The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has emphasized the urgent need for clean cooking solutions in Ghana, highlighting that nearly 60% of the population still relies on traditional solid fuels like charcoal and firewood.
To address these challenges, the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition launched a two-day National Clean Cooking Policy and Strategy Workshop to engage key stakeholders in developing a structured framework for accelerating the adoption of clean cooking technologies.
“The NCCP will offer regulatory and fiscal incentives to boost investments in the clean cooking sector and will support local industry development, ensuring the availability and affordability of clean cooking technologies,”Jinapor stated.
He warned that this dependence has severe consequences, contributing to approximately 6,500 deaths annually due to household air pollution, with children under five being the most vulnerable.
The workshop brings together policy experts, industry leaders, and development partners, marking a significant step in Ghana’s clean energy transition.
Speaking at the workshop, Jinapor stressed the socio-economic burden of inefficient cooking methods, particularly on women and children who bear the brunt of fuel collection, smoke exposure, and related health issues.
He emphasized that tackling these challenges requires a coherent and actionable strategy.
The National Clean Cooking Policy (NCCP), introduced at the workshop, aims to promote a diversified clean cooking energy mix, including “Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Electric cooking solutions, Biogas technologies, and Improved biomass cookstoves.”
The policy seeks to create an enabling environment for clean cooking adoption by providing incentives to manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers. It also focuses on public awareness campaigns to shift consumer behavior toward cleaner alternatives.
Jinapor also announced a revision of the National Clean Cooking Strategy (NCCS) and an accompanying Investment Prospectus (IP), which will serve as a detailed roadmap for scaling up clean cooking adoption.
“The NCCS and Investment Prospectus will clearly outline stakeholder roles and responsibilities, ensuring that financial resources are allocated effectively.”
He urged participants to engage in constructive discussions and contribute innovative solutions to move Ghana beyond policy formulation to implementation.
“Achieving universal access to clean cooking is not the sole responsibility of the government; it demands a collaborative multi-stakeholder approach,” he said, adding that public-private partnerships and international collaborations will be crucial in achieving success.
Chief Director of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition Wilhelmina Asamoah, emphasized that inclusivity is at the core of Ghana’s clean cooking initiative.
“This workshop provides a platform for open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and strategic collaboration over the next two days,” further noting that the event is the first of three planned regional engagements, covering the southern, middle, and northern zones of Ghana.
These engagements will ensure that the local realities and unique challenges of different regions are factored into the implementation plan.
She encouraged participants to take full advantage of the workshop to brainstorm innovative solutions for Ghana’s clean cooking transition.
Madam Asamoah expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its continued support of Ghana’s clean cooking agenda.
“The World Bank has played a critical role in advancing essential policy initiatives, and their backing is instrumental in achieving sustainable progress.”
The launch of the National Clean Cooking Policy marks a critical milestone in Ghana’s energy transition and environmental sustainability efforts.
With strong government commitment, stakeholder collaboration, and international support, Ghana is poised to make significant strides in reducing household air pollution, improving public health, and promoting sustainable energy solutions.
As the workshop progresses, stakeholders are expected to refine strategies, identify investment opportunities, and strengthen partnerships to ensure that the vision of a clean cooking future becomes a reality.
With decisive action and collective effort, Ghana aims to transform its cooking energy landscape, paving the way for a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable future for all Ghanaians.