How Climate Change May Be Fuelling Ghana’s Electricity Crisis and Human Displacement

By Latifatu Hamidu

The intermittent power outages that Ghanaians have been experiencing in recent years seem to have remained a mystery to policy makers and so-called energy experts, adding to the apprehension of the public.

At 6pm last Thursday, October 26, 2023, parts of the country went dark again. The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) explained the outages in vast areas of the country were as a result of limited gas supply from Tema.

Dumsor, in deed, started in the 1980s, resurfaced 2007 and became part of our lexicon from 2012.

The main issues at play are simple: Ghana’s electricity supply relies highly on hydropower and thermal energy. Unfortunately, its high dependence on water makes hydropower generation vulnerable to extreme weather events associated with climate change. Intermittent floods and droughts are the main impacts on the sector.

Last month for instance, the Volta River Authority (VRA) explained that thousands of residents were displaced due to the spillage of water from the Akosombo Dam. According to the VRA which manages the dam, the spillage process is necessary every year as the Dam is still receiving over 200% of water, as the excess needed to be spilled to prevent a dam break. The VRA further explained that, this amount of over 200 percent more water this October, is dire, compared to what was experienced in previous years.

Meanwhile, The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMeT) has cautioned an indication of more rains to be expected in the lower Volta basin areas, where residents have already been displaced.

Many experts see the spillage, energy outages, displaced residents, and all the hassle associated with them as a direct result of climate change.

What is climate change?

Climate change according to the United Nations (UN) refers to the long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. The shifts in temperature can be natural that is they can occur due to changes in the sun’s activities or large volcanic eruptions. But since the beginning of the 19^th century, human activities have been the main driver and cause of climate change, this is mostly due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.

According to the UN, the burning of these fossil fuels account for over 75% of total greenhouse gas emissions globally and about 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions. This makes fossil fuels the largest contributor of the global climate change.

Greenhouse gases act as a blanket that cover the earth surface and trap the sun’s heat from escaping, which then in turns increases the temperature of the planet.

To buttress its importance, Goal 13 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. It is intrinsically linked to all 16 of the other Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Climate Change in Africa

According to the African Development Bank Group, Africa is part of the lightest contributors to climate change. Despite Africa’s low contribution to greenhouse gas emission and global warming, it is the most vulnerable continent. According to the World Meteorological Organization, the average rate of warming in Africa was +0.3 °C/decade during the 1991–2022 period, compared to +0.2 °C/decade between 1961 and 1990. This is slightly above the global average.

Impact of Climate Change in Africa

Climate change has had and is projected to continue having a significant impact on Africa. The continent is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to its heavy reliance on agriculture, limited infrastructure, and a high percentage of the population living in areas prone to climate-related disasters. Here are some of the key impacts of climate change in Africa:

Droughts and Water Scarcity: Climate change has led to increased variability in rainfall patterns, resulting in more frequent and severe droughts in various regions of Africa. This has dire consequences for agriculture, food security, and access to clean water.

Floods: In addition to droughts, there are more frequent and intense rainfall events leading to flooding. Floods can displace communities, damage infrastructure, and contaminate water sources.

Heatwaves: Rising temperatures in many parts of Africa have led to more frequent and prolonged heatwaves. This can result in health problems, particularly for vulnerable populations, as well as reduced agricultural productivity.

Food Insecurity: Climate change impacts on agriculture are a major concern. Crop yields are often reduced due to changing rainfall patterns and increased temperatures, leading to food shortages and higher food prices.

Loss of Biodiversity: Climate change contributes to habitat loss and shifts in ecosystems, which can threaten plant and animal species. This has implications for the livelihoods of people who rely on these ecosystems for their sustenance.

Health Impacts: Climate change can affect human health, leading to the spread of diseases such as malaria and waterborne diseases. Extreme heat events can also result in heat-related illnesses and death.

Infrastructure Damage: Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and storms, can damage infrastructure, including roads, buildings, and power lines, and disrupt economic activities.

Conflict and Migration: Climate change-related issues, such as resource scarcity and displacement, can exacerbate social and political tensions and contribute to migration. Competition for resources like water and arable land can lead to conflicts.

Sea-Level Rise: Coastal areas in Africa are vulnerable to rising sea levels, which can lead to the loss of land and displacement of populations.

Reduced Economic Growth: Climate change can undermine economic development by damaging key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and tourism. The costs associated with adaptation and disaster recovery can also strain government budgets.

It’s important to note that the impacts of climate change vary across the continent, with some regions more severely affected than others. Additionally, African nations have varying levels of capacity to adapt to these changes, and international cooperation and support are essential to address the challenges posed by climate change in Africa.

Measures and policies that deal with the management of investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable land use practices, and the development of early warning systems can help mitigate some of these impacts.