Insecurity, governance points threaten regional vitality transition efforts in ECOWAS — World — The Guardian Nigeria Information – Nigeria and World Information
Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Collins Adomako-Mensah Monday mentioned important challenges are going through vitality initiatives in West Africa, notably the threats posed by insecurity and governance points.
Speaking in the course of the inaugural Investment Forum for the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) in Nairobi, Kenya, Adomako-Mensah careworn that whereas there’s a area purpose to advance renewable vitality and foster integration, instability stays a big barrier to progress.
He cited the threats to the West African Gas Pipeline, which runs from Nigeria by way of a number of international locations, for instance of how regional vitality initiatives are more and more susceptible to safety threats.
“Even in Ghana, we’ve had cases where pipelines have been tampered with. Expanding the pipeline to Morocco introduces further risks, given the instability in parts of the region,” he warned.
He urged regional leaders to undertake superior applied sciences, comparable to monitoring sensors, and improve cross-border cooperation to safe important infrastructure.
Adomako-Mensah additionally careworn that political stability is important for regional integration, arguing that “peace and good governance are non-negotiable for attracting investments.”
He praised Ghana’s political surroundings for setting an instance, citing easy transitions of energy as important for constructing investor confidence.
“We need to foster democratic values across Africa, as we’ve seen in recent elections in Liberia, to reduce instability,” he added.
Addressing the financial challenges tied to vitality growth, Adomako-Mensah acknowledged that whereas renewable vitality provides long-term financial savings, the excessive upfront prices stay a big hurdle.
He defined that international locations like Ghana have traditionally relied on hydropower however later integrated thermal vegetation powered by liquid gasoline and gasoline.
Although gasoline is extra inexpensive than liquid gasoline, he emphasised that photo voltaic vitality holds higher potential—if international locations can overcome the monetary limitations to its adoption.
Adomako-Mensah additionally cautioned towards a rushed transition away from fossil fuels.
“A sudden shift is neither realistic nor advisable,” he mentioned, pointing to Ghana’s put in capability, which nonetheless depends closely on fossil sources. “Countries like Nigeria, whose economies depend on fossil fuel exports, need financial support from major emitters such as the U.S. to build renewable infrastructure gradually.” He argued {that a} balanced transition plan is critical to make sure financial stability whereas pursuing sustainable vitality targets.
Regional integration, Adomako-Mensah famous, is vital to accelerating renewable vitality adoption.
He cited Ghana’s ongoing nuclear vitality program for instance, suggesting that neighbouring international locations like Côte d’Ivoire might collaborate to share vitality sources quite than constructing separate vegetation.
He additionally highlighted the significance of the West African Gas Pipeline, which advantages a number of international locations however faces operational challenges every time disruptions happen.
“We must focus on three critical areas: technology adoption, strengthening security, and promoting good governance,” he mentioned.
