Ghana’s technical regulator for electricity and natural gas, Energy Commission on Tuesday made history by launching Energy Academy to be hosted at the recently inaugurated nearly-zero energy building headquarters in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
The Energy Academy is expected to provide cutting-edge training, foster innovation and the build capacity of energy sector players in Africa in the area of energy policy formulation, renewable energy, energy efficiency, electricity and natural gas regulation, Local Content management among others.
Effective 26th January 2025, the Energy Academy will offer courses in Energy Data Analytics and Energy Research, Energy Efficiency and Conservation, Renewable Energy, Energy Planning, Energy Policy and Climate Change and Energy Policy and Regulation.
Speaking at the launching of the Energy Academy, the Executive Secretary of Energy Commission, Ing Oscar Amonoo-Neizer, noted that the creation of the Energy Academy is a direct response to lessons from the past.
He said the Commission recognises that the cornerstone of a thriving energy sector is its people, stating that skilled professionals, empowered by knowledge and innovation are essential to tackling the challenges of energy security, access and sustainability.
Whilst reflecting on 30 years of energy reforms in Ghana, Ing Oscar Amonoo-Neizer noted that the same collaboration that had brought progress in the energy sector would ensure success of the Energy Academy.
He emphasised that “we are not only celebrating the birth of an institution that will shape the future of Ghana’s energy sector but also reflecting on a legacy of progress through the Energy Forum as we evaluate 30 years of reforms in our energy sector.
“Over the past three decades, Ghana has significantly transformed its energy landscape. The journey has been challenging and rewarding from ambitious reforms aimed at restructuring the sector to innovative solutions addressing energy access and sustainability,” he said.
He commended GIZ and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) for graciously accepting to collaborate with Energy Commission in this historic endeavour.
The Deputy Minister for Energy, Hon.John Kobina Aboah Sanie, described the Energy Academy as a beacon for progress.
“This Academy stands as a symbol of what is possible when we align innovation, collaboration and commitment. It serves as a powerful testament to the role of women and young professionals in shaping a sustainable future for Ghana’s energy sector,” he stressed.
He lauded the partnership with KNUST and other collaborators, adding that the Academy represents “a remarkable milestone in our infrastructure development and a critical step toward sustainable economic growth.
“Through forums, academic training and discussions, we are cultivating a virtuous cycle of learning and motivation that will guide energy reforms in Ghana and beyond,” the Deputy Minister emphasised.
Touching on the topic of advancing Electricity and Tackling Challenges in Ghana’s energy sector, an Energy Consultant at the World Bank Office in Ghana, Maame Tabuah Ankoh, noted that the national electrification rate has risen from 28 per cent in 1990 to an impressive 88.9 per cent in 2024.
“This positions Ghana among the top three countries in Sub-Saharan Africa for electrification. It’s a loud achievement in a region where many nations still struggle with rates below 50%,” she remarked.
However, she pointed out the persistent challenges the sector faces, including high system losses, electricity reliability issues and a slow transition to renewable energy.
“It’s projected that 1.5% to 2.5% of GDP is required to support these challenges. Yet, there’s a significant opportunity to leverage renewable energy and drive down costs,” Tabuah added.
Commenting on the vision for the future of Ghana’s energy sector, the Provost of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, underscored the critical role of research, innovation and capacity building in achieving energy sector reforms.
“Technical courses in solar PV, hydropower, and economic regulation are essential for balancing utility needs with affordability,” he said.
He emphasised the need for investment in research and development, highlighting that KNUST’s College of Engineering had recently graduated over 2,600 engineers, many of whom are poised to make an impact in the energy sector.
He also called for greater national support for research and innovation.
“We have the responsibility to create technologies that address local challenges, and that requires investment in good graduate education and innovation accelerators,” Professor Nyarko urged.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com