The Ghana Energy Awards on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, paid a courtesy call to the African Development Bank (AfDB) at its Ghana Country Office.
The purpose of the visit was to formally present the Energy Access Leadership Award to the Bank, an honor missed during the 2023 Ghana Energy Awards due to absence. Additionally, the delegation sought to receive updates on the AfDB’s energy-related initiatives and programs, and to identify opportunities for collaboration to strengthen the energy sector.
The Awards delegation, led by Dr. Kwame Ampofo, a Member of the Awarding Panel, included Ing. Henry Teinor, Event Director, along with Ms. Sandra Atuahene, Mr. Emmanuel Abossey and Mr. Kwame Atiase from the Awards Secretariat.
The Energy Access Leadership Award honors organisations or individuals who are leading projects, initiatives, or solutions aimed at scaling up rural electrification while promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible energy practices.
The Award is in recognition of the AfDB’s approval of a $ 28.49 million (USD) grant to enhance Ghana’s universal electrification goal. The financing will support the construction of mini-grids, stand-alone solar photovoltaic systems and solar-based battery facilities for storing excess power.
During the meeting, Ms. Eyerusalem Fasika, Country Manager for the AfDB, expressed gratitude for the recognition and reiterated the Bank’s commitment to providing institutional, financial, and technical support to Ghana’s energy sector. She also highlighted ongoing projects and upcoming initiatives, including the preparation of a new Country Strategy paper covering 2024 to 2029 which is expected to be approved by July.
“For the energy mini-grid renewable project, the Bank provided a grant of about US$ 25 million from the African Development Fund, the Bank’s concessionary window. In addition to this support, the Bank has leveraged additional resources through parallel financing from Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs. Furthermore, the Bank mobilised about US$ 27 million from the Climate Investment Fund. Currently, the support provided to Ghana’s energy sector consists of hundred percent grants. The Government of Ghana is also contributing to the total cost of the project.”
“In our pipeline for the next five years, we plan to implement the Ghana mini-grid Phase Two project and the clean cooking project.” Ms. Eyerusalem added.
Ing. Henry Teinor thanked the AfDB for its dedication to Ghana’s energy development and emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving sector goals. He reaffirmed the Awards Scheme’s commitment to fostering healthy competition and driving progress in the energy sector.
The Ghana Energy Awards, organised by the Energy Media Group, seeks to recognise the contributions of industry players to Ghana’s energy development through healthy competition. The Awards is fully endorsed by the Ministry of Energy, its allied agencies and the World Energy Council Ghana.
Nominations for the 8th edition of the prestigious event will open soon, continuing the tradition of celebrating excellence and innovation in Ghana’s energy industry.
Source: Energy Ghana