana reaps the economic benefits of its natural resources while contributing to its energy transition goals.
Initiatives such as the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) are part of this broader strategy, focusing on advancing the country’s bauxite and aluminium sectors.
In parallel, the NDC has outlined its intent to collaborate with both local and international partners to conduct national mapping of lithium and other essential transition minerals. The party’s proposal for a specialized regulatory framework aims to streamline the exploration and development of these resources while ensuring environmental sustainability.
Both parties have signaled a clear understanding of the necessity for a robust national strategy regarding transition minerals, but Gyeyir noted that details on how these resources will be processed domestically remain ambiguous.
“The issue of value addition is critical,” Gyeyir pointed out. “If Ghana is to fully benefit from its transition minerals, both parties must provide clarity on their plans for processing these materials locally, rather than exporting raw minerals and forfeiting potential revenue.”
Gaps in Policy Commitment
In contrast, the Movement for Change has not articulated a comprehensive strategy regarding transition minerals or nuclear energy in its Great Transformation Plan. This absence raises questions about the party’s commitment to sustainable energy practices. Mr Gyeyir noted that while the Movement for Change has broader aspirations for energy transformation, specific proposals related to critical minerals have been notably lacking.
As Ghana navigates its energy future amid pressing economic challenges, the need for a cohesive and comprehensive approach to energy policy becomes increasingly apparent. The inclusion of nuclear energy and the strategic exploitation of transition minerals are crucial components of this agenda. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on the ability of political parties to implement effective procurement processes, ensure environmental sustainability, and prioritize local value addition.
The discourse on Ghana’s energy transition is at a crucial juncture, with all three major political parties recognizing the importance of diversifying the energy mix. Yet, as Gyeyir highlighted, the path forward must be navigated with caution, ensuring that risks are managed effectively and that procurement processes are both transparent and competitive.
In an era where the implications of energy decisions are far-reaching, Ghana’s leaders must commit to strategies that not only address immediate energy needs but also lay the groundwork for a sustainable and economically resilient future.
