The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has underscored the need for Africa to pursue a just energy transition that reflects the continent’s unique development priorities while advancing sustainability goals.
Speaking during a panel discussion on “What Does a Just Energy Transition Mean for Africa?” at the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town South Africa, Dr. Jinapor outlined Ghana’s approach to building an energy future that balances energy access, industrialization, and environmental sustainability.
According to the Minister, Africa’s energy transition must be pursued on terms that support economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction, while ensuring that climate action does not undermine the continent’s development aspirations.
Dr. Jinapor stressed the importance of policy credibility and regulatory certainty in attracting private sector investment into the energy sector. He also highlighted the critical role of natural gas as a transition fuel in supporting reliable electricity supply while the continent scales up renewable energy deployment.
The Minister further outlined Ghana’s commitment to accelerating the adoption of renewable energy through large-scale solar projects, energy storage systems, residential solar solutions, and the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
He emphasized that a truly just energy transition for Africa must expand access to affordable and reliable energy, support industrial development, promote clean cooking solutions, address energy poverty, and deliver a sustainable future that leaves no one behind.
Dr. Jinapor’s remarks formed part of broader discussions at the Africa Energy Forum on strategies to ensure that Africa’s energy transition contributes to both climate objectives and socio-economic development across the continent.
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