The Minister of Energy, John Peter Amewu, says there is high demand for energy as a result of the growth in the country’s economy.
This he noted, has necessitated alternative energy source such as solar energy. Ghana has over the years relied predominantly on hydropower which the sector minister noted is susceptible to drought.
Speaking at the opening of the Environment and Natural Resource Research Unit meeting in Accra, organised by the Economics Department of the University of Ghana, Mr. Amewu said there are plans to improve the energy mix to ensure reliable, adequate and sustainable energy supply.
The plan to increase the country’s energy mix include the introduction of small and medium hydropower, solar power for domestic use, biomass and waste energy.
Mr. Amewu said there are also plans to promote renewable energy among off grid communities including island communities. According to the sector Minister undoubtedly, good policies require good research inputs from experienced researchers, saying the development of the human capital is an intangible asset which will optimize policy decisions taken by government.
Touching on renewable or living resources Mr. Amewu said, living stocks could replenish themselves if the rate of extraction does not exceed the rate of replenishment. Yet due to several challenges, including good research findings to inform decision making, Ghana’s fish stocks are currently overcapitalized and overfished leading to significant losses in rent. This he said has deepened poverty in fishing communities.
Mr. Amewu said, due to loopholes in the country’s fisheries regulations coupled with inadequate enforcement of fishing rules. Opportunities have been created for foreign vessels to plunder Ghana’s fisheries with very little benefit to Ghanaians who often front as owners of foreign vessels.
Story filed by GBC’s Felix Coffie
