Let's cooperate in energy trading to advance African growth: Veep

Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the vice president, has fervently advocated increased cooperation among African countries in energy trading to propel the continent's development.

 She said that Africa lacked systems connecting and fully using its energy resources, not that it lacked any such resources.

 Speaking on her behalf by Mr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo at the Africa Energy Technology Conference 2025 in Accra yesterday, she said it was time for Africa to seize control of its energy future by stressing integration, innovation, and investment.

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 Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said, "Africa has an abundance of sun, wind, water, and valuable minerals like lithium and cobalt that can power both homes and businesses, yet millions of Africans remain without reliable energy access." She underlined that Africa has to rise to lead in clean and sustainable energy development instead of remaining on the sidelines of the world energy scene.

 Through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the West African Power Pool, the Vice President underlined the great support of the nation for regional energy cooperation.

 She said a shared energy future where no African nation or person was left behind depended on the AfCFTA platform.

 As part of a regional effort on power integration, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang mentioned national investments to link its energy infrastructure with neighboring nations.

 Speaking on the value of clean cooking solutions as well, the vice president said, "Energy sustainability begins at home."

 "Ghana is majorly reducing reliance on harmful fuels by promoting the use of cleaner liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and distributing improved cook stoves to households," she said.

 She listed initiatives including the Cylinder Recirculation Model, the National LPG Promotion Policy, and alliances with the World Bank and South Korea's Climate Change Center as evidence of Ghana's dedication to safer, cleaner cooking methods—especially for women and children.

 Turning now to the mineral riches of a nation, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang declared that graphite, cobalt, and lithium were among the valuable resources required for contemporary clean technologies found in this nation.

 The Vice President underlined that the government's objectives were not to export these minerals in their raw form but rather to process them locally, generate employment, and keep more of the wealth within the nation and Africa overall.

 She urged more public-private partnerships guaranteeing local involvement as well as legal and financial systems ensuring safer and more appealing investment in mining and energy sectors if we are to realize this vision.

 As stated in the Renewable Energy Master Plan, the Vice President confirmed the nation's aim to reach 10 percent of its energy mix from renewable sources by 2030.

 If Ghana and the rest of Africa were to attain long-term energy security and sustainability, she said the goal was not only reasonable but also vital.