In the light of plans of action for the energy sector, as revealed in the manifestos of major political parties in the nation’s build-up to next month’s general elections, the Institute for Energy Security (IES) will be hosting the IES Energy Manifesto Dialogue to scrutinise proposals by the political players today Wednesday, November 11, 2020.
With energy remaining a critical sector and driving force of the global economy, issues such as policies regarding the sector continue to be crucial in the growth of the country’s economy. “As an election year, various political parties have presented their plans for the various sectors of the economy; and that includes the energy sector. It is therefore of essence to critically consider what these political parties hope to contribute to the energy sector.
“This manifesto dialogue presents a great opportunity for the political parties to explain in detail how they intend to achieve the plans set out in their manifestos. The platform will also enable the Ghanaian to appreciate and understand the outlook of Ghana’s Energy sector for the next four years, as the parties shed more light on their manifestos,” a statement from IES read.
The two-part discussion will cover topics such as energy transition and the role of wind, solar, biomass, natural gas; ‘Green recovery from COVID-19 crisis’; the Green Hydrogen debate; the investment climate and regulatory readiness of Africa, West Africa and Ghana; as well as Africa’s readiness for a Green energy boom.
Other areas will seek to address policies and plans of the various political parties; focal steps required in dealing with energy sector debt; achieving universal electricity access coverage by 2025; sustaining the upstream petroleum sector amid the COVID-19 ; and analysing the nation’s readiness for a renewable energy boom.
The session seeks to aid electorates better understand intentions of the various political parties toward the energy sector, and ascertain which party has the superior plan for the energy sector – particularly over the course of the next four years.
“It will also allow the political parties to better appreciate the key changes within the energy landscape in the face of COVID-19 crisis and the upsurge in renewable forms of energy, to better position their policies and plans for the Ghanaian energy sector,” the statement added.
Discussants at the programme are sector experts including Executive Director West African Science Centre for Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), Dr. Moumini Savadogo; CEO, NEK Umwelttechnik AG, Dr. Christoph Kapp; CEO, SunPower Solutions Ltd., Ernest Amissah; Executive Director, Ecowas Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), Bah Saho; and Country Representative, NEK Ghana, Jasmine Kappiah.
Additionally, representatives from the ruling National Patriotic Party (NPP), National Democratic Congress (NDC), Progressive People’s Party (PPP) and Convention People’s Party (CPP) will be present to explain the position and policies of their respective parties.
The Institute for Energy Security (IES) is a not-for-profit organisation that focuses on the nexus between energy demand and energy supply. It sets the platform for research and publication, debates, discussions, conferences, consultancy, policy advocacy and training, as a conduit to reinforce the global energy systems. The think-tank explores these and other related avenues to provide insights into the role of technology, policy, economics, politics, and regulations in the performance and security of energy supply systems
