Powering Ghana’s Future: Balancing Political Promises with Civil Society Demands for a Sustainable Green Transition
Ghana faces a critical juncture in its energy and environmental policies as political parties present ambitious agendas for the 2024 elections. Both the ruling NPP and opposition NDC emphasize renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate change initiatives. However, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) demand more transparency, equity, and sustainable green investments to combat challenges like energy inequity and environmental degradation.
The “Green Shift” requires stronger policies, decentralization, and innovative financing to ensure that Ghana’s transition to a low-carbon economy benefits all sectors.
Political parties in Ghana have committed to boosting renewable energy production and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), for example, has promised to enhance Ghana’s energy infrastructure with a focus on clean energy, including the expansion of solar and wind power projects.
The NPP’s manifesto for 2024 includes plans to increase energy access in underserved regions while improving energy efficiency and integrating renewable energy into the national grid. Similarly, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has also made renewable energy a focal point of their agenda, highlighting policies that aim to modernize power plants and increase investments in green technologies.
These promises are essential for Ghana’s future as the country seeks to reduce its carbon footprint and address the growing climate crisis. The shift to renewable energy could create new industries, reduce energy costs, and improve energy security, positioning Ghana as a leader in green growth in West Africa. However, the reality of achieving these objectives is more complex.
Galamsey has severely impacted Ghana’s green agenda by contributing to widespread environmental degradation. For instance, between 2019 and 2021, Ghana lost an estimated $1.1 billion in unreported gold exports due to illegal mining activities, while cocoa production has been significantly impacted, leading to a $693 million decline in export revenues compared to previous year. Environmental damage from galamsey is equally severe. Deforestation is rampant in areas where illegal mining is concentrated, with Ghana losing 1.46 million hectares of tree cover, or 24% of its forested land.
Water bodies, crucial for both agriculture and human consumption, have been polluted with mercury and other toxic substances, rendering them unsafe. The Ghana Water Company has reported up to a 600% increase in water turbidity levels in some regions, severely affecting water production and quality. This pollution has led to water shortages, with water production dropping from 70% in 2022 to just 40% in some areas.
Additionally, the social impact of galamsey is also grave, particularly in the health sector. Regions affected by illegal mining have seen a dramatic rise in respiratory diseases, waterborne infections, and heavy metal poisoning. For example, between 2021 and 2024, the number of respiratory disease cases in these areas rose to 560 cases per 100,000 people annually.
The costs associated with treating these diseases have been substantial, with the healthcare system bearing a direct annual burden of over GHS 868,000 per 100,000 people in these regions. Beyond healthcare costs, the increase in waterborne diseases and heavy metal poisoning also leads to long-term health issues, reducing labor productivity and further slowing economic development.
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ghana have faced significant criticism for their failure to prioritize environmental issues, particularly the rampant destruction caused by illegal mining (galamsey). Many of these organizations have been more focused on critiquing political parties, often framing their campaigns around opposition to the ruling government, rather than actively advocating for concrete environmental solutions.
While some groups have raised concerns about environmental degradation, their efforts are often overshadowed by politically charged rhetoric, and their involvement tends to increase around election periods, rather than maintaining consistent, long-term environmental advocacy.
For instance, despite the extensive damage caused by galamsey, including deforestation and pollution of water bodies, many CSOs have concentrated their energies on attacking government inefficiencies rather than mobilizing sustainable solutions. This has led to criticisms that CSOs in Ghana often operate with political bias, weakening their ability to effectively tackle critical environmental challenges. Failure to make significant progress in the green transition comes at a substantial cost to Ghana’s economy.
According to a report by the World Bank, Ghana faces significant economic losses due to climate change, particularly in agriculture, which is highly dependent on rainfall patterns. If climate-related issues like flooding and droughts continue to affect farming, the country could lose up to 6% of its GDP by 2050. This would not only hurt farmers but also hinder the development of key sectors like tourism and infrastructure, both of which are highly vulnerable to climate impacts.
Moreover, the reliance on fossil fuels, particularly oil, has led to challenges in securing sustainable foreign investment. A heavy dependence on oil exports makes Ghana susceptible to fluctuations in global oil prices. As the world shifts towards cleaner energy, Ghana risks being left behind if it fails to diversify its energy portfolio and accelerate its green energy transition.
To ensure that Ghana’s future is both sustainable and prosperous, political promises and CSO demands must align. The government must prioritize long-term investments in green energy technologies and energy efficiency programs while holding polluting industries accountable for their environmental impacts. At the same time, CSOs must continue to advocate for inclusive policies that guarantee equitable access to energy, environmental protection, and the empowerment of local communities.
The green shift is not just about reducing emissions—it’s about creating a resilient economy that can weather the storms of climate change while promoting social and economic development. Ghana must act quickly to balance its political promises with the practical, transparent implementation demanded by CSOs if it is to power its future sustainably and inclusively. Only then can Ghana ensure its place in the global green economy while securing a brighter, cleaner future for its citizens.
About Author
Dr. Bernard L. Tetteh-Dumanya is a seasoned Financial Economist & Consultant with an illustrious career spanning 29 years across academic, corporate, and agribusiness sectors. His extensive professional journey includes pivotal roles at esteemed institutions such as UBA Ghana, SIC Financial Services, Empretec Ghana, and the Swiss International Finance Group, reflecting his profound understanding of global finance.
Renowned as a pioneer in risk management, compliance, and corporate strategy, Dr. Tetteh-Dumanya has made significant contributions to the Ghanaian financial landscape. He has been instrumental in spearheading initiatives in Venture Capital, business/financial reengineering, and fundraising, thereby playing a pivotal role in the growth and development of numerous entities.
Driven by a fervent dedication to capacity development, Dr. Tetteh-Dumanya has offered consultancy services to a diverse array of local and multinational organizations notably GIZ, AGRA, SNV, DANIDA, and USAID among others. His expertise in financial and business domains is multifaceted, showcased through his adept navigation of complex challenges and his commitment to driving sustainable growth in every endeavor.
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