The Ghana Energy Commission has convened a stakeholder engagement in the New Juaben South Municipality to promote energy efficiency and conservation practices among electricity consumers and institutional actors.
Participants included members of the Certified Electrical Wiring Professionals Association, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, and electronics retailers.
The forum aimed to raise awareness on sustainable energy usage and advocate for responsible consumption behaviours.
Addressing the meeting, Mr. Samuel Frimpong, Senior Public Affairs Officer at the Energy Commission, highlighted the importance of energy-conscious decision-making in lowering electricity bills and curbing environmental degradation.
“Raising awareness about energy usage and promoting energy-saving behaviours empowers individuals to make conscious choices about their electricity consumption,” he said.
“Fostering sustainable practices not only helps individuals save money for other economic purposes but also saves the government purse at various offices and mitigates environmental impacts such as climate change.”
Mr. Frimpong outlined practical energy-saving options including the use of appliances with high energy efficiency ratings, unplugging electronics when not in use, maximizing natural lighting during daytime hours, and transitioning to solar panels or other renewable energy sources.
He urged facility owners to engage only certified electricians for electrical installations, stressing the risk of hazards such as shocks and fires associated with unqualified personnel.
“Certified electricians have undergone training and examinations, demonstrating their competence and knowledge of safety standards,” he stated.
As a further safety measure, Mr. Frimpong recommended facility owners of buildings over ten years old to have their electrical systems inspected by Certified Electrical Wiring Inspectors.
“If the inspector gives any recommendations after testing the facility, you should comply with them to ensure that the facility is safe,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Richard Donkor, Manager of Energy Efficiency Regulations at the Energy Commission, also highlighted the Commission’s enforcement of standards and labeling regulations.
These rules mandate that appliances meet minimum energy performance criteria and carry appropriate labeling before being sold.
“These measures aim to prevent Ghana from becoming a dumping ground for substandard appliances, reduce energy consumption, and safeguard consumers,” Mr. Donkor said.
“The regulations ensure the quality and safety of electrical appliances, while establishing a framework for the development and utilization of energy resources.”
The Energy Commission continues to pursue its broader mandate of educating the public and key stakeholders on energy-related issues.
Attendees at the event called for the creation of more inclusive platforms that offer comprehensive and accessible information on energy efficiency and conservation to the public.