Ghana Warns Defaulting Solar Firms to Renew Licences or Face Sanctions

The Energy Commission of Ghana has issued a warning to solar companies operating without valid licences to regularise their status within 60 days or face sanctions.

The Board Chairman of the Commission, John Gartchie Gatsi, disclosed this during an interview on the sidelines of the 24th Electric Wiring Certification and Awards Ceremony in Accra.

Gatsi said several firms in the renewable energy space are currently violating regulatory provisions, including those governing biomass cookstoves and solar panel standards.

He noted that affected companies collectively owe the Commission more than GH¢28 million, a development he said is constraining the regulator’s ability to effectively carry out its mandate.

“The Commission, mandated to enforce national standards, relies on these funds to acquire testing and monitoring equipment, train staff, and deliver benefits to the nation,” he said.

The chairman explained that Ghana’s renewable energy regulations were initially designed to attract investment into the sector, which has limited strict enforcement in the past.

However, he said the Commission is now seeking parliamentary approval to strengthen the sanctions regime and improve compliance.

While acknowledging that some firms have begun to comply following inspections, Gatsi stressed the need for prompt renewal of expired licences to uphold regulatory standards.

He also highlighted growing investor interest in Ghana’s renewable energy sector, with more organisations establishing solar and other clean energy projects to support the country’s long-term energy transition goals.

Ghana aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its electricity mix to 10 per cent by 2030, excluding large hydro, under its Renewable Energy Master Plan.

Key priorities include expanding solar and wind capacity, deploying off-grid electrification solutions to about 1,000 communities, and reducing dependence on biomass energy.