Ghana’s Energy Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor, has raised concerns over the country’s continued reliance on charcoal and firewood for household cooking, warning of severe health and environmental consequences.

Speaking at the National Clean Cooking Policy and Strategy Workshop, Jinapor revealed that nearly 60% of Ghanaians still depend on traditional solid fuels, which contribute to 6,500 deaths annually due to household air pollution. Children under five remain the most vulnerable.

To address this, the minister announced the National Clean Cooking Policy (NCCP), a framework promoting Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), electric stoves, biogas, and improved biomass cookstoves. The policy will also introduce regulatory and fiscal incentives to attract investment and support local industry development for clean cooking technologies.

Additionally, the government is revising the National Clean Cooking Strategy (NCCS) and the Investment Prospectus (IP), detailing concrete steps and financial requirements to accelerate clean cooking adoption nationwide.

Jinapor emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns to drive behavioral change and urged stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions to move beyond policy development into practical implementation.

"Achieving universal access to clean cooking requires a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach, not just government intervention," he stated.

The workshop, spearheaded by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, aims to gather input from stakeholders across Ghana’s regions to develop locally adapted solutions.

Chief Director Wilhelmina Asamoah highlighted the importance of inclusivity in policy formulation, stating that the event provides a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and strategic collaboration. She also acknowledged the World Bank’s support in advancing Ghana’s clean cooking agenda.

The discussions at the workshop are expected to mobilize support for clean cooking solutions, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for all Ghanaians.