Renewable energy antidote to turbo-charge Africa’s green transition

In a bid to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions, African countries are increasingly focusing on transitioning to renewable energy sources. Patricia Odeibea Bekoe, Administrative Secretary of 350.ORG Ghana, emphasized the importance of shifting from fossil fuels to cleaner energy options to achieve a just green transition. Speaking to CNBC Africa, Bekoe highlighted the need for polluters to provide more financial support to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy in Africa, urging African leaders to prioritize and expedite the transition. She expressed her contentment with the outcomes of recent green energy summits, emphasizing the crucial role of government commitment in driving the shift towards renewable energy at a faster pace. However, Bekoe raised concerns about the slow progress of renewable energy initiatives in some African countries, including Ghana, where the government set a target of 10% renewable energy by 2030 but has yet to achieve significant milestones. Bekoe emphasized the urgency of expediting the transition to renewable sources to address the escalating climate crisis. The interview also delved into the climate challenges faced by African countries, particularly citing Ghana's experience with rising sea levels and erratic weather patterns leading to increased flooding. Bekoe highlighted the government's efforts to involve various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, in climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. She commended the collaborative approach taken by the government, Energy Commission, and Environmental Protection Agencies to address climate issues, emphasizing the collective contribution of CSOs and individuals towards promoting sustainability and clean energy solutions. Bekoe cited examples of grassroots initiatives educating communities on waste management, promoting clean cooking practices, and encouraging the adoption of solar energy systems. She also mentioned the installation of a 2.5-megawatt solar farm in Pungu, underscoring the progress made in integrating renewable energy into the national grid. Despite these positive developments, Bekoe reiterated the need for faster action and stronger governmental commitment to propel Africa's green transition towards a sustainable future.