Ghana’s drive toward universal electricity access has made remarkable progress, with the country now reaching nearly 90% nationwide coverage, according to Executive Director Ing. Justice Ohene-Akoto of the Africa Sustainable Energy Centre (ASEC), disclosed the milestone during an interview on JoyNews’ Market Place on Tuesday, October 21, noting that Ghana currently ranks second in West Africa, just behind Cape Verde, which boasts a 98% access rate.
Ing. Ohene-Akoto praised Ghana’s efforts over the years but emphasized that more must be done to achieve full electrification. He pointed out that ASEC’s latest Energy Outlook report draws key lessons from North African nations such as Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco—countries that have successfully attained universal energy access within a relatively short timeframe.
The ASEC Director highlighted that these countries adopted a “hybrid model” approach, combining traditional energy sources with renewable technologies to achieve sustainable results. He urged Ghana to follow a similar path tailored to its unique regional and economic conditions.
He explained that Africa’s energy transition cannot simply mimic that of developed economies, stressing the need for a balanced model that sustains the continent’s oil and gas resources while expanding investment in renewable energy and carbon technologies.
Citing Morocco as a successful example, Ing. Ohene-Akoto noted how the country treated rural electrification and renewable energy expansion as national priorities. Through strong political will and coordinated investment, Morocco not only achieved full access but also developed the capacity to export power to Europe.
He concluded that Ghana can replicate this success by adopting a long-term hybrid energy policy that blends innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity ensuring every household, from urban centers to remote villages, has reliable and affordable electricity access.