Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Energy Minister, has called upon developed nations to assist developing countries in achieving their net-zero targets. 

He emphasised that developed countries can fulfil this by fulfilling their funding pledges aimed at aiding developing nations in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The minister made this appeal during his address at a high-level SDG Summit Action Weekend event held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA, on Sunday, September 17, 2023. 

The event's theme was 'From Billions to Trillions - Scaling-Up Energy Compacts to Deliver on SDG7'.

Dr Prempeh highlighted the challenges faced by developing countries in achieving the SDG7 target of providing clean and affordable energy by 2030.

He noted that many developing nations heavily rely on wood fuel to meet their energy needs and cautioned that if not controlled, this type of fuel could undermine the progress made in combating climate change in recent years.

As both the Energy Minister and the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South in the Ashanti Region, Dr Prempeh stressed the vital role of energy in economic development. 

He emphasised the need for Africa to have adequate energy resources to support its socio-economic growth and enhance the well-being of its citizens. 

He also asserted that the right of African nations to develop their energy resources for the benefit of their people should be respected without interference.

Dr Prempeh acknowledged the significance of the electricity, cooking, and transportation sectors in reducing GHG emissions. 

He advocated for the transition of these sectors toward a net-zero emissions future through the production and utilisation of clean energy and the implementation of measures to mitigate emissions during the process.

The Minister highlighted the Ministry of Energy's efforts in promoting clean cooking, with a particular focus on achieving 50% access to the use of LPG as fuel and delivering 3 million improved efficient charcoal stoves by 2030. 

He mentioned specific programmes, including LPG for Development, the Cylinder Recirculation Model, and the Carbon-for-Free Stoves programme for the biomass sector.

Dr Prempeh concluded by reiterating Ghana's commitment to partnering with investors to explore new energy frontiers in support of sustainable, environmentally responsible, and gender-responsive economic growth.