Ghanaian organizations and individuals must embrace energy efficiency to manage costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to Serwa Atiase Dzogbenuku, Partner, Technology and Transformation at Deloitte. This recommendation comes amidst significant global energy uncertainties and mounting fiscal pressures within Ghana.
Ms. Dzogbenuku, speaking at a webinar titled “Driving Energy Efficiency: How Measuring Performance Can Lower Costs and Reduce GHG Emissions in Buildings,” highlighted energy efficiency as a practical and impactful action. She stated that while many factors in the energy world are beyond control, intentional efforts in energy efficiency remain within reach. This approach helps overcome the vulnerability of Ghana’s energy systems to external shocks, such as geopolitical instability in the Middle East.
The call for energy efficiency fits into Ghana’s broader economic and political narrative of seeking stability and resilience. Ghana faces fluctuating fuel prices, tightened supply chains, and rising fiscal pressures. The nation's energy policy of 2022 and its energy transmission framework recognize demand management as equally important to expanding supply. This strategic focus aims to build an energy system that is affordable, secure, and resilient in an increasingly uncertain world.
Ing Seth Mahu, Director of Renewable Energy and Green Transition at the Ministry of Energy, supported this view. He explained that Ghana is at a defining moment where energy efficiency is not just a technical option. He sees it as an economic, security, and climate strategy. Mr. Mahu noted that energy efficiency has already proven its value in Ghana and needs elevation as a core part of the nation's energy transition and investment plan.
The implications for Ghana are significant. Treating energy efficiency as infrastructure, with planned financing and governmental enforcement of policies, is crucial. This approach includes initiatives beyond electricity, like clean cooking programs that cut fuel wood consumption by up to 60% per household. These programs highlight broad efficiency gains across the entire energy economy, addressing both economic and health risks. Decision-makers and markets will closely watch how Ghana integrates these strategies to achieve energy security and sustainable development.