Former Power Minister, Ghana, Dr Kwabena Donkor has called on Ghana and other African countries to make practical energy choices if they want to build strong industries and create jobs for their growing populations.
Speaking at the Students and Young Professionals African Liberty Academy (SYPALA), organised by the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, Dr Donkor said Africa should not simply follow global trends on renewable energy without considering what is best for its own development.
He said Ghana needs cheap and reliable electricity to process its natural resources and produce finished goods.
“We have iron ore, we have bauxite, we have other minerals that we need power to convert to finished [products],” – he said.
According to him, Ghana cannot achieve industrialisation if electricity remains too expensive for businesses.
Africa must produce more
Dr Donkor said Africa has a large population but produces only a small share of the world’s manufactured goods.
He noted that Africa is home to about 19 percent of the world’s population but accounts for only about two percent of global manufacturing.
He said this situation must change if the continent wants to create enough jobs and improve living standards.
He also urged young people to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics because Ghana would need more scientists and engineers to develop its economy.
“It’s your generation,” he told the students, encouraging them to prepare themselves to solve the country’s future problems.
Renewables cannot do everything
Dr Donkor said renewable energy, especially solar power, has an important role to play but cannot currently meet all of Ghana’s electricity needs.
He explained that solar power depends on sunlight and can drop suddenly when clouds cover solar panels.
He said this could be a serious problem for factories that need electricity throughout the day.
According to him, solar power would be more suitable for places such as homes, schools and small health facilities, where electricity demand is lower.
He cited rural health facilities as an example, saying solar power could provide electricity for lighting, refrigerators and basic medical equipment.
Ghana needs reliable power for factories
The former minister said Ghana’s industrial ambitions would require a mixture of energy sources.
He mentioned hydropower and natural gas as important options, while also encouraging the use of solar energy where it is practical.
He said Ghana had already used much of its major hydropower potential, meaning the country must carefully consider other sources of electricity.
Dr Donkor also pointed to countries such as Ethiopia, which has invested heavily in hydropower, as examples of what African countries can achieve when they develop their energy resources.
‘Do what is best for Africa’
Dr Donkor urged African leaders not to accept every international energy policy without asking whether it would help their countries develop.
He argued that developed countries built much of their industries using fossil fuels before moving towards cleaner energy.
Africa, he said, should therefore be allowed to use the energy sources it needs to develop while gradually increasing its use of cleaner technologies.
He said African countries must take advantage of renewable energy for homes, schools and health facilities while finding affordable sources of reliable power for factories.
“We must do what is best for our national development,” – he said.
Dr Donkor’s message to the young audience was clear: Africa cannot develop by simply copying other countries.
It must make smart choices based on its own resources, challenges and development needs.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu