Energy efficiency remains untapped amid rising demand – Energy Commission

…certifies 30 auditors to boost efficiency drive

By Juliet ETEFE

Energy efficiency remains one of the country’s most underutilised resources despite rising energy demand driven by economic growth, Acting Executive Secretary-Energy Commission Adwoa Serwaa Bondzie has said.

Speaking at the Second Energy Audit Certification and Awards ceremony held at the Ghana Institution of Engineering in Accra, she stressed that as the economy expands the need for energy continues to grow, making efficient usage critical to sustainability and cost management.

“As our economy grows, so does our demand for energy – and with it the responsibility to use that energy wisely and efficiently,” she said, describing energy-efficiency as “the most cost-effective, fastest and cleanest way” to meet national energy needs.

“Yet it remains one of the most underutilised resources,” she added.

The ceremony, organised by the Energy Commission in collaboration with the Ghana Institution of Engineering, saw the certification of 30 energy audit professionals trained under the Sustainable Energy Service Centres (SESCs). The initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen human capital for Ghana’s energy efficiency and sustainability agenda.

Ms. Bondzie emphasised that energy audit professionals play a critical role in bridging the gap between energy consumption and conservation. According to her, their work involves identifying inefficiencies in buildings and facilities and providing practical, data-driven solutions to reduce consumption, lower costs and minimise environmental impact.

“You are problem solvers, advisors and change agents,” she told the newly-certified professionals, noting that their work will directly contribute to reducing electricity demand, easing pressure on the national grid and supporting Ghana’s climate commitments.

She further linked the certification programme to government’s broader economic agenda, noting that energy efficiency and clean energy transition are central to achieving inclusive growth, fiscal sustainability and resilience.

“As Ghana moves toward implementing frameworks such as energy performance certification for buildings, your role becomes even more critical,” she said.

Chairperson of the occasion and former President-Ghana Institution of Engineering, Ing. Kwabena Bempong, reiterated that Ghana continues to lose significant resources due to inefficient lighting, air-conditioning systems, oversized equipment and poorly-designed energy systems in buildings and industries – stressing that energy audits can help reduce waste, cut costs and improve energy security.

He also called for continuous professional development and high ethical standards, cautioning against inflating savings or overlooking non-compliance to satisfy clients, asserting that “a greener Ghana cannot be built on false reports”.

“Every kilowatt-hour you save is a gift to future generations,” he said.

Ing. Bempong underscored the initiative’s strategic importance, describing the theme ‘A Greener Ghana: The Role of the Energy Audit Professional’ as a blueprint for national transformation.

“We are not just looking for more power; we are looking for wiser power,” he said, urging the newly inducted auditors to serve as “detectives of inefficiency” by identifying areas of energy waste in homes, industries and public institutions.

Board Chairman-Energy Commission Professor John Gatsi advocated making energy audits mandatory for facilities as part of efforts to improve efficiency nationwide.

He said energy auditors would play a key role in shaping consumption patterns by helping households and businesses make informed decisions about energy use and equipment.

“When energy professionals do their work well, consumption patterns are known and that helps users plan and control their energy budgets,” he noted, adding that efficient energy systems could also enhance creditworthiness and potentially lower financing costs for businesses undertaking upgrades.

Awards

The event also recognised outstanding participants, with awards presented to top-performing candidates across various categories.

Winners included Daniel Kudjo Junior Dogbey (Sustainable Energy Management Professional), with Mavis Anim Adjei recognised as the top female performer. In the Sustainable Energy Audit Professional category, Peter Boafor and Reina Kutriye Bagina were honoured while Mireku Kumah Kwame emerged top in the Energy Audit Practical category.

The new cohort’s certification is expected to deepen Ghana’s capacity to manage energy demand more efficiently while advancing national goals on sustainability, cost reduction and environmental protection.

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