The Energy Commission has commenced a structured process to integrate gender considerations into its operations as part of efforts to promote inclusiveness and equity within Ghana’s energy sector.
The initiative is expected to culminate in a draft gender policy and action plan that will guide implementation across the sector, strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders, and ensure that gender-related concerns are effectively addressed in line with national and international development frameworks.
The process is being led by the Commission’s Board, chaired by Professor John Gatsi, who together with other members met in Takoradi in the Western Region to review a draft policy document developed by Dr Rose Mensah Kutin and her team of consultants.
Prof. Gatsi said the policy would provide a strategic framework for addressing gender-specific issues within the Commission and help promote inclusiveness, innovation and efficiency in the energy sector.
He noted that gender equality remained a critical driver of development, particularly given the diverse functions of departments under the Commission and their role in shaping sector outcomes.
According to him, the document aligns with the national gender policy and would guide the Energy Commission in addressing emerging gaps while improving sector responsiveness.
Dr Audrey Smock, National Director of the National Development Planning Commission, said the proposed policy seeks to bridge identified gaps in gender mainstreaming within the energy sector.
She explained that men and women have different needs in relation to energy access and usage, making it necessary for institutions to collaborate in shaping policies that reflect current realities.
She also stressed the importance of implementation frameworks to ensure that the policy delivers meaningful results once adopted.
“There should be clear implementation arrangements to derive the best outcomes from the policy,” she said.
Dr Smock further noted that the draft aligns with both national and international gender development frameworks.
Lead consultant Dr Rose Kutin said ECOWAS and other international protocols promote equal access to energy services, but implementation must reflect the differing needs, usage patterns and economic opportunities of both men and women.
She described the Energy Commission’s decision to develop a gender policy as a timely and progressive step, noting that it could help address disparities in participation and access within the sector.
Dr Kutin also highlighted the need to address unconscious biases that have limited women’s participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and the broader energy space.
She called for deliberate efforts to engage women and incorporate their perspectives into national energy planning and development priorities.
The draft policy was jointly reviewed by Dr Kutin and Ms Catherine Achuliwor for further input from the Energy Commission’s Board to strengthen its final version.
