President Akufo-Addo says, with collaboration, partnership, and collective action, Ghana’s journey towards a sustainable energy future will not be a solitary one.
These remarks were made at the opening ceremony of the Africa Energy Technology Conference held in Accra on Tuesday.
Delivering a speech on behalf of President Akufo-Addo, Special Envoy on Climate, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie said "Our journey, Ladies and Gentlemen, towards a sustainable energy future must not be a solitary one. It requires . We invite our international allies, stakeholders, and investors to join hands in this noble endeavour. Your support is not just an investment; it’s a pledge towards a future where innovation, progress, and environmental stewardship intersect"
"The path ahead might seem daunting, filled with challenges and uncertainties. However, it is in these moments that the true African spirit of resilience and innovation emerges"
"Our history is adorned with stories of triumph against adversity, and today, as we stand at the precipice of change, let us draw inspiration from our collective resilience"
"The Africa Energy Technology Conference must not just be a momentary gathering – it should be a catalyst for sustained change. Let us use this platform to forge alliances, exchange ideas, and foster a spirit of innovation that goes beyond our differences"
"Our commitment today is not just a testament to our aspirations; it is a commitment to the global community- a promise that Africa is not just a participant but a trailblazer in the global pursuit of sustainable energy and environmental conservation"
Speaking on the theme, 'Africa at the Forefront of Energy Technology and Policy Integration in a Just Energy Transition, Dr. Afriyie noted that Ghana stands firmly in its commitment to the cause.
"In pursuit of this, I launched in 2022, at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, our Energy Transition Framework – a bold initiative that aims to steer us towards net-zero energy-related carbon emissions by 2070"
"This plan is more than a strategy; it is our guiding beacon towards a future where economic development walks hand-in-hand with environmental stewardship"
"The $550 billion Energy Transition Investment Plan which I also launched on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last September is a testament to our dedication to fostering green industries, championing cutting-edge low-carbon technologies, and propelling our nation towards a sustainable industrial revolution"
Dr. Afriyie who doubles as Member of Parliament (MP) for Sefwi Wiawso stressed that Ghana’s Energy Transition framework outlines its blueprint that navigates through sectors such as oil and gas, transportation, agriculture, and power, paving the way for a transition that is ambitious yet achievable.
"It is important to state that we understand the weight of this endeavour – a colossal investment, representing a significant percentage of our annual GDP"
"The benefits are multifaceted, as it extends beyond economic gains, reaching into the fabric of our society and the sanctity of our environment."
"It enhances energy security, diversifies our energy mix, creates employment opportunities, bolsters health outcomes, and upholds our commitment to eradicating poverty while safeguarding our natural resources"
On his part, Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh said "Energy technology, Ladies and Gentlemen has the power to transform lives, drive economic growth, and safeguard our planet. From renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power to advancements in energy storage, grid management, and digitalization, the possibilities are limitless"
"A just energy transition demands a holistic approach that integrates energy policy with broader development objectives, including poverty alleviation, job creation, and environmental sustainability. We must break down silos and foster collaboration across sectors and borders to maximize the impact of our efforts"
"Ladies and gentlemen, the global energy transition presents Africa and probably the entire globe, with an opportunity to improve on our existing policies and initiatives to foster the development of all sectors of our economies through the provision of affordable and reliable energy and importantly, improve on the quality of the air we breathe"
"Globally, energy transition is challenged in several ways including limited technological capacity, low productivity, weak capital markets and high input costs. In addition to these, Africa is particularly saddled with high energy deficit, inadequate human capital and lack of green energy infrastructure"
"These issues have to be dealt with through policy and regulatory reforms, fiscal market development and incentives to achieve sustainable consumption and production of energy at national, subregional and continental levels"
Developing Africa’s green manufacturing capabilities with the right technologies and innovations is one of the key strategies to fostering growth, producing decent employment opportunities, and creating sustainable wealth while ensuring that Africa is not left behind in the global green economic development. The attraction of green industries into Africa would enable the leapfrogging of the Continent in the energy transition agenda"
"The benefits of green manufacturing include; Reduced energy-related cost, attracting new customers and increased sales, tax incentives boosting of workforce morale and improved workplace safety, and more and more job opportunities"
"With our energy transition framework in place, government’s industrialization agenda, the recent discovery of critical metals and the citing of AfCTA Headquarters in Ghana, we are in a unique position to serve as the spring board and gateway for green manufacturing into the Continent"
Taking her turn, President and Founder, African Energy Technology Centre, Emelia Akumah said "Africa aims to be a leader in developing and adopting cutting-edge energy technologies, such as renewable energy sources, energy storage solutions, and smart grid systems"
"We must recognize the importance of emerging technology in confronting the challenges that have long plagued our continent. This involves investing in research, development, and deployment of innovative technologies that address the continent's energy needs while minimizing environmental impact"
She noted that Africa seeks to integrate energy policies that promote sustainability, efficiency, and inclusivity.
This she hinted involves, aligning national and regional energy policies with global goals such as the Paris Agreement on climate change and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"Africa aims for a transition to a more sustainable energy system that is fair, inclusive, and equitable. This means ensuring that the benefits of the transition are shared among all segments of society, including marginalized communities, women, and youth"
"A just energy transition also involves mitigating the social and economic impacts on workers and communities affected by the shift away from fossil fuels"
"We also cannot ignore the inherent unfairness in expecting Africa to bear the brunt of the negative effects of decades of mankind’s’ fossil fuel dependence while being responsible for only a fraction of those effects. It is a stark reminder of the global inequities that persist in our energy systems - hence, our call for a just energy transition"
"In our pursuit of a more sustainable energy future for all, we must recognize that true progress requires inclusivity"
"Women and the youth are not mere beneficiaries of change; they are the architects of our future. It is imperative that we empower them with the tools, opportunities, and resources to lead the charge towards a cleaner, brighter tomorrow"
Secretary General, African Petroleum Producers' Organization (APPO) Republic of Congo, H. E. Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim commended the leadership of Africa Energy Technology Centre for such great initiative.
He was optismic that a collective effort will not only help Ghana achieve higher highs but Africa as a whole.
He said "APPO firmly believes that the era pf lamentations are over in Africa. That is why we have ťaken concrete steps to address the identifying emminent challenges"
Dr. Ibrahim revealed that there are talks of a possible establishment of Africa Energy Bank (AEB), whose focus shall be to provide funds for energy projects on the African Continent focusing essentially on Oil ad Gas.
"I am pleased to announce that the Republic of Ghana is one of the seven APPO member continents that has expressed interest in hosting the headquarters of Africa Energy Bank"
"The inaugural meeting of the AEB selection committee took place yesterday"
"By Ministerial resolution, the Africa Energy Bank shall take off, not later than June 30" he disclosed.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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