Date: March 10, 2025
For Immediate Release
The Northern Patriots in Research and Advocacy (NORPRA) is urging the Minister of Finance to make renewable energy a key priority in the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policies of the Government to drive agricultural-led transformation in Northern Ghana.
Climate Challenges in Northern Ghana
Northern Ghana, home to over 8 million hectares of arable land, faces severe climate challenges. With only three months of erratic rainfall and nine months of dry conditions annually, the region’s predominantly rain-fed agricultural system—on which over 80% of the population depends—remains highly vulnerable. Without strategic interventions, food security, poverty alleviation, and sustainable livelihoods remain at risk.
Renewable Energy as a Solution
NORPRA strongly advocates for increased public investment in renewable energy—specifically hydro and solar power—to support irrigation and other agricultural activities during the long dry season. Given the region’s vast land and high solar potential, such investments can significantly boost agricultural productivity, reduce poverty, and enhance food security. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, both of which emphasize climate resilience and economic development.
Alignment with National Policies and Global Commitments
Prioritizing renewable energy in the 2025 Budget would demonstrate the government’s commitment to its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Ghana requires over US$6 million in investments to enhance climate resilience and support livelihoods for youth and women in agriculture. Expanding renewable energy usage in agriculture could also help Ghana achieve its target of 10% renewable energy penetration by 2030.
Additionally, increased funding for renewable energy will breathe new life into the Renewable Energy Act, 2011 (Act 832), the National Energy Transition Framework, and Ghana’s broader energy diversification strategy. Investments in large-scale irrigation projects—such as the Tamne, Vea, Pwalugu, and Bui Irrigation Schemes—will be key to achieving this transformation.
Learning from Past Policy Failures
The One Village, One Dam (1V1D) policy, which aimed to enhance agricultural productivity and food security, unfortunately failed to deliver on its promises. NORPRA urges the current government, under President Mahama’s leadership, to learn from these past shortcomings and implement a well-structured Renewable Energy for Agriculture Program to ensure balanced national development, as mandated by the 1992 Constitution.
NORPRA remains committed to advocating for policies that promote sustainable development in Northern Ghana and calls on all stakeholders to support this crucial initiative.
For further information, contact:
Bismark Adongo Ayorogo
Executive Director, NORPRA
📞 0209313630 / 0246067564
📧 [email protected]
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