Dr. Bawumia’s 2000mw Solar Power Promise Overly Ambitious – Dr. Steve Manteaw

Dr. Steve Manteaw, a renowned energy expert and Co-Chair of the Ghana Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (GHEITI), has cast doubt on the feasibility of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s pledge to add 2000 megawatts (MW) of solar power to Ghana’s energy mix. Speaking on TV3’s New Day program hosted by Roland Walker, Dr. Manteaw described the promise as overly ambitious and unrealistic given the prevailing conditions in the country’s energy sector.

Structural Deficiencies in the Sector

Dr. Manteaw outlined several critical challenges that undermine the sector’s ability to realize such ambitious targets. Among these are insufficient policy frameworks, a lack of robust infrastructure, and inadequate incentives for private investment. He stressed that these structural deficiencies deter investors who are crucial to achieving significant advancements in the renewable energy space.

He pointed to a broader systemic issue in Ghana’s energy landscape: a history of failed promises. For instance, the government set a target in 2017 to achieve a 1% renewable energy mix but has yet to accomplish this modest goal. The proposed 2000MW solar project, which would make up an estimated 60% of the energy mix, thus appears far out of reach under current circumstances.

Investor Frustration

Highlighting one of the key deterrents to private investment, Dr. Manteaw shared a case involving a businessman who invested $30 million in a feasibility study for a renewable energy project. According to him, this investor has faced immense frustration due to demands from government officials seeking personal shares in the venture before it could even commence. This, Dr. Manteaw argued, reflects a broader culture of corruption and inefficiency that stifles progress in Ghana’s energy sector.

He further criticized the sector’s governance, particularly in the current administration, where such malpractices have been exacerbated. This culture not only discourages potential investors but also raises questions about the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for renewable energy development.

Unrealistic Goals for Renewable Energy

Dr. Manteaw’s skepticism about the 2000MW solar pledge also stems from Ghana’s historical challenges in renewable energy development. Despite several administrations setting renewable energy targets, progress has been limited. Current renewable energy contributions to the national grid remain minimal, with hydroelectric and thermal energy dominating the energy mix.

To underscore his point, he compared the government’s failure to meet its 2017 renewable energy goals with the ambitious 2000MW solar target proposed by Dr. Bawumia. Such a target, representing a substantial portion of the energy mix, would require significant technological, financial, and institutional investments that Ghana is currently ill-prepared to undertake.

A Call for Pragmatism and Policy Reform

Dr. Manteaw emphasized the need for a more pragmatic approach to energy policy in Ghana. Rather than setting lofty goals without a clear roadmap, he advocated for policies that address the underlying challenges of the sector. This includes improving transparency, creating an investor-friendly environment, and implementing actionable plans with measurable milestones.

Furthermore, he called for greater stakeholder engagement and collaboration to ensure that the country’s energy policies are inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with realistic goals. Dr. Manteaw believes that fostering trust and accountability in the energy sector is key to unlocking its full potential.

Dr. Steve Manteaw’s critique serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges facing Ghana’s energy sector. While the promise of 2000MW of solar energy represents a commendable ambition, its realization requires significant reforms and a concerted effort to address systemic inefficiencies. Without these changes, such promises risk becoming mere political rhetoric rather than transformative solutions for Ghana’s energy future.