Ghana Can Grow Economy Without Deepening Climate Damage if Energy Choices Change – KNUST Study
Ghana can achieve strong economic growth without worsening environmental damage if it makes a decisive shift toward cleaner energy sources, according to a new study by researchers at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The study reveals that Ghana’s pursuit of rapid economic expansion is closely linked to increasing energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions. This trend is largely due to the nation’s heavy dependence on fossil fuels for electricity generation and transportation.
Published in the journal Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technology, the research explains that while sustained socio-economic growth is essential for national development, it typically requires large amounts of primary energy. Without careful management, this energy demand can lead to higher emissions and environmental degradation.
Ghana is aiming to grow its gross domestic product (GDP) to between US$126 billion and US$159 billion by 2030, a target that implies an annual growth rate of 7–8 percent. Achieving this level of development will require significant energy input to support industrialisation, urbanisation, and infrastructure expansion.
However, the researchers caution that the country’s current energy structure presents serious environmental challenges. Nearly 70 percent of Ghana’s electricity generation and at least 95 percent of transportation rely on fossil fuels. This dependence raises concerns about the climate impact of future economic growth, especially as Ghana has pledged to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
To better understand the situation, the research team analysed national data from 1980 to 2019, exploring the relationship between economic growth, energy consumption, and carbon dioxide emissions. Using linear regression models, they estimated the energy required to meet specific GDP growth targets and the corresponding CO₂ emissions.
The findings confirm a strong historical connection between GDP growth, primary energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. In essence, Ghana’s economic expansion has traditionally resulted in increased energy use and higher carbon emissions.
Despite this, the study offers an encouraging outlook. Since 2014, Ghana has gradually increased the share of clean and renewable energy in its energy mix. This shift suggests that the country could meet rising energy demands without a proportional increase in emissions if it continues investing in sustainable energy alternatives.
The research was conducted by Dr. Yen Adams Sokama-Neuyam, Emmanuel Ofori Oppong, Emperor Amedeka, Dr. Patrick Boakye, Dr. Peter Oppong Tawiah, and Prof. Francis Kemausour.
By: Aboagye Yaw Ankomah