Ghana Gets Ready for New RE Legislation

The government of Ghana is looking to pass a renewable energy law that would regulate and further the development of alternative energy resources within the West African country. Currently, Ghana is working on a draft policy and regulatory framework for the production of biofuels to debut in 2011, according to the Minister for Food and Agriculture Kwesi Ahwoi at the 3^rd Global Consultation on Cassava.

The Minister of Environment, Science and Technology Sherry Ayittey said given the abundance of various types of agricultural residues, including maize and rice straw, husks, millet, and sorghum straw, the nation stands a better chance of achieving a breakthrough in developing a comprehensive, cost-effective and environmentally friendly biofuel.

Ghana is leading West Africa with its initiatives to promote RE as can be seen with the announcement in September that had local Ghanaian NGO HATOF and Australia partnering to push the initiative “Communities Caring for Nature” cleaning up the streets in Klagon, and extending to renewable energy projects throughout Ghana and Sierra Leone. In addition, Ghana is aiming to be the first African country to house a green city. American architect Gary Heathcote is designing a green city that will use RE and recycling to create the city with sewage managed by recycling water and the sludge will go for agriculture instead of polluting the ocean. The recaptured water will be reused through filtration and storm channel systems.

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