Ghana’s Ministry of Energy Holds National Clean Cooking Policy Forum
The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition in Ghana has launched a two-day workshop to address critical issues surrounding clean cooking solutions, public health, and environmental sustainability. The National Clean Cooking Policy and Strategy Workshop is bringing together policymakers, industry stakeholders, and development partners to discuss strategies for improving access to clean cooking technologies. According to Minister John Abdulai Jinapor, nearly 60% of Ghanaian households still depend on firewood and charcoal for cooking, a practice that contributes to environmental degradation and leads to approximately 6,500 deaths annually due to household air pollution. He emphasized that women and children bear the brunt of the health risks posed by traditional cooking methods. To combat this issue, the Ministry has introduced the National Clean Cooking Policy (NCCP), which promotes the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), electric stoves, biogas, and advanced biomass cookstoves as safer and more sustainable alternatives. The policy includes fiscal and regulatory incentives designed to encourage investment in clean cooking solutions, making them more accessible and affordable for Ghanaians.
Additionally, the government is revising the National Clean Cooking Strategy (NCCS) and its accompanying Investment Prospectus (IP) to outline a clear implementation framework. This revision will define stakeholder responsibilities and identify the financial resources required to achieve nationwide clean cooking access. Minister Jinapor highlighted the importance of a collective approach, stating that the transition to clean cooking solutions is not solely the government’s responsibility but requires collaboration from multiple sectors, including private investors, non-governmental organizations, and international partners. Chief Director of the Ministry, Wilhelmina Asamoah, reinforced the need for inclusivity in the discussions and noted that this forum is the first in a series of three regional engagements aimed at refining Ghana’s clean cooking policy. She also acknowledged the World Bank’s contribution in supporting the nation’s transition toward sustainable cooking solutions and urged stakeholders to participate actively in shaping policies that will ensure a cleaner and healthier future.
Beyond health benefits, the shift to clean cooking technologies aligns with Ghana’s broader environmental and economic goals. The reliance on charcoal and firewood contributes to deforestation, which exacerbates climate change and threatens the country’s natural resources. By encouraging the adoption of cleaner energy sources, the government aims to mitigate these environmental impacts while also fostering economic growth through investments in clean energy infrastructure. The forum serves as a crucial platform for discussing financing mechanisms, technological advancements, and policy interventions that will drive the widespread adoption of clean cooking solutions. As Ghana continues its commitment to achieving universal access to clean energy, the insights gained from these discussions will play a significant role in shaping long-term strategies. The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that all Ghanaians, regardless of socioeconomic status, can benefit from cleaner and safer cooking alternatives, ultimately improving both public health and environmental sustainability across the nation.
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