Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-03-13 07:07:44
The President of Ghana, Nana Addo DankÂwa Akufo-Addo, recently emphasized the importance of African leaders utilizing innovation, collaboration, and policy initiatives to advance energy technology and sustainability on the continent. Speaking through Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, Presidential Envoy on Climate Change, at the inaugural Africa Energy Technology Conference (AETC) in Accra, the President highlighted the potential for driving socio-economic development through these efforts.
The two-day AETC conference, in partnership with the Ministry of Energy, centered around the theme “Africa at the ForeÂfront of Energy Technology and Policy Integration in a Just Energy Transition.” By bringing together industry stakeholders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators from across Africa, the conference aimed to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation in the field of energy technology.
President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to sustainable energy practices, citing initiatives like the Energy Transition Framework launched at COP27 in Egypt and the $550 billion Energy Transition Investment Plan unveiled at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. These efforts demonstrate Ghana’s dedication to green industries, cutting-edge low-carbon technologies, and a sustainable industrial revolution.
The President stressed the importance of proactive measures to address pollution and climate change, highlighting the significant investments required for this transition. He emphasized that the cost of inaction outweighs the upfront investment, underscoring the long-term benefits of mitigating environmental risks.
Akufo-Addo called for the AETC conference to serve as a catalyst for sustained change, fostering alliances, exchanging ideas, and promoting innovation beyond borders. He urged for continued collaboration to ensure Africa’s energy security and drive the transition towards sustainable practices.
Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh echoed the President’s sentiments, acknowledging the global energy transition as an opportunity to enhance existing policies and initiatives for economic development. He emphasized the need for comprehensive energy transition plans that prioritize decarbonization, energy security, accessibility, and efficiency to accelerate industrialization while reducing carbon emissions.
Dr. Opoku-Prempeh emphasized the importance of policy and regulatory reforms, market development, and incentives to achieve sustainable energy consumption and production at national, subregional, and continental levels. He expressed optimism in Ghana’s potential to lead in green manufacturing, given the country’s industrialization agenda, recent mineral discoveries, and the establishment of the AfCTA Headquarters.
In conclusion, the conference served as a platform for stakeholders to discuss and strategize energy technology advancements in Africa. The commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices highlighted by President Akufo-Addo and Energy Minister Opoku Prempeh underscored the importance of collective efforts in driving Africa’s energy transition and fostering sustainable development on the continent.
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