Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has urged African nations to convert solar ambition into concrete projects, as he opened the Seventh Meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Regional Committee for Africa in Accra on Wednesday.
Chairing the high-level gathering, Hon. Jinapor emphasised that Africa’s energy transition is both a necessity and a major economic opportunity.
“With 600 million Africans lacking electricity, and the continent consuming just 4% of global energy, this is our moment to transform pipeline projects into bankable realities,” – he said.
The three-day meeting has drawn representatives from across the continent, as well as international partners including France and India.
Discussions are focused on accelerating solar deployment, unlocking private capital, and enhancing energy access for millions.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, highlighted the importance of reliable, sustainable energy for Africa’s economic development.
“With the right partnerships and financing, we can lift Africa’s share of global clean energy investment above the current 2%,” Hon. Ablakwa said.
Key outcomes so far include the formalisation of solar cooperation frameworks with Ghana, Nigeria, and The Gambia, and announcements around ISA’s Africa Solar Facility, which is expected to mobilise over $4 billion in private investment.
ISA Director General Ashish Khanna reaffirmed the Alliance’s goal of moving “from ambition to action,” pledging tailored support for each African member state.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu