Ghana can still achieve strong economic growth without worsening environmental damage if it shifts decisively toward cleaner energy sources, a new study by researchers at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has found.
The research shows that Ghana’s drive for rapid economic expansion is closely tied to rising energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions, largely because the country remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels.
Published in Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technology, the study notes that while sustained socio-economic growth is critical for national development, it typically requires large amounts of primary energy, which can drive up emissions if not carefully managed.
Ghana is targeting a gross domestic product (GDP) of between US$126 billion and US$159 billion by 2030, implying annual growth of 7–8 per cent. Achieving this would require substantial energy input to support industrialisation, urbanisation and other development initiatives.
According to the study, nearly 70 per cent of Ghana’s electricity generation and at least 95 per cent of transportation depend on fossil fuels, raising concerns about the environmental impact of rising energy consumption. This is particularly significant as Ghana has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
The researchers analysed data from 1980 to 2019, examining relationships between economic growth, primary energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Using linear regression models, they estimated the energy required to meet specific GDP growth targets and the associated levels of carbon dioxide emissions.
The findings show a strong historical link between GDP growth, energy use and CO₂ emissions, indicating that economic expansion in Ghana has traditionally come with higher energy consumption and increased emissions.
However, the study also points to a more optimistic path. Since 2014, Ghana has gradually increased the share of clean and renewable energy in its energy mix, a shift that could allow the country to meet growing energy needs without a proportional rise in emissions.
The research was conducted by Dr. Yen Adams Sokama-Neuyam, Emmanuel Ofori Oppong, Emperor Amedeka, Dr. Patrick Boakye, Dr. Peter Oppong Tawiah and Prof. Francis Kemausour.
By: Abena Serwaa Gyamfi
