Ghana
Ghana at a Glance
Located on the coast of West Africa, with a population of about 34 million people, Ghana is a regional leader in electricity access, with an access rate of 89%. This is one of the highest in sub-Saharan Africa and is still steadily rising. This high access rate has been a key contributor to many developments for the country including their own space program as well as the creation of Lake Volta, the world’s largest manmade lake.
In addition, the electricity rate was a key component of the countries agricultural and natural resource mining growth, Ghana is a leading exporter of gold and the second largest producer of cocoa in the world. The government has set a target to achieve universal electricity access by 2030.
Map highlighting Ghana, Sub-Saharan Africa.
Image adapted from map created with mapchart.net.
Overview of energy landscape
Ghana’s energy production has grown significantly over the past decade. Crude oil output rose from 23.8 million barrels in 2011 to 48.2 million barrels in 2023—a 102% increase. Natural gas production surged from 2.0 tBtu in 2014 to 114.89 tBtu in 2023, marking an approximate 5,600% increase in under a decade.
Energy sources and consumption
Petroleum product consumption is dominated by gas oil (46%), followed by gasoline (39%), natural gas (7%), and LPG (5%). Wood fuel use has declined steadily, from 3,432 ktoe in 2000 to 2,845 ktoe in 2023.
Electricity access and generation
National electricity access stands at 89%, with near-universal coverage in Greater Accra (99%) and Ashanti (96%). However, access remains lower in Savannah (61%), Upper East (66%), and North East (74%). Ghana continues to expand generation capacity, building on decades of growth since 1952.
Renewable energy potential and key projects
Ghana aims to scale up renewables through its Renewable Energy Masterplan, targeting 1,364 MW by 2030. Mini-grid electrification and LPG promotion policies complement this effort.
Renewable energy potential and key projects
Ghana aims to scale up renewables through its Renewable Energy Masterplan, targeting 1,364 MW by 2030. Mini-grid electrification and LPG promotion policies complement this effort.
Policies and regulatory framework
- Renewable Energy Act, 2020 (Act 1045)
- Mini-grid Electrification Policy
- National LPG Promotion Policy
- National Energy Policy
- Renewable Energy Masterplan (1,364 MW by 2030)
- Strategic National Energy Plan (10% renewables, 50% LPG use by 2030)
- Nationally Determined Contributions (10% renewable penetration by 2030)
- National Electric Vehicle Policy (phased EV adoption through 2045)
Targets and transition plans
By 2030:
- 95% household electrification
- 10% renewable share in electricity generation
- 10% ethanol blend in petroleum products
- Introduction of CNG-fueled engines and trains
By 2050:
- 70% road vehicles powered by electricity or hydrogen
- 50% metro households using electric stoves
- 90% household appliances best-in-class
Challenges
Regional disparities in clean cooking access persist, with only 37% national coverage and heavy reliance on biomass in northern regions.