Distinguished stakeholders, esteemed colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
It is with great honour and humility that I welcome you all to this important first stakeholders’ meeting on the Sixth Africa Sustainability Report and the Think Energy SDGs Award. I am deeply grateful to the organisers for the invitation and for the privilege to chair this very important gathering,with the theme ‘A decade of SDG’s in Africa: Resetting our climate goals for agenda 2030’

 

The Africa Sustainability Report has, over the years, provided a credible platform for reflection, assessment, and knowledge-sharing on our continent’s collective journey towards the Sustainable Development Goals. This sixth edition offers us yet another opportunity to take stock of our achievements, highlight lessons, and strengthen partnerships for the future we seek.

 

Taste the Goodness: EL Blends All-Natural Cold-Pressed Juices

For Ghana, this dialogue is particularly significant. Our nation continues to demonstrate strong commitment to the SDGs, especially in the areas of energy access, renewable energy development, climate resilience, and natural resource management. With bold initiatives such as the Ghana Energy Transition Framework, efforts to expand renewable energy investments, and policies that align with both Agenda 2063 and the global sustainability agenda, Ghana is contributing meaningfully to Africa’s transition to a sustainable future.

 

I am especially delighted to speak in my capacity as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), the only university in Ghana dedicated solely to training professionals, conducting research, and driving innovation in the areas of energy, environment, and natural resource management. At UENR, we view sustainability not as a slogan, but as a mandate. Our contributions include:
Cutting-edge research in renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, and climate-smart practices that directly feed into Ghana’s policy and development agenda.

 

Capacity building, by training graduates and professionals who are equipped to lead Africa’s energy and sustainability transitions
Community engagement and partnerships that translate academic knowledge into practical solutions for rural electrification, natural resource conservation, and sustainable livelihoods.

Thought leadership, by serving as a convener of dialogue between government, academia, industry, and communities on matters of sustainability.

 

 

In Ghana, the NDC Action Project focused on the agriculture priority sector, specifically advancing the adoption of Solar Powered Irrigation Systems (SPIS) as a climate-smart agriculture practice. Through technical assistance, the project worked with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and engaged the Regional Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (RCEES) at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) to carry out the assignment.

A total of 113 experts were trained, including 90 technical and 23 financial professionals, with a gender distribution of 16% female and 84% male. The training equipped participants with skills in SPIS design, installation, operation, maintenance, financial analysis, and project appraisal. The project also contributed to the development of financial models and strengthened stakeholder collaboration across academia, government, and financial institutions.

 

The Think Energy SDGs Award, which this meeting also addresses, is equally significant. Energy is central to the success of all other SDGs. By recognising and celebrating excellence in advancing energy-related SDGs, we not only inspire innovation but also encourage collective responsibility in building a sustainable energy future for Africa.

 

Colleagues, today’s meeting is an opportunity to interrogate the data, sharpen our strategies, and ensure that the report and award reflect Africa’s realities while pointing us towards actionable solutions. I encourage us all to engage with candour, openness, and a shared commitment to Africa’s sustainable transformation.

 

On this note, I once again welcome you all and declare this First Stakeholders’ Meeting duly opened. May our deliberations be impactful, visionary, and transformative for Ghana and for Africa.