Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has issued a rallying call for Africa to position itself at the forefront of the global energy revolution, insisting the continent must turn its natural advantage into transformative progress.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 3rd Renewable Energy Forum Africa (REFA 2025) on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025, at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Dr. Jinapor told policymakers, investors, and industry leaders that Africa must move from rhetoric to decisive action.
“A continent blessed with 60% of the world’s solar potential, it is shocking that we are shackled by energy poverty that stifles our dreams,” he said. “Africa must lead in clean energy. Without bold action, we will perpetuate the inequality.”
Despite its vast resources, renewable energy contributes only 25% of Africa’s power generation mix, far below the global average of 41%. The Minister identified high project development costs, weak supply chains, policy inconsistencies, and limited investor confidence as critical obstacles that must be urgently resolved.
Ghana Positions Itself as a Regional Leader
Dr. Jinapor also used the platform to outline Ghana’s aggressive push toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future. He highlighted the government’s US$3.4 billion Renewable Energy Action Plan, launched in 2025 to guide investments and implementation over the next five years.
The plan targets:
- 1,400MW of renewable energy capacity
- 400 mini-grids for island and lakeside communities
- 100+ fast-charging stations to expand the e-mobility sector
- Large-scale solar irrigation systems to boost agriculture and food security
- Value addition to Ghana’s rare earth minerals to support global green-tech supply chains
Ghana is already recording progress. The Minister announced the completion of a 16.8MW rooftop solar system, now the largest in Africa, serving industries within the Enclave Power Distribution zone.
He also referenced President John Dramani Mahama’s sod-cutting for a new 200MW solar plant, which will expand to 1,000MW by 2032, marking one of West Africa’s most ambitious renewable rollouts.
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “If we work together to harness just 20% of our renewable energy resources, we stand the chance to eradicate energy poverty and fuel sustainable development for all.”
A Call for Unity and Ambition
Dr. Jinapor appealed for a unified continental strategy anchored in collaboration, innovation, and long-term investment. He emphasized that Africa’s clean energy transition is not only a climate imperative but also a powerful driver of economic resilience and job creation.
Quoting a Somali proverb – “Poverty is slavery,” he stressed that renewable energy offers the continent a pathway to freedom, dignity, and self-reliance.
“Let renewables set us free. The time is now,” he declared. “Together, let us propel Africa into a new era where energy empowers people, economies thrive sustainably, and our continent stands proud as a global exemplar of clean energy leadership.”
REFA 2025 brings together governments, investors, financiers, and industry players to accelerate renewable energy development and unlock innovative financing solutions for large-scale clean power projects across Africa.
