The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has called for a development-focused approach to Africa’s energy transition, stressing that the continent must pursue climate goals in a manner that supports economic growth, industrialisation, and poverty reduction.
Speaking during a panel discussion on the theme, “What Does a Just Energy Transition Mean for Africa?” at the Africa Energy Forum, Dr. Jinapor outlined Ghana’s vision for an energy future that balances sustainability with the urgent need to expand energy access and create jobs.
According to the Minister, Africa’s transition to cleaner energy systems must reflect the unique development realities of the continent and should not come at the expense of economic progress.
He emphasized that climate action and development must go hand in hand, noting that millions of Africans still lack access to reliable and affordable energy.
Dr. Jinapor highlighted the importance of policy consistency and credibility in attracting private sector investment into the energy sector, describing investor confidence as critical to achieving the continent’s energy transformation objectives.
The Minister also reiterated Ghana’s position on the role of natural gas as a transition fuel, arguing that it remains an important component of the country’s strategy to ensure energy security while gradually increasing the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix.
He pointed to Ghana’s ongoing investments in renewable energy initiatives, including large-scale solar power projects, energy storage systems, home solar solutions, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Dr. Jinapor further stressed the need for African countries to prioritize initiatives that address energy poverty, promote clean cooking technologies, and support industrial growth while advancing environmental sustainability.
He maintained that a truly just energy transition must expand access to reliable electricity, create economic opportunities, and improve livelihoods without leaving vulnerable populations behind.
