The National Energy Policy (2010) was developed to provide a comprehensive framework for the management and development of Ghana’s energy sector, following the discovery of petroleum resources in commercial quantities in 2007 and the increasing energy demands associated with Ghana’s industrialisation and middle-income aspirations. Persistent challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, inefficient management, unreliable supply, and limited investment—necessitated an integrated and sustainable energy policy to ensure reliable and affordable energy access for all.

The goal of the policy is to make energy services universally accessible and readily available in an environmentally sustainable manner. It seeks to secure long-term fuel supplies, expand infrastructure, diversify energy sources, reduce losses, and promote efficient use of energy. The policy is structured around eight thematic areas: power, petroleum, renewable energy, waste-to-energy, energy efficiency and conservation, energy and environment, energy and gender, and future sector management. Key objectives include increasing installed power generation capacity to 5,000 MW by 2015; achieving universal electricity access by 2020; optimising petroleum exploration and management for national benefit; increasing the share of renewables in the national energy mix; and mainstreaming gender and environmental considerations in energy planning and delivery.

The policy outlines several strategies, namely, attracting private investment through transparent regulatory and fiscal frameworks; Expanding power generation and transmission infrastructure; Promoting renewable energy technologies, especially solar, wind, and biomass; Developing local content and capacity in oil and gas operations; Ensuring cost recovery pricing and efficiency in energy service delivery; and Integrating waste-to-energy technologies into waste management systems

Institutionally, the Ministry of Energy leads policy formulation, coordination, and monitoring. Key implementing and regulatory bodies include the Energy Commission (licensing, technical standards, and advisory role), the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) (tariff and consumer protection), and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) (regulation of downstream petroleum activities and pricing). The Volta River Authority (VRA), Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), and Bui Power Authority (BPA) implement power generation and transmission activities. Through these coordinated actions, the policy provides a strategic pathway for transforming Ghana into an “Energy "Economy"—ensuring reliable supply, improved access, efficient utilisation, and sustainable management of the country’s diverse energy resources.