Ghana unveils $3.4bn renewables drive to position itself as Africa clean-energy hub

Ghana has launched a $3.4bn renewable energy investment plan aimed at transforming its power sector and positioning the West African nation as a leader in Africa’s green energy transition, Citi News reports.

The five-year strategy, unveiled at the 3rd Renewable Energy Forum Africa (REFA 2025) in Accra, seeks to sharply expand clean power generation while attracting significant private-sector investment, the government said.

Energy and Green Transition Minister John Abdulai Jinapor said the plan is designed to unlock Ghana’s renewable energy potential and support long-term economic growth. “We have taken bold and decisive actions to develop our renewable energy sector for economic prosperity,” he is quoted as saying.

The roadmap targets the installation of 1,400 megawatts of renewable energy capacity, the deployment of 400 mini-grids to underserved communities, and the rollout of more than 100 fast-charging stations nationwide. It also includes the expanded use of solar-powered water pumping systems to support agriculture and rural livelihoods.

Ghana has already made notable progress, Jinapor said, citing the country’s 16.8MW facility, now Africa’s largest single rooftop solar installation. He also pointed to President John Dramani Mahama’s recent inauguration of a 200MW solar power plant, with plans to scale it up to 1,000MW by 2032.

Beyond Ghana, the minister framed the initiative within a broader continental challenge, highlighting Africa’s persistent energy deficit despite vast renewable resources.

“A continent blessed with abundant solar potential cannot afford to remain shackled by energy poverty. This is unacceptable,” Jinapor said, urging stronger regional cooperation to accelerate clean-energy deployment across Africa.

“If we work together to utilise just 20% of our renewable energy potential, we can eradicate energy poverty and drive sustainable development across the continent,” he added.

Africa holds some of the world’s richest solar, wind and hydro resources, yet more than 600mn people on the continent still lack access to electricity, according to international energy agencies.

Ghana’s $3.4bn push signals an effort to break that pattern by leveraging solar power, mini-grids and emerging green technologies to fuel growth, create jobs and strengthen energy security, while positioning the country as a model for Africa’s low-carbon transition.