Ghana’s President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, has called on African nations to take the lead in the global transition to renewable energy, emphasising the continent’s vast solar potential and the urgent need for increased investment.

The President’s keynote address, delivered on his behalf by Mr. Seth Terkper, Presidential Advisor on the Economy, opened the Seventh Meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Regional Committee for Africa at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.

Welcoming delegates, President Mahama described Ghana’s hosting of the event as both a privilege and a responsibility, underscoring the country’s commitment to spearheading Africa’s renewable energy revolution.

President Mahama highlighted the soaring global demand for energy and the pressing need to shift from fossil fuels to clean, sustainable sources.

He noted that solar energy is now at the forefront of this transition, projected to account for over 60% of new global power capacity by 2030. The President pointed out that the cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has dropped by nearly 85% over the past decade, making it the most affordable electricity source in many regions.

Despite a record US$521 billion invested globally in solar energy in 2024, Africa attracted only about US$40 billion—less than 3% of global clean energy investment.

'The continent holds 60% of the world’s best solar resources but accounts for only 3% of global solar PV capacity,” he lamented, calling for urgent action to close this gap.

President Mahama urged African energy ministers and technocrats attending the three-day meeting to focus on practical solutions for financing, skills development, digital innovation, and integrating artificial intelligence into energy systems.

He called for a clear roadmap to catalyse solar investments and accelerate Africa’s renewable energy transition.

The President outlined Ghana’s “Ghana 24 Plus Economy Agenda,” a strategy centred on resilience, inclusivity, and green growth, with energy at its core.

Ghana’s comprehensive Energy Transition Framework aims for net zero emissions by 2070, leveraging solar energy to drive industrialisation and position the country as a regional power hub.

Mahama stressed the need for robust financing, noting that Africa requires about US$90 billion annually to achieve universal energy access by 2030.

He called for increased concessional financing, risk-sharing mechanisms, technology partnerships, and skills development to empower Africa’s youth as leaders in the solar age.

Concluding his address, President Mahama declared, “The sun shines on all of us equally, but its promise can only be fully realised if we harness it together.”

He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to making solar energy central to its green transformation, aiming for 21 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2070.

He urged delegates to ensure Africa becomes a leader—not a follower—in the global energy transition, making solar energy a beacon of hope and prosperity for the continent and the world.