Workshop in Accra calls for a socially inclusive transition to green energy

Dzorwulu, Accra – August 15, 2024 – A significant workshop took place on Thursday in Dzorwulu, Accra, where civil society organizations (CSOs) convened to explore the theme, “Advocating for a Socially Inclusive Just Transition from Fossil to Green and Renewable Energy Initiatives.”

Supported by Milieudefensie (FoE-Netherlands) and organized by the AbibiNsroma Foundation in collaboration with the FIDEP Foundation, the event aimed to empower CSOs with crucial tools and strategies for promoting a seamless shift to renewable energy in Ghana.

Central to the workshop was the idea of a just transition—an approach focused on equity, ensuring that the move away from fossil fuels includes and supports marginalized communities.

“This consultative workshop was designed to gather civil society organizations to strategize on advancing advocacy in the realm of Just Energy Transition,” noted Amos Yesutanbul, Research Director at the Frontier Institute of Development Planning (FIDEP). “Our goal was to align funding from Export Credit Agencies towards a just energy transition, an initiative spearheaded by the AbibiNsroma Foundation with guidance from the FIDEP Foundation.”

The event featured various sessions emphasizing the social, economic, and environmental aspects of the energy transition. Participants learned effective advocacy techniques, rights-based methodologies, and how to create collaborative, actionable plans among CSOs.

Portia Adu Mensah, Country Coordinator of 350 G-ROC, underscored the necessity of framing the just transition concept within the context of industries such as mining and oil extraction. “While we must address the country’s energy needs, it is essential to incorporate significant considerations during the transition. Ghana aims for a future electricity demand of 380,000 gigawatts, with a goal to include 21 gigawatts from renewable sources,” she emphasized.

The workshop’s purpose was clear: to enhance understanding of just transitions, equip CSOs with practical advocacy tools, and establish a collaborative framework. Participants addressed the potential negative consequences of energy transition projects on human rights and the environment, highlighting the need for supportive measures to mitigate these impacts.

Views on Ghana’s renewable energy targets varied among attendees. By 2030, the nation aims for renewable sources to contribute at least 10% to its total electricity generation. While many were hopeful about the commitment to renewable initiatives, concerns arose regarding the feasibility of these targets in light of existing infrastructural deficits and financial requirements.

One participant remarked, “Achieving these targets will demand not only commitment but also substantial investments in infrastructure and education. It’s critical for civil society to continue advocating for transparency and accountability in energy policies to realize these ambitions.”

Dr. Derek Sarfo-Yiadom from the Climate Change & Ozone Department at the Environmental Protection Agency enriched the discussion, addressing concerns regarding the viability of Ghana’s ambitious renewable energy objectives and the necessary funding to reach them.

“When this policy was established, it became evident that achieving our goals necessitated strategic investments, as our national capacities alone were inadequate,” Dr. Sarfo-Yiadom clarified. He mentioned ongoing efforts to secure funding through various international climate resources. “We are actively pursuing financial support from bilateral sources and climate funds to assist our national budget,” he stated.

He further highlighted the Prosperity Plan’s role, which is dedicated to facilitating a fair and orderly transition to renewable energy. “One of the main agendas of this plan is ensuring an equitable and socially inclusive transition. While I appreciate your recommendations, we must face the reality that our economy cannot sustain such a significant shift without external assistance,” he cautioned.

Dr. Sarfo-Yiadom’s comments emphasized the necessity of collaboration among government entities, civil society, and international partners to effectively navigate the just energy transition.

Amos Yesutanbul reiterated this sentiment, asserting, “It is essential for the government to acknowledge that working with civil society organizations is key. Civil society plays a vital role in raising awareness about both their efforts and the government’s initiatives, ensuring public access to information.”

As Ghana aims to establish itself as a leader in renewable energy, workshops like this highlight the importance of collective efforts to guarantee that no community is overlooked in the transition to a sustainable energy landscape.