As the world commemorates the International Day of Clean Energy on January 26th, 2025, Ghana finds itself at a pivotal moment. The day symbolizes hope and progress, a reminder of the transformative potential clean energy holds for addressing global challenges such as climate change and energy insecurity. Hon. Francis Owusu-Akyaw, Member of Parliament for Juaben, delivered an impassioned statement marking the occasion and highlighting the significance of clean energy for Ghana’s sustainable development.

Francis Owusu-Akyaw

Ghana’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels has long come at a cost—rising global temperatures, extreme weather, and adverse health impacts. However, the country is increasingly embracing renewable energy solutions. From solar panels on rooftops to wind farms powering rural areas, Ghana’s commitment to clean energy signals a brighter, more sustainable future.

“Clean energy is more than a technology; it is a commitment to our planet, our people, and our shared prosperity,” said Hon. Owusu-Akyaw.

Despite progress, obstacles remain. High initial costs for renewable energy infrastructure, especially in rural areas, technological upgrades for the national grid, and limited public awareness about the benefits of clean energy are just a few of the challenges facing Ghana. However, Hon. Owusu-Akyaw emphasized the opportunities clean energy presents which includes Job Creation,
Innovation and
Global Cooperation

Ghana’s recent discovery of lithium in commercial quantities is a significant milestone. Lithium, essential for renewable energy technologies like batteries, positions Ghana as a potential leader in the global clean energy sector. However, Hon. Owusu-Akyaw stressed the need for sustainable practices to ensure the resource benefits communities and ecosystems.

Hon. Owusu-Akyaw called for bold, inclusive action. “The Government of Ghana must prioritize renewable energy policies, businesses must lead with innovation, and communities, both rural and urban, must embrace the change.”

Imagine a Ghana where clean energy powers homes, factories, and vehicles—a nation where pollution is a thing of the past, and energy is accessible to all. This is not a distant dream but a tangible future within our reach.

The International Day of Clean Energy is a time to reflect on progress, acknowledge challenges, and recommit to a sustainable future. As Ghana takes its place in the global clean energy revolution, the message is clear: the journey toward sustainability is not just a national mission—it is a shared global endeavor.

Together, we can ensure that the vision of a clean, sustainable future becomes a reality for generations to come.

Below is the full statement written and delivered by the Juaben constituency legislator.

𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐘 𝐁𝐘 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐆𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐀’S 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐒 𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓,𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃

𝐁𝐘

𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐒 𝐎𝐖𝐔𝐒𝐔-𝐀𝐊𝐘𝐀𝐖

23𝚛𝚍 𝙹𝙰𝙽𝚄𝙰𝚁𝚈 2025

1. Today, we commemorate International Day of Clean Energy a powerful symbol of hope,
   progress, and a sustainable future. This day marks a call to action and a celebration of the
   transformative potential of clean energy to address some of the most pressing challenges
   of our time.
2. Clean energy is more than a technology; it is a commitment to our planet, our people, and
   our shared prosperity. In a world facing the dual crises of climate change and energy
   insecurity, clean energy stands as a beacon of possibility. It offers a way to power our
   homes, our industries, and our aspirations without compromising the health of our
   environment or the well-being of future generations.
3. For decades, Ghana has relied heavily on fossil fuels, a dependence that has come at a great
   cost—rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and a toll on human health.
   Clean energy represents a pivot away from this trajectory. It is a pathway to reducing
   greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and fostering resilience against the
   challenges ahead.
4. Ghana has been making significant strides in adopting clean energy solutions to address its
   energy needs, combat climate change, and achieve sustainable development goals. The
   country’s efforts reflect its commitment to transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable and
   sustainable energy sources.
5. The challenges facing the adoption of clean energy may include high initial costs for
   renewable energy infrastructure particularly in rural areas, enforcement and incentivization
   mechanisms, integrating variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the
   national grid requires technological upgrades and the limited awareness about the benefits
   of clean energy.

6. The Challenges notwithstanding, clean energy adoption in Ghana is more than a necessity;
   it is an opportunity to transform the country’s energy landscape, reduce environmental
   impact, and improve livelihoods. By addressing existing challenges and capitalizing on
   opportunities, Ghana can continue to build a sustainable energy future that benefits its
   people and inspires the region.

7. Today, we celebrate the remarkable strides made in clean energy development and
   adoption. Wind farms now used in some parts of the country; solar panels gleam on
   rooftops of some government and private institutions; and cities are transitioning to energy
   saving electrical appliances, reducing pollution and enhancing quality of life of the
   citizenry.
8. Yet, as much as we have achieved, there is still so much more to do. The clean energy
   revolution is an opportunity to:
   a. Create Jobs: The renewable energy sector is already employing millions
   worldwide, with the promise of even more opportunities as we scale up our efforts
   as a country;
   b. Drive Innovation: From energy storage to smart grids, clean energy is at the
   forefront of technological breakthroughs that will define the next century; and
   c. Foster Global Cooperation: Clean energy unites us in a shared mission. It
   transcends borders, encouraging nations to collaborate in pursuit of a greener, more
   equitable future.
9. The Government of Ghana, with its recent discovery of lithium in commercial quantities
   provides us with an undoubtedly great opportunity to move towards environmentally
   friendly sources of energy for adoption and usage in homes, factories, vehicles, amongst others.
   Lithium’s role in clean energy is profound and by prioritizing sustainability, innovation, and equitable practices, Ghana can harness the potential of lithium without compromising the well-being of communities and ecosystems.
10. However, these opportunities require action—bold, decisive, and inclusive action. The
    Government of Ghana must prioritize renewable energy policies, businesses must lead with
    innovation, and communities, both rural and urban, must embrace the change. Each of us
    has a role to play. Whether through advocacy, education, or daily choices, we contribute
    to a global movement that places sustainability at its core.
11. Imagine a world powered by clean energy, a world where cities, towns and villages are
    vibrant and pollution-free, where energy is accessible to all, and where we live in harmony
    with nature. This is not a distant dream; it is a future within our grasp, one we must
    collectively strive to achieve.
12. To conclude, today, let us honour the progress we have made, acknowledge the work that
    lies ahead, and reaffirm our commitment to a sustainable future powered by clean energy.

Together, we can ensure that this vision becomes a reality, not just for us but for the generations to come.

𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐬 𝐊𝐰𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐰𝐮𝐬𝐮-𝐀𝐤𝐲𝐚𝐰
𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐎f 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐉𝐮𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲.