Ghana Needs Renewable Energy Authority– Kofi Adda

Joseph Kofi Adda, a former Minister for Energy, has called on government to establish an agency – Ghana Renewable Energy Authority (GREA), for the exploitation of the nation’s renewable energy potential.

This is to augment the conventional sources of power that currently exist in the country.

Hon. Adda, who is also the Ranking Member for the Energy and Mines Committee in Parliament, pointed out that conventional sources could be very expensive in most cases due to the occasional rise in petroleum prices. He cited instances of thermal power and climatic changes that could adversely affect the supply of power through hydro sources.

Energy generation through renewable sources, he noted, would provide more reliable alternative sources of power, which for the most part, could be fairly stable. The former energy minister, who is currently the Member of Parliament (MP) for Navrongo Central Constituency, commended government for introducing the Renewable Energy Bill to Parliament.

Hon. Adda argued that the passage of the Bill would not be enough to enable the country take advantage of the numerous sources of renewable energy. He observed that passing the bill alone, which does not make provision for the setting up an Authority, amounts to opening up the sub-sector alright albeit without a focus.

“There is therefore the danger of many more state agencies directly engaging in renewable energy projects which will not be their core business,” he added.

Additionally, he said because of the expensive nature of renewable agency, private sector participants will not just flock to the sub-sector and begin investing because of the passage of the Bill into law.

“We need a dedicated agency that will take the initiative to enter into strategic partnerships with such players to stimulate investment activity in the sub-sector. In some cases, the state too must lead the way in conceiving and inviting these private investors. This is the only way to show seriousness and achieve results,” Hon. Adda emphasized.

Although the debate on the Bill has ended, DAILY GUIDE has learnt it may be passed without the inclusion of GREA. The paper has gathered that if a dedicated agency, in the form of an Authority, is to be set up after the passage of the Bill it may take three to six months.

However, if a motion is moved by the Executive for the inclusion of the amendments proposed by the MP for Navrongo Central, the establishment of the Authority could take place soon. Hon. Adda indicated that GREA would also enhance good governance in the energy sector.

“The current situation in which the Ministry of Energy, which is the policy arm of the government, is indulging in the implementation of solar projects, is not the best for the nation,” Hon Adda stated.

Hon Kofi Adda noted that “Ghana is good with dreaming up initiatives, developing policies and passing laws but not good with the implementation of projects and generally does not follow through to ensure that as a nation, we reap the full dividends of those good initiatives so well conceived.

“This time around, I think Ghana should show seriousness in this area. It would be easier and simpler for the Executive to table and move a motion before the assent to this Bill so that the setting up the Authority would be done simultaneously with the passage of this Bill. It is in the nation’s best interest.”

Source: Daily Guide