By Dela Ahiawor (Sustainability Editor)
There is no question sustainable energy is the potential game changer that can put Sub-Saharan Africa on the path to universal electricity access.
As well, incorporating alternative energy (renewable energy ) in electricity grids can help cut back on rotational load shedding and the persistent power outages, known as ‘Dumsor’ which has become a national headache in Ghana. Given that, renewable energy complements the national grid without generating harmful pollutants make it a real game changer in an era of climate change.
In the bid to combat load shedding in Ghana and also avert the worsening climate catastrophe- the need arises to transition to renewable energy now. Not surprising Germany’s greenhouse gas emissions dropped by one-tenth in 2023, due to investment in clean energy solutions, according to reports.
To help create greater awareness for renewable energy use in rural Ghana- a new film: “The Renewable Charge” was premiered on Friday, March 8, 2024 to commemorate ‘Solar Appreciation Day’ (A day set aside to tout the benefits of solar energy).
350 Ghana Reducing Our Carbon (350 G-ROC) and 350Africa.org (www.350.org) released the documentary to highlight the remarkable journey of the Renewable Energy for Communities (RE4C) campaign in Ghana.
On (9 and 10) March, the film was screened in Pungu and Nawognia suburbs in Navrongo in Northern Ghana, the location of Ghana’s first Solar PV utility-scale project. The film highlights the origins and achievements of the campaign by 350 G-ROC, which evolved from a volunteer-led anti-coal campaign into a powerful community-centered advocacy movement for renewable energy.
Emphasizing the importance of clean energy, Portia Adu- Mensah, National Coordinator, 350 G-ROC in a press statement said: “At its core, the RE4C campaign is about strengthening communities to take control of our energy future. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, we are working to build a more sustainable and equitable energy system for all Ghanaians. By centering the voices and experiences of local communities, our campaign aims to ensure that renewable energy policies and projects are responsive to the needs of the people. As we take on these efforts at the grassroots level, we urge the government to enforce the implementation of the country’s renewable energy plans, among them achieving 10% renewable energy in the country’s energy mix by 2030.”
Furthermore, in a bid to up the ante for renewable energy revolution across the continent, Landry Ninteretse, Regional Director 350Africa.org went on to say: “We are thrilled to share the inspiring story of the RE4C campaign through this documentary, which is a testament to the power of community organizing and grassroots advocacy in driving positive change. The campaign is igniting a renewable energy revolution in which communities are taking matters into their own hands in the pursuit of energy access and a sustainable future free of the devastating impacts of the climate crisis that have become our lived reality. In turn, we urge our governments across the continent and global financial institutions to prioritize community-centered renewable energy projects and call on developed nations historically responsible for the highest emissions to channel finances towards fostering a just transition to renewables in Africa”
Following the success of 350 G-ROC’s efforts to oppose a coal-fired power plant in Ekumfi District, Ghana, the RE4C campaign was launched, bringing together community members, activists, and stakeholders united in their commitment to promoting renewable energy solutions and pushing for greater renewable energy ambition in Ghana. From training youth and women in the benefits and use of solar, organizing community convenings, engaging policymakers, and lobbying for renewable energy initiatives, the film captures the dedication of individuals and community members as they navigate the energy policy and advocacy landscape in Ghana.
In 2022, the RE4C campaign brought together a diverse group of organizations under the banner of the Renewable Energy for Communities Coalition (RE4CC) to step up the integration of 10% decentralized renewable energy into Ghana’s energy mix by the year 2030.
‘Solar Appreciation Day’ is commemorated on the second Friday of March every year to recognize the importance of Solar Energy as a sustainable source of energy which points the way to a greener future.
