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Fuel Communications 19 (2024) 100118
Available online 7 May 2024
2666-0520/© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-
nc/4.0/).
Assessment of Ghana’s current energy types to meet tomorrow’s needs
Michael Aboah
a
,
*
, Iqra Atif
b
, Michael Miyittah
a
, Christian Julien Isac Gnimadi
c
,
Christiana Odumah Hood
a
, Georgina Sarquah
d
a
Department of Environmental Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
b
Department of Geographical Information Systems, School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
c
Department of Environmental Science, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
d
Department of Vocational and Technical Education, School of Science and Technology Studies, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
ARTICLE INFO
Keywords:
Clean energy
Energy types
Energy transition and renewable energy
ABSTRACT
Ghana is currently facing challenges in aligning its energy options with future energy demands and reducing its
dependency on fossil fuels. This study assessed Ghana’s current energy types and their potential to meet future
energy needs. A structured questionnaire with a cross-sectional survey and random sampling technique was
employed to gather information on energy choices, drivers and challenges from 868 respondents. A multiple
linear regression model was used to evaluate the impact of energy drivers on preferences in Ghana. Results
showed that 82 % of Ghanaians are ready to transition to cleaner energy sources, with preferences for hydro-
power/grid electricity (45.70 %) and natural gas/LPG (32.90 %) and biofuels (12.00 %). Economic (16.20%) and
population (15.50%) growth are the main drivers of energy transitions, while challenges include high initial costs
(11.20%) and limited awareness (4.90%). Strategies such as nancial support, education, renewable energy
promotion, technological advancement and international collaboration should be promoted to actualise Ghana’s
transition to future renewable energy usage.
Background
The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 ensures universal access
to Complete and Clean, but Affordable, Reliable, Efcient, Modern and
Sustainable Energy (CC-AREMSE) for all. The Goals (SDGs) 7 and 13
seek to promote economic growth, environmental sustainability and
improved quality of life. The global energy potential is currently expe-
riencing a signicant transformation towards a more sustainable and
low-carbon energy system [1,2]. The energy transition shift is propelled
by environmental concerns, the imperative for energy security and the
necessity to full increasing energy requirements [1,2]. This transition
aligns with international commitments, such as the Paris Agreement and
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC), aiming to combat climate change [3].
The global energy potential consists of different energy sources,
including fossil fuels, renewable energy and emerging technologies [4].
Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro and geothermal
are gaining prominence due to their environmental benets and the
push for cleaner energy alternatives [5]. The energy potential in Africa is
home to abundant renewable energy resources, including vast solar
irradiance, substantial wind potential and considerable hydropower
capacity [6,7]. These energy sources play a crucial role in improving
literacy rates, enhancing healthcare services, creating more job oppor-
tunities and driving innovations for greater productivity [6–8]. Despite
the benets associated with these energy sources, a signicant portion of
Africans lack access to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy ser-
vices. This energy access gap hinders economic development, social
progress and the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7
[6,7]. Studies such as Burger and Luke [9]; Aiginger and Rodrik [10]; Su,
Qamruzzaman and Karim [11] have relatively looked at energy options
in Africa and indicated that African nations need to take a proactive role
in shaping their future energy need with well-dened strategies and
policies.
Ghana’s energy sector has relied heavily on fossil fuels, including oil,
natural gas, and coal, for electricity generation and other energy needs
[3]. Ghana’s energy sector accounts for nearly 35.63% of greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions, with electricity generation alone responsible for
19% [12]. According to the Ghana Statistical Service 2021 report, the
urban population continues to grow, increasing from 12,545,229 (50.9
%) in 2010 to 17,472,530 (56.7 %) in 2021 with almost half (47.8 %) of
* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: michael.aboah@stu.ucc.edu.gh (M. Aboah).
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Fuel Communications
journal homepage: www.sciencedirect.com/journal/fuel-communications
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfueco.2024.100118
Received 18 January 2024; Received in revised form 12 April 2024; Accepted 12 April 2024
Fuel Communications 19 (2024) 100118
2
the population increase in Greater Accra and Ashanti regions [13].
Urban and rural populations increased in all regions between 2010 and
2021 except Eastern and Ahafo regions where rural populations
decreased. Ghana’s electricity generation relies heavily on approxi-
mately 69 % of fossil fuels such as oil and gas and electricity con-
sumption per capita is expected to increase from 586 kWh to 5000 kWh
per annum by 2030. Transportation heavily depends on
petroleum-based fuels, with over 90 % of the sector relying on gasoline
and diesel [14,15]. This has been accompanied by challenges such as
energy insecurity, environmental degradation and economic vulnera-
bility to energy price uctuations. Ghana stands at the crossroads of this
global and continental energy transition [16].
Ghana’s energy consumption is closely linked to urbanization, with
63 % of the population in urban areas having access to grid electricity
and LPG, while the remaining 37 % in rural areas primarily rely on
biomass [3]. Clean energy solutions are essential for tackling the
development challenges of economic growth, environmental protection
and social equity and ensuring the security of future energy generation.
Ghana has set an objective to achieve a 10 % share of renewable energy
generation by 2030 [17,18]. Despite Ghana’s concerted efforts to
address its energy challenges and transition towards cleaner and more
sustainable energy sources, Ghana has not reached its energy target.
There is growing attention on the evolution of nuclear and renewable
energy sources due to their zero-emission characteristics [12,19]. The
purpose of this study is to assess the current energy types in Ghana and
their potential to meet future energy needs, particularly within Accra,
Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi and Cape Coast. The rationale for this study is
to address Ghana’s energy transition challenges, expand energy access,
support economic growth, promote environmental sustainability,
improve public health, foster rural development, and ensure
gender-inclusive energy policies. The objectives of the paper are to (1)
examine the inuence of demographic information on energy choices in
Ghana and (2) assess the factors that inuence energy preferences in
Ghana.
Methodology
Research design
The quantitative design, particularly cross-sectional design was used
for the study. Cross-sectional survey often uses structured question-
naires with predetermined questions [20]. These questions are designed
to collect specic information, making the data collection process more
systematic and standardised. This research design was used to assess the
current state of energy in Ghana. This offered a structured and objective
means to uncover insights into the energy preferences, perceptions and
barriers among the Ghanaians, contributing to informed energy plan-
ning and policy formulation.
With the aid of the design, the researchers identied and quantied
the factors that inuence energy preferences in Ghana. The goal of the
cross-sectional survey is to use a structured questionnaire and collect
data from a diverse group of people at a single point in time, providing a
snapshot of the population’s characteristics and behaviours [20].
Additionally, it is cost-effective and efcient, making it practical for
studying large populations across multiple locations.
Study area
Ghana is located between lattitude 7◦57’ 9.97" N and longitude -1◦
01’ 50.56" W. Ghana has an estimated population of over 31 million
people [21]. Approximately, 49.3 % of the population is male, while
50.7 % is female. However, the study area encompassed the urban
centres of Ghana: Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi and Cape Coast with
estimated populations of 5 million, 5.5 million, 2.4 million and 2.8
million people in 2021, respectively [22,23]. Accra is situated at
approximately 5.6037◦N latitude and 0.1870◦W longitude [24].
Kumasi is located at roughly 6.6885◦N latitude and 1.6244◦W
longitude [25]. Sekondi-Takoradi is positioned at approximately
4.9362◦N latitude and 1.7273◦W longitude. Cape Coast is situated at
5.1054◦N latitude and 1.2468◦W longitude [26]. Occupations
encompass a wide range, from agriculture to manufacturing, reecting
both urban and rural livelihoods and affecting energy consumption
patterns. The limitation of the study is that while Accra, Kumasi,
Sekondi-Takoradi and Cape Coast offer valuable insights into
energy-related challenges and opportunities, they may not fully repre-
sent the diversity of energy experiences across different demographic
groups or geographic regions within Ghana. Moreover, the study over-
looked rural communities, where energy access issues may be more
acute. However, the rationale for conducting the study in Accra, Kumasi,
Sekondi-Takoradi and Cape Coast is their high population densities,
greater energy demand, signicant economic contribution and infra-
structure development.
Study population
The study encompassed a target population of 14.7 million people
living in Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast and Sekondi-Takoradi. The target
population included policymakers, energy experts and various stake-
holders actively involved in Ghana’s energy sector, as their insights,
decisions, and actions signicantly impact the country’s energy land-
scape. The accessible population consisted of residents, households, and
businesses in these areas that are currently utilising or have the potential
to use local energy resources within the geographical scope of the study.
These regions were chosen for the study based on the Ghana Statistical
Service 2021 report, which revealed that Greater Accra, Ashanti, Cen-
tral, and Western regions collectively account for more than half
(52.10%) of the country’s population [13]. This helped mimic the
characteristics of the population to ensure representation of the energy
potentials in Ghana.
Sample size
The sample size was determined using the Kiyoshi Yamane index
(1967). A total of 868 individuals were randomly sampled for the study.
The formula was based on the assumption that the population is large
enough (usually at least 10 times larger than the sample size) to help
assess the energy types in Ghana and their potential to meet future en-
ergy needs. To use the formula to calculate the sample size based on the
population of 14.7 million, a 95 % condence level, a 5 % margin of
error, and a proportion of 50 % were used. These values ensured a
reasonably accurate representation of the study population. Moreover,
to get the sample size of each city, the sample size (868) was randomised
in “Microsoft Ofce Excel 2019 (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA,
USA)”. This gave outputs of 267, 227, 197 and 175, representing Accra,
Kumasi, Cape Coast and Sekondi-Takoradi, respectively.
The challenges entered during the sampling process included dif-
culties in accessing certain geographic areas, reluctance or refusal of
participants to participate in the study, or limitations in resources and
time available for data collection. To address these challenges and
ensure the representativeness of the sample, the researchers employed
random sampling techniques to minimise selection bias and ensure that
all members of the target population have an equal chance of being
included in the study. Additionally, the use of the Kiyoshi Yamane index
(1967) in determining the sample size contributed to ensuring the
representativeness of the sample and enhancing the reliability of the
study’s ndings.
Research instrument
A structured questionnaire was used to gather quantitative data for
the study. The questionnaire was aligned with the study’s goals to
enhance the reliability and validity of ndings. The questionnaire was
M. Aboah et al.
Fuel Communications 19 (2024) 100118
3
portioned into eight sections. Section 1 consisted of demographic in-
formation of the respondents. The demographics encompassed gender
(male and female), age (19–20, 21–30, 31–40, 41–50, 51–60 and 60+),
education level (degree, certicate and no education) and employment
level (employed and unemployed). Section 2 captured the energy pref-
erences for cooking and powering in Ghana. The energy preferences
included hydropower/grid electricity, natural gas/LPG, solar energy,
biofuels or wind and other renewable energy. Section 3 comprised fac-
tors inuencing the switch to cleaner energy alternatives in Ghana. The
factors were affordability, reliability, accessibility, health consider-
ations, convenience, awareness/education, government/ policies/in-
centives, cultural/social factors, energy security, community/peer
inuence, energy efciency, energy source availability, technological
advancements, infrastructure development and environmental impact.
Section 4 comprised a set of questions on readiness of Ghanaians to
switch energy choices. The readiness included “Ready to Switch to
cleaner Energy alternatives” and “Not Ready to Switch to cleaner Energy
alternatives”. Section 5 consisted of the energy source Ghanaians are
ready to switch to or consume. The energy types included hydropower/
grid electricity, solar energy, biofuel, wind energy, natural gas/LPG and
geothermal energy. Section 6 consisted of the energy transition drivers
in Ghana. The energy drivers measured were economic growth, popu-
lation growth, energy security, environmental sustainability, rapid
development, climate variability, agricultural sustainability, health and
wellbeing, ageing infrastructure, species extinction and global partner-
ships. Section 7 consisted of hindrances in switching to clean energy
sources in Ghana. Participants were made to select the most important
factors from options like population growth, high initial costs, lack of
access to nancing, preferred energy, environmental impact, political
and economic stability, intermittency of renewable sources, trans-
portation complexities, lack of awareness, market barriers, resource
availability, affordability of traditional energy sources, fossil fuel de-
pendency, rural electrication, energy market dynamics, weather con-
ditions, energy subsidies, geographical distance and social acceptance.
Section 8 comprised a set of questions on strategies for ensuring energy
switching in Ghana. The strategies consisted of promote renewable en-
ergy, provide nancial support, educate and raise awareness, technol-
ogy advancement, implement supportive policies and regulations, foster
international collaboration, invest in research and development, engage
local communities invest in infrastructure, develop comprehensive
transition plans and establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
This instrument ensured that all relevant aspects of energy prefer-
ences and factors inuencing energy choices were covered. Addition-
ally, the questionnaire’s structured format facilitates standardisation
and comparability of responses across different participants, regions,
and demographic groups. This enhances the reliability and validity of
the data collected, providing a solid foundation for analysis and inter-
pretation. Moreover, by including a diverse range of questions and
sections, the questionnaire enables a comprehensive understanding of
the various dimensions of energy preferences and transition drivers in
Ghana. This holistic approach allows researchers to uncover nuanced
insights and identify potential opportunities for promoting sustainable
energy practices effectively.
Pilot test
A total of thirty respondents, resembling the target population, were
randomly selected from Koforidua, Sunyani, and Ho for the pilot study.
This allowed the researchers to identify any ambiguities, confusing
language or formatting issues in the questionnaire. Feedbacks from the
respondents and the data analysed were meticulously used to rene the
questionnaire for clarity, relevance and appropriateness of the research
instrument. Experts in this area were made to review the questionnaire
to assess its content validity and effectiveness. This helped know
whether the questionnaire would measure the intended concepts of the
study or obtain suggestions to improve the questionnaire. This led to a
well-prepared and optimised research instrument for gathering accurate
and meaningful data, ultimately enhancing the quality and validity of
the research ndings.
Data uncertainty/reliability analysis
Cronbach test was conducted to determine the internal consistency
in the dataset, comprising Ghana’s energy types and their alignment
with future energy needs. For the dataset on energy potential in Ghana
to be considered reliable, it ought to have an Alpha (∞) value above
0.70, demonstrating that the indicators used are internally consistent
and could provide reliable information. Thus, enabling the researchers
to have greater condence in the dataset. A high alpha value also in-
dicates that the dataset is less susceptible to measurement errors and
inconsistencies, which can arise due to data collection or processing
issues. The Cronbach test revealed a result (a =0.76) that shows that the
dataset is consistent and the dataset consisting of Ghana’s energy types
and their alignment with future energy needs is reliable, credible and
trustworthy. Policymakers, researchers and stakeholders could therefore
depend on the ndings from the study to make informed decisions or
conduct further analyses.
To address data uncertainty and reliability, rigorous validation
procedures were implemented during the data collection and processing
stages. Data sources were cross-checked for consistency and any dis-
crepancies were resolved through consultation with subject matter ex-
perts. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the
ndings and comparisons were made with alternative datasets where
available. The results of each indicator were interpreted in the context of
Ghana’s broader energy landscape, taking into account factors such as
policy initiatives, technological advancements, and socioeconomic
considerations
The process of selecting indicators related to Ghana’s energy po-
tential involved a comprehensive review of existing literature, consul-
tations with experts in the eld and consideration of national energy
policies and priorities. Indicators were chosen based on their relevance
to the research objectives, availability of data from reliable sources such
as the Ghana Statistical Service and the Energy Commission of Ghana
and alignment with international best practices in energy assessment.
Each indicator used in the dataset was carefully dened to ensure clarity
and consistency in measurement. The variables included readiness to
switch and energy choices (grid electricity, LPG (liqueed petroleum
gas, hydropower, solar power, natural gas, biofuels, wind and other
renewables). In addition, energy determinants comprised “affordability,
reliability, environmental impact, accessibility, health considerations,
convenience, awareness and education, government policies and in-
centives, cultural and social factors, energy security, community and
peer inuence, energy efciency, energy source availability, techno-
logical advancements, and infrastructure development”. These variables
provided a complete understanding of the factors that inuence Ghana’s
energy landscape and to describe the energy potential in Ghana.
Data collection
Data for this study were systematically collected through survey
design conducted in Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast, and Sekondi-Takoradi
located in Greater Accra, Ashanti, Central, and Western regions,
respectively. The primary tool for the data collection was a carefully
designed structured questionnaire, which was administered to a wide
spectrum of participants, including households, businesses and in-
stitutions. The questionnaire was meticulously crafted to capture vital
information regarding energy usage, preferences and the various factors
that play a pivotal role in shaping energy choices within the Ghanaian
context. To ensure the robustness and representativeness of the data, a
random sampling technique was rigorously employed. This method was
instrumental in selecting respondents from different geographic loca-
tions and demographic groups, guaranteeing that the study’s ndings
M. Aboah et al.
Fuel Communications 19 (2024) 100118
4
would accurately reect the broader energy landscape in Ghana. The
data collection process lasted for ve months, from February 2023 to
July 2023. The answering of the questionnaire took place between 20 to
30 minutes, allowing the respondents to have ample time to think
through the questions.
Data analysis
The collected data were analysed using “Statistical Package for the
Social Science (SPSS) version 26 (IBM, Chicago, IL, USA) and Microsoft
Ofce Excel 2019 (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA)”.
Descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions and percentages,
were employed to summarize and present the data. Descriptive statistics
helped provide a clear overview of the data and identify patterns or
trends. Multiple linear regression (MLR) model was employed to identify
factors inuencing energy choices in Ghana. According Basnayake and
Hassan [27] and Goal et al. [28], MLR equation can be represented as:
Y=β0+β1X1+β2X2+…+βnXn+
ε
Where: Y is the dependent variable (outcome or response variable).
β0 is the y-intercept, representing the value of Y when all predictor var-
iables are zero.
В
1
, β
2
…, β
n
are the coefcients are the coefcients (regression co-
efcients) associated with each predictor variable.
X
1
, X
2
…, Xn are the predictor variables (independent variables).
ε
represents the error term, accounting for unexplained variability or
random error in the model.
Regression analysis allowed for the examination of how independent
variables (e.g., demographic factors and energy preferences) inuenced
the dependent variable (e.g., energy choices), while controlling for other
relevant factors. Regarding the regression analysis, R-squared (the
proportion of variance in the dependent variable explained by the in-
dependent variables) and adjusted R-squared (which adjusts for the
number of predictors in the model) were used. R-squared >0.7 indi-
cated that factors such as demographic information (gender, level of
education and age) and energy determinants (affordability, reliability,
environmental impact, etc.) inuence energy choices. Appropriate data
visualization techniques, such as charts, graphs, and tables were effec-
tively used to represent the key ndings. These visual aids helped
communicate effectively the key insights and trends derived from the
analysis, making the ndings more accessible to readers.
Results and discussions
Energy preferences by ghanaian (Cooking and power)
Fig. 1 shows energy preferences (for cooking and power) in Ghana.
Hydropower/grid electricity (45.70 %) featured the most preferred
energy choice, followed by natural gas/LPG (32.90 %). This nding
contradicts a study by of Karimu et al. [29], which found LPG as the
main energy choice in Ghana. Adjei-Mantey et al. [30] added that the
preference for natural gas/LPG is inuenced by the efforts to promote
cleaner burning fuels and reduce indoor air pollution. The government
promotes LPG as a viable alternative cleaner energy choice and this
contributes to its popularity and its wider consumption in Ghana.
Ellabban and Abu-Rub [31], Saleem et al. [32] and Mezger et al. [33]
noted that people trust hydropower/grid electricity for its residential,
commercial and industrial use due to its reliability, convenience,
accessibility and cost-effectiveness.
The lower preferences for biofuels/biofuels, wind and other renew-
ables (12.85 %, 6.25 %, and 4.30 %, respectively) indicate a growing
interest in sustainable and renewable energy options and the need to
promote energy shift toward environmentally friendly energy choices
[34,35]. Solar power at 2.00% was found as the least preferred energy
choice at 2.00 %. Atalay [36] attributed this to its high cost. Li et al. [35]
explained that the initial investment into building solar energy panels
and equipment to the maintenance stage [36] is very expensive, there-
fore, leading to its low use. According to Izam et al. [37], though solar
power is expensive, it offers long-term benets, such as reduced elec-
tricity bills and environmental sustainability. The study recommends
that Ghana should collaborate with other international organisations,
primarily focusing on reducing the costs associated with solar power
through subsidies or incentive programmes. This makes it a more
attractive and affordable option for consumers.
Factors inuencing the switch to cleaner energy alternatives
Fig. 2 shows the factors that inuence energy choices in Ghana.
Affordability (22.15 %) featured as the most signicant factor that in-
uences energy choice in Ghana. This shows that cost impacts energy
decisions in Ghana [38,39] and how individuals prioritise options that
are nancially accessible and align with their budgets. Reliability was
identied as the second most inuential factor of energy choices in
Ghana at 17.10 % and this is due to its consistency and dependability
[40]. About 15.30 % of the respondents accepted that accessibility in-
uences energy choice. This is due to geographic and regional factors
that inuence or limit access to certain energy sources in Ghana [41].
Health considerations were accepted by 9.45 % of the respondents to
inuence energy choices in Ghana. This nding indicates a growing
awareness of clean and safe energy alternatives aimed at improving
indoor air quality and reducing health risks associated with traditional
biofuels [42,43,44]. Between 7–8.00 % of the respondents, respectively,
showed that convenience, awareness/education, government policies
45.70
32.90
15.15
4.25
2.00
0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00
Hydropower/Grid Electricity
Natural Gas/LPG
Biofuels
Wind and Other Renewables
Solar Power
Energy Preferences (%)
Energy Choices
Fig. 1. Energy preferences in Ghana (N =868).
22.15
17.10
15.30
9.45
7.50
6.60
6.35
3.10
2.85
2.70
2.50
1.85
1.20
0.75
0.60
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00
Affordability
Reliability
Accessibility
Health Considerations
Convenience
Awareness and Education
Government Policies and Incentives
Cultural and Social Factors
Energy Security
Community and Peer Influence
Energy Efficiency
Energy Source Availability
Technological Advancements
Infrastructure Development
Environmental Impact
Percentage (%)
stnanimreteDecnere
f
erPygrenE
Fig. 2. Energy preference determinants (N =868).
M. Aboah et al.
Fuel Communications 19 (2024) 100118
5
and incentives inuence energy choices in Ghana. As highlighted by
K¨
onig [45] and Lacey-Barnacle et al. [46], the ease of access and uti-
lisation of various energy sources, along with awareness and education
regarding their advantages and disadvantages, play a signicant role in
shaping individuals’ preferences. Additionally, government policies and
incentives, such as subsidies or tax breaks for specic energy sources,
can also inuence consumer decisions, steering them towards more
sustainable options.
Cultural and social factors (3.10 %) and community and peer inu-
ence (2.70 %) connote that societal norms and peer pressure impact
energy preferences in Ghana. These factors imply that cultural values,
social norms and peer interactions shape individuals’ attitudes and be-
haviours towards different energy choices in Ghana. Energy security
(2.85 %), efciency (2.50 %) and availability (1.85 %), technological
advancements (1.20 %) and infrastructure development (0.75 %) like-
wise signicantly inuence energy choices in Ghana. Though the impact
of these factors is minimal, the ndings indicate that individuals pri-
oritise access to reliable and sustainable energy sources to meet their
daily needs, optimise energy use and minimise waste. Technological
advancements suggest that innovations in energy technologies inuence
energy choices. The adoption of cleaner and more efcient technologies
offers viable alternatives to traditional energy sources, driving shifts
towards more sustainable energy solutions [47,48]. Infrastructure
development, with a contribution of 0.75 %, indicates that the avail-
ability of supportive infrastructure such as transmission lines, distribu-
tion networks and storage facilities inuences energy choices.
Lacey-Barnacle et al. [46] added that investments in infrastructure
development help expand access to energy and adopt renewable energy
options. Environmental Impact recorded 0.6 % and this shows a rela-
tively low level of awareness regarding the ecological footprint of en-
ergy choices. This suggests the need for more extensive education and
awareness campaigns that focus on the environmental consequences of
different energy choices in Ghana.
Factors inuencing energy preferences
Table 1 displays an MLR analysis of the factors that inuence energy
preferences in Ghana. From the analysis, the model yielded R-squared
(R
2
), adjusted R
2
(Ad R
2
) and F-statistic at 0.82, 0.80 and 54.68 (p <
0.001), respectively. R-squared (R
2
) (0.82) indicates that independent
variables collectively explain 82.00 % of the variation in energy pref-
erences in Ghana. The Ad R of 0.8 conrms the robustness of the model
after adjusting for the number of predictors. The F-statistic of 54.68 with
a p-value less than 0.001 indicates that the regression model is statisti-
cally signicant, implying that at least one of the independent variables
signicantly predicts energy preferences.
The coefcients show the estimated effect of each independent var-
iable (such as affordability, reliability, environmental impact, etc.) on
the dependent variable (energy preferences) (Bzovsky et al., 2023). The
coefcients indicate the strength and direction of the relationship be-
tween each independent variable and the dependent variable. Among
the determinants of energy preferences, affordability emerged as a sig-
nicant predictor, with a coefcient of 0.612 and a p-value less than
0.001. This suggests that respondents are more likely to prefer afford-
able energy options or for every one unit increase in affordability, there
is an estimated 0.612 unit increase in energy. Similarly, reliability,
environmental impact, accessibility, health considerations, conve-
nience, awareness and education, and government policies and in-
centives all show signicant positive coefcients, indicating that these
factors positively inuence energy preferences. The signicant positive
inuence of affordability on energy preferences aligns with a study by
Abreu et al. [38], which emphasise the importance of cost-effective
energy options in driving consumer choices. In contrast, cultural and
social factors, energy security, community and peer inuence, energy
source availability, technological advancements, and infrastructure
development show non-signicant coefcients, suggesting that these
variables have limited inuence on energy preferences.
Readiness to switch energy choices
Table 2 presents respondents’ readiness to switch to cleaner energy
choices (based on gender, age, education level and employment level).
Among male respondents, 94.83 % expressed readiness to make the
transition, while 5.17 % were not ready. Among female respondents,
99.76 % were ready to embrace cleaner energy options, while 0.24 %
were not yet prepared. However, individuals who were ready to shift to
cleaner energy sources might be inuenced by cultural norms, nancial
constraints, personal beliefs and geographic location. According to Seto
et al. [49], these factors shape people’s attitudes towards environmental
issues, sustainability and nancial constraints, impacting the ability of
individuals to invest in cleaner energy sources due to the initial costs
involved. Geographic location affects access to certain types of energy
Table 1
MLR analysis of factors inuencing energy preferences (dependent variable:
energy preferences).
Model Summary
R-squared (R
2
) 0.82
Ad R
2
0.8
F-statistic 54.68
p-value <0.001
Determinants of Energy
Preferences
Coefcient Std.
Error
t-
statistic
p-
value
Intercept 10.845 1.321 8.201 <0.001
Affordability 0.612 0.105 5.828 <0.001
Reliability 0.398 0.089 4.474 <0.001
Environmental Impact 0.312 0.078 3.987 0.001
Accessibility 0.241 0.065 3.536 0.001
Health Considerations 0.277 0.076 3.654 0.001
Convenience 0.185 0.065 2.344 0.008
Awareness and Education 0.182 0.067 2.718 0.011
Government Policies and
Incentives
0.127 0.054 2.344 0.022
Cultural and Social Factors 0.043 0.038 1.124 0.265
Energy Security 0.079 0.045 1.758 0.092
Community and Peer Inuence 0.037 0.042 0.881 0.38
Energy Efciency 0.118 0.056 2.108 0.038
Energy Source Availability 0.055 0.033 1.669 0.109
Technological Advancements 0.031 0.026 1.187 0.238
Infrastructure Development 0.027 0.023 1.173 0.245
Residual Standard Error: 1.487.
Number of Observations: 868.
Table 2
Readiness to switch energy choices (N =868).
Ready to
Switch to
cleaner
Energy
alternatives
Not Ready to
Switch to
cleaner Energy
alternatives
Total
Respondents
Gender Male 422(94.83 %) 23(5.17 %) 445
Female 422(99.76 %) 1(0.24 %) 423
Age 19–20 23(100.00 %) 0(0.00 %) 23
21–30 59(100.00 %) 0(0.00 %) 59
31–40 88(100.00 %) 0(0.00 %) 88
41–50 342(99.42 %) 2(0.58 %) 344
51–60 193(96.02 %) 8(3.98 %) 201
60+131(85.62 %) 22(14.38 %) 153
Education
level
Degree 533(100.00
%)
0(0.00 %) 533
Certicate 118(97.52 %) 3(2.48 %) 121
No
education
209(97.66 %) 5(2.34 %) 214
Employment
level
Employed 346(100.00
%)
0(0.00 %) 346
Unemployed 522(100.00
%)
0(0.00 %) 522
M. Aboah et al.
Fuel Communications 19 (2024) 100118
6
sources and infrastructure, inuencing the choices individuals make
towards energy consumption. Regarding age, 100.00 % each of the re-
spondents within the age groups 19–20, 21–30 and 31–40 years were
ready to shift to cleaner energy. In the 21–30 age group, 99.42 % of the
respondents within the age group 41–50 years were ready to shift to
cleaner energy alternatives, while 0.58 % were not ready to shift. Among
respondents within the age brackets 51–60 years, 96.02 % were ready to
shift to cleaner energy, while 3.98 % were not. Regarding respondents
aged 61 and above, 85.62 % were ready to shift to cleaner energy
sources, while 3.98 % were not. Results show that age signicantly in-
uences individuals’ readiness to shift to cleaner energy alternatives.
However, younger respondents, particularly those in the 19–30 age
groups, showed a higher willingness to transition to cleaner energy
sources compared to older age groups. This reects a growing awareness
and recognition of the importance of sustainable energy practices among
the youth.
Among those with at least a bachelor’s degree, 100 % expressed their
readiness to make the switch and this demonstrates a strong commit-
ment to cleaner energy choices. Also, 97.52 % of the respondents with a
certicate were ready to shift to cleaner energy options, while 2.48 %
were not yet prepared. Among respondents without formal education,
97.66 % of the respondents were ready to shift to cleaner energy alter-
natives, while 2.34 % were not ready to shift. The lower readiness
observed among respondents shows that educational backgrounds in-
uence individuals’ decisions to cleaner energy alternatives and the
need for targeted educational campaigns to bridge this gap and promote
awareness of the benets of cleaner energy alternatives. Employed and
unemployed respondents showed a unanimous willingness to embrace
cleaner energy, with 100 % readiness in both groups. The lack of sig-
nicant differences in readiness based on employment status contrasts
with studies highlighting the inuence of employment-related factors on
sustainable behaviour (Hornsey et al., 2016; Rickard et al., 2020). This is
due to socioeconomic hardship, as well as the importance of environ-
mental concerns and the adoption of cleaner energy sources that tran-
scend employment status.
Table 3 shows an MLR analysis of factors that inuence energy
choices in Ghana. R-squared is a statistical measure that represents the
proportion of the variance in the dependent variable that is predictable
from the independent variables in the model [50,51]. The model
exhibited a robust t with an R-squared value of 0.72, signifying that the
variables included in the analysis collectively explain 72 % of the vari-
ance in energy preferences among respondents. A coefcient represents
the change in the dependent variable for a unit change in the indepen-
dent variable, holding all other variables constant (Bzovsky et al., 2023).
The coefcient for gender, with a value of 0.72 and a highly signicant
p-value (<0.001), suggests that gender inuences energy choices. Spe-
cically, female respondents were more inclined to prefer cleaner and
more sustainable energy alternatives compared to their male counter-
parts. Age was found to be a signicant determinant inuencing energy
choices in Ghana. A coefcient of 0.15 and a signicant p-value (0.002)
likewise indicate age inuences energy preferences. Respondents with a
higher level of education, as indicated by the coefcient of 0.50 and a
highly signicant p-value (<0.001), were more inclined to adopt cleaner
energy sources. The coefcient of 0.35 and a signicant p-value (0.012)
indicated that employed individuals were more likely to be ready to
transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. This nding
suggests that economic factors, stability, and employment opportunities
shape energy preferences in Ghana. Hence, providing job opportunities
related to clean energy technologies can be a signicant driver of the
energy transition.
Clean energy choices
Fig. 3 shows the readiness of Ghanaians to switch to cleaner and
more sustainable energy sources. Hydropower/grid electricity (35.65
%) was found to be the most preferred energy source. This strong
preference is due to the reliability and cost-effectiveness associated with
hydropower capacity. Solar Energy (26.35 %) closely followed hydro-
power in terms of readiness for adoption, with over a quarter of the
respondents indicating their willingness to switch to solar power. The
popularity of solar energy highlights its increasing acceptance, partic-
ularly in off-grid and rural areas, where solar panels offer a reliable and
sustainable electricity source. The prevalence of biomass energy
(17.75%) among respondents likely reects its widespread availability
and affordability compared to alternative sources in study regions. This
makes it a preferred option for households, especially in rural areas
where access to modern energy services may be limited.
The selection of wind energy (12.40%) by a signicant proportion of
the respondents suggests a rising interest in wind power as a clean and
renewable energy option. This is due to its associated environmental-
friendliness and an increasing awareness of its potential as a sustain-
able energy option. Furthermore, 6.05 % of the respondents were willing
to switch to liqueed petroleum gas. This is due to its convenience and
cleaner burning properties compared to traditional biomass fuels like
rewoood and charcoal. The low percentages of 1.80 % for geothermal
energy and 1.40 % for biofuel options indicate that these choices have
limited immediate appeal among the respondents. This is a result of the
lack of awareness, accessibility, perceived benets or public perception
that contributes to the lower interest in these energy alternatives
compared to other cleaner energy options.
The need for the switch in energy choices
Fig. 4 displays factors that drive energy transitions to cleaner and
more sustainable energy sources in Ghana. From the Figure, economic
growth (16.20 %) was the leading driver of the energy transition in
Ghana, followed by population growth (15.50 %). The prominence of
economic growth as a leading driver is attributed to the fact that as the
economy expands, there is an increased demand for energy to power
industries, businesses, and households. This demand often necessitates a
shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources to meet the
growing needs while reducing environmental impact. With a growing
population, there is a corresponding increase in energy consumption for
various purposes such as cooking, lighting, transportation, and more
(Taylor, Rezai & Foley, 2021). Energy security (12.65 %) was also
identied as one of the key drivers of cleaner energy sources in Ghana.
This is inuenced by the decision to ensure sustainable economy,
development and a smooth ow of energy in the country.
Respondents (11.05%) indicated that environmental sustainability
inuences energy transition in Ghana and this is due to a growing
awareness of the ecological impact of energy choices. Rapid develop-
ment is acknowledged as a driver by 10.10 % of the respondents. This is
due to an increase in the number of households, economic businesses
and industries. According to Kouton et al. [52], rapid development
contributes to an increase in energy demand, prompting a shift towards
Table 3
MLR analysis of demographics and energy choices (dependent variable: energy
preferences).
Model Summary
R-squared (R
2
) 0.72
Ad R
2
0.71
F-statistic 57.89
p-value p <0.001
Demographic features Coefcient Std. Error t-statistic p-value
Intercept 11.045 1.421 9.201 <0.001
Gender (male and female) 0.72 0.18 4.02 <0.001
Age 0.15 0.05 3.1 0.002
Educational level 0.5 0.11 4.52 <0.001
Employment level 0.35 0.14 2.51 0.012
Residual Standard Error: 0.45.
Number of Observations: 868.
M. Aboah et al.
Fuel Communications 19 (2024) 100118
7
Fig. 3. Readiness to switch energy choices (N =868).
Fig. 4. Energy transition drivers in Ghana (N =868).
M. Aboah et al.
Fuel Communications 19 (2024) 100118
8
cleaner and more sustainable sources to support this growth while
mitigating environmental impact. Climate variability was recognised as
a driver by 9.45 % of the respondents, indicating an awareness of the
impact of changing climate patterns on energy systems. IPCC assess-
ments and climate change reports stress the importance of adapting
sustainable energy systems to address the challenges posed by climate
variability. Agricultural sustainability had 7.70 % and this shows that
the consumers understand that energy and agriculture are linked. Health
and well-being featured 7.40 %, signifying a recognition of the health
impacts associated with traditional and polluting energy sources. Ageing
infrastructure (4.30 %) was found to drive energy transitions in Ghana.
This is because ageing infrastructure impacts society, such as trans-
portation, utilities, and public services. It might also be due to safety
concerns about infrastructure deterioration and its possible risks. Spe-
cies extinction is considered a driver by 3.40 % of the respondents and
this reects an understanding of the impact of energy choices on
biodiversity. This is due to extensive media coverage of environmental
disasters, climate change impacts, and biodiversity loss, raising public
awareness and inuencing perceptions of species extinction. Global
partnerships were recognised as a driver by 2.25 % of the respondents.
This indicates an understanding of the collaborative nature of address-
ing energy challenges. Reports by global energy organizations stress the
importance of collaborative efforts and partnerships to achieve sus-
tainable energy goals ([53]; Berrone et al., 2022).
Hindrances in switching to clean energy sources
Fig. 5 shows the hindrances to the energy transition in Ghana. Pop-
ulation growth (17.80 %) was identied as a primary hindrance to the
switch to clean energy sources in Ghana. Population growth exerts an
increased pressure on existing energy systems and exacerbates the strain
on infrastructure [54,55]. According to Liu et al. [56], rapid population
growth increases poverty and energy consumption. As a result of the
high population, the decision to forgo environmentally unfriendly en-
ergy options therefore becomes difcult. High initial costs were
acknowledged by 11.2 % of the respondents as a signicant hindrance to
the switch to clean energy sources in Ghana. Clean energy technologies
often require signicant upfront investments for installation and infra-
structure development, making them nancially challenging for in-
dividuals, businesses, or governments [54,57]. Competition from
established industries and technologies with lower upfront costs poses a
challenge to the adoption of cleaner energy solutions [55]. This nding
conrms studies by the International Finance Corporation (IFC),
emphasising the importance of addressing cost-related challenges to
promote the widespread adoption of clean energy solutions [58].
Therefore, the Government of Ghana should introduce nancial in-
centives, such as tax credits, grants, and subsidies, to offset the initial
investment costs of clean energy technologies. Policymakers should
enact supportive policies and regulations to create an enabling envi-
ronment for clean energy adoption.
Lack of access to nance was identied by 6.45 % of the respondents
Fig. 5. Hindrances to the switch in energy choices (N =868).
M. Aboah et al.
Fuel Communications 19 (2024) 100118
9
as one of the hindrance to energy transition in Ghana. This emphasises
nancial constraints individuals and businesses face in making switch to
cleaner energy options [59,60]. The perceived long payback period and
uncertain returns on investment associated with clean energy projects
deter potential investors or adopters. Perceived risks related to the
reliability, performance, and maintenance costs of new technologies
increase the perceived nancial risk associated with adopting cleaner
energy solutions. Limited nancial incentives or subsidies for clean en-
ergy projects make them less attractive compared to conventional en-
ergy sources that benet from established subsidies. Pueyo [61] asserted
that limited access to affordable nancing options or capital resources
impedes the ability of individuals or organisations to invest in clean
energy technologies. This makes people and organisation tend to stick to
what they are familiar with, hindering the adoption of cleaner energy
sources that require behaviour changes. Moreover, existing infrastruc-
ture for traditional energy sources limits the transition to cleaner options
due to the high costs associated with replacing or upgrading
infrastructure.
Environmental impact is recognised as a hindrance by 6.25 % of the
respondents, reecting concerns about the ecological footprint of energy
choices. This is because none of the energy choices are 100 % envi-
ronmentally friendly, therefore associated with carbon emissions and
pollution. This deters individuals or organizations from transitioning to
cleaner energy sources. Political and economic stability, expressed by
6.20 % of the respondents, hinders the transition to cleaner options.
Political and economic instability and an unstable political environment
with inconsistent policies affect investments in clean energy projects.
This prevents the creation of a favourable investment climate and the
promotion of sustainable energy transitions. Ghanaians should link up
with other international organisations, such as the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) and the African Renewable Energy
Initiative (AREI), to establish a stable political and economic environ-
ment for successful energy transitions.
The intermittency of renewable sources (5.85 %), transportation
complexities (5.55 %) and lack of awareness (4.90 %) were found to
hinder the transition to clean energy options in Ghana. The intermit-
tency of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, poses chal-
lenges to maintaining a consistent energy supply, especially when
weather conditions are not optimal for generation. Transitioning to
cleaner transportation modes, such as electric vehicles, requires signif-
icant investments in changing infrastructure and supportive policies to
facilitate widespread adoption and this deters individuals from switch-
ing to cleaner transportation options. Notwithstanding, limited aware-
ness about sustainable energy choices and their benets hinders the
uptake of cleaner technologies and practices. Therefore, educating
Ghanaians about the environmental and economic advantages of sus-
tainable energy options is essential for driving behavioural change and
promoting adoption.
Market barriers (4.30 %), resource availability (4.15 %) and fossil
fuel dependency (3.80 %) were indicated as a challenge that impedes the
transition to cleaner options. Insufcient incentives or support mecha-
nisms in the market discourage investments in clean energy technologies
and slow down their adoption. Sovacool [62] noted that complex reg-
ulations or inconsistent policies create barriers to clean energy projects,
making it challenging for businesses to navigate the market. Inadequate
availability of key resources needed for renewable energy technologies,
such as rare earth minerals for solar panels or wind turbines hinders
their deployment. People are not able to leave fossil fuels for energy
production because of their affordability compared to cleaner energy
sources.
Rural electrication (3.6 %), affordability of traditional energy
sources (3.95 %), energy market dynamics (3.35 %), and weather con-
ditions (2.60 %) affect smooth energy transition in Ghana. Rural elec-
trication hinders the transition to clean energy choices because limited
access to electricity in rural areas hinders economic development, ed-
ucation, and healthcare services. The high costs of traditional energy
sources perpetuate dependence on polluting fuels and inhibit the
adoption of cleaner alternatives. Thus, enhancing the affordability of
clean energy technologies through subsidies, nancing options, and
innovative business models can facilitate the transition to sustainable
energy sources, promoting energy access and reducing emissions. En-
ergy market dynamics hinder energy transition in Ghana because market
dynamics inuenced by pricing, regulations, and competition create
barriers to clean energy investments and deployment. Variability in
weather patterns impacts the reliability and predictability of renewable
energy generation, affecting energy supply and grid stability. Extreme
weather events and seasonal variations affect the reliability and avail-
ability of energy resources, impacting consumer preferences and resil-
ience to climate-related risks.
Moreover, energy subsidies (1.75 %), geographical distance (1.35 %)
and social acceptance (0.60 %) hinder energy choices. Physical distance
from energy sources poses logistical challenges in delivering energy
services to remote or isolated areas. Geographical distance limits access
to energy resources and infrastructure, hindering the adoption of cleaner
energy technologies in remote regions. Remote locations face challenges
in accessing energy resources due to logistical constraints and high costs
of infrastructure development. According to Merrill et al. [63], energy
subsidies favour traditional fossil fuels and distort market signals,
making them appear more cost-effective than cleaner alternatives.
Reforming energy subsidy structures to phase out subsidies for polluting
fuels and redirecting support towards clean energy technologies can
level the playing eld, spur investments in modern energy sources, and
accelerate the transition to sustainable energy systems. Nevertheless,
social acceptance hinders acceptance of the transition to cleaner energy
options. Societal attitudes and perceptions towards old energy tech-
nologies inuence their acceptance and adoption. Lack of social accep-
tance or awareness about the benets of cleaner energy sources impedes
their uptake as well as the transition to cleaner energy options. This
nding necessitates the need for educational campaigns, community
engagement, and transparent communication about the advantages of
modern energy technologies can help build trust and acceptance,
fostering a supportive environment for transitioning to cleaner and
sustainable energy options.
Strategies to ensure an efcient switch from traditional energies to modern
and clean energies
Fig. 6 presents the respondents’ choices of strategies for ensuring a
switch from traditional energies to clean energies. The topmost for
ensuring a switch from traditional energies to cleaner energy choices
was promoting renewable energy (13.70 %). According to Sen and
Ganguly [64], investing in energy options such as solar, wind, and hy-
dropower reduces reliance on fossil fuels and curbs environmental im-
pacts. Financial support mechanisms (12.85 %) was found as the next
strategy to ensure a switch from traditional energies to cleaner energy
choices. Financial support mechanisms like subsidies, grants, and
low-interest loans as shown by the majority of Ghanaians are capable of
addressing the high initial investment costs associated with clean energy
technologies [65,66]. Making cleaner energy technologies nancially
accessible through supportive policies facilitates widespread adoption,
driving the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy system
[67,68].
Educating and raising awareness was identied by 12.45 % of the
respondents as one of the strategies to ensure energy transition from
traditional energies to cleaner energy. Public awareness campaigns help
empower individuals with information about the benets of cleaner
energy options, fostering a supportive environment for transitioning to
sustainable energy sources. About 11.50 % of the respondents indicated
that advancing technology enhances energy efciency and reduces
environmental impacts. Modern technologies that are affordable and
reliable but efcient enhance the transition to clean energy solutions.
Implementing supportive policies and regulations was identied by
M. Aboah et al.
Fuel Communications 19 (2024) 100118
10
(8.90 %) of the respondents. Supportive policies and regulations create
an enabling environment for the adoption and deployment of clean
energy technologies [47,66]. Blohm et al. [67] added that a robust
regulatory framework ensures consistency, transparency, and incentives
for clean energy initiatives, driving investments, innovation, and market
growth in the renewable energy sector. According to Seto et al. [49],
policy support is essential for guiding the energy transition and
achieving sustainable development goals. Policy support in energy
transitions emphasises the need for Ghana to develop and enforce pol-
icies that incentivise and regulate the shift towards cleaner energy
sources.
Fostering international collaboration was identied by 8.20 % of the
respondents as one of the strategies for the switch towards clean energy
in Ghana. According to Blohm et al. [67] and Seto et al. [49], interna-
tional collaboration is crucial for addressing global energy challenges,
sharing best practices, and accessing expertise, technology, and nan-
cial resources. Collaborative efforts can facilitate knowledge exchange,
technology transfer, and nancial support for Ghana’s energy transition.
Investing in research and development receives attention from 7.60 % of
the respondents. Investment in research and development fosters inno-
vation, drives technological advancements and enhances the efciency
and effectiveness of clean energy solutions. By supporting research and
development initiatives, Ghana can spur innovation, improve the per-
formance of renewable technologies and address challenges related to
energy efciency, storage, and grid integration, leading to a more sus-
tainable and resilient energy system. Engaging local communities was
recognised by 7.05 % of the respondents, highlighting the importance of
community involvement in the energy transition process. Engaging local
communities in the energy transition process fosters ownership,
awareness and participation in sustainable energy initiatives.
Community involvement ensures that energy projects are tailored to
local needs, preferences and contexts, enhancing social acceptance,
fostering collaboration and promoting the successful implementation of
clean energy solutions at the grassroots level.
Investing in infrastructure was recognised by 6.70 % of the re-
spondents as a strategy for promoting energy transition in Ghana. This is
because robust and modern energy infrastructure is essential for sup-
porting the transition to cleaner energy sources, enhancing energy se-
curity, and promoting efciency. Investing in infrastructure
development can improve energy access, reliability, and resilience,
enabling the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid,
expanding electrication efforts, and modernizing energy systems to
meet the evolving needs of Ghana’s growing population and economy.
Developing comprehensive transition plans was identied by 6.15 % of
the respondents as a strategy for energy transition in Ghana. Well-
dened and holistic transition plans are essential for guiding the en-
ergy transition process and setting clear goals, timelines, and strategies
for achieving sustainable energy objectives. Developing comprehensive
transition plans can provide a roadmap for policymakers, stakeholders,
and investors, ensuring coordinated efforts, effective resource allocation
and alignment with national priorities to drive the successful imple-
mentation of clean energy initiatives. Establishing monitoring and
evaluation mechanisms was identied by 5.90 % of the respondents.
Monitoring progress and evaluating the impact of energy transition
initiatives helps identify challenges and rene strategies for continuous
improvement. Stakeholders are able to track performance indicators,
assess the effectiveness of interventions and make informed decisions to
optimize energy transition efforts, ensuring accountability, trans-
parency, and progress towards sustainability goals.
Fig. 6. Strategies for ensuring energy switching.
M. Aboah et al.
Fuel Communications 19 (2024) 100118
11
Conclusion
This study assessed Ghana’s energy types and their potential to meet
future energy needs. Grid electricity emerged as the top preference,
followed by LPG/natural gas and hydropower, while biofuels, wind, and
other renewables were less favoured. Solar power was the least
preferred option. Affordability, reliability, and accessibility were key
factors inuencing energy choices, alongside growing awareness of
health considerations and the inuence of cultural and social factors.
Regression analysis conrmed the signicant impact of affordability,
reliability, and environmental awareness on energy preferences. Gha-
naians demonstrated readiness to switch to cleaner energy alternatives,
particularly hydropower, solar energy, and biomass, in line with global
trends favouring renewable sources. The study identied economic
growth, population growth, energy security, environmental sustain-
ability and rapid development as key drivers of the energy transition,
while obstacles included population growth, high initial costs, limited
access to nancing, environmental concerns, and political and economic
stability. The Government of Ghana and the Ministry of Energy should
implement nancial incentives, public awareness campaigns, renewable
energy expansion, research investment and international collaboration
to facilitate Ghana’s transition to sustainable energy, promoting envi-
ronmental protection and economic growth.
CRediT authorship contribution statement
Michael Aboah: Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft,
Visualization, Validation, Supervision, Software, Resources, Project
administration, Methodology, Investigation, Funding acquisition,
Formal analysis, Data curation, Conceptualization. Iqra Atif: Resources,
Writing – review & editing, Validation, Investigation. Michael Miyit-
tah: Writing – review & editing. Christian Julien Isac Gnimadi:
Writing – review & editing, Investigation. Christiana Odumah Hood:
Writing – review & editing. Georgina Sarquah: Writing – review &
editing, Investigation.
Declaration of competing interest
I sincerely appreciate your virtuous works and support as a Journal.
However, I declare that there is no conict of interest over the author-
ship or regarding the publication of this paper. Thus, the publication of
this paper is free from authorship conicts. In fact, the authors are not
afliated with or involved with any organisation or entity with any
nancial interest or non-nancial interest in the subject matter or ma-
terials discussed in this paper. Thank you.
Data availability
Data will be made available on request.
Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank all respondents who contributed to
this study.
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