Ghana is poised to unlock international carbon financing to scale up its clean cooking infrastructure in senior high schools, as the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition signals readiness to endorse a biogas initiative spearheaded by renewable energy firm DAS Biogas.
During a high-level engagement with DAS Biogas executives, Deputy Minister Richard Gyan-Mensah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to climate-smart development, stating that the biogas proposal aligns with the national green transition strategy and has strong potential to attract private and international funding.
The project, which has already seen successful pilots at Accra Girls Senior High School and the Police Training Academy, aims to replace traditional wood and charcoal-based cooking with biodigester stoves that use organic waste to generate clean energy. The next phase targets deployment in 200 senior high schools nationwide.
DAS Biogas is seeking a “no objection” letter from the Ministry — a technical green light required to activate an agreement with global carbon project developers and tap into results-based carbon financing.
“We’ve done our part by securing a framework agreement,” said Otema Yirenkyi, who led the DAS Biogas delegation. “With the Ministry’s endorsement, we can mobilize the climate finance needed to roll out at scale—at no cost to the government.”
Ministry officials indicated that the endorsement process is underway and could be finalised within a month, pending inter-ministerial consultations with the Ministries of Education and Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI).
“This isn’t just about renewable energy—it’s about demonstrating how Ghana can use public-private partnerships and climate finance to deliver clean, cost-effective solutions for public institutions,” said Ing. Seth Mahu, Director of Renewable and Green Transition at the Ministry.
Mahu clarified that while MESTI serves as the national focal point for carbon market initiatives, the Energy Ministry’s technical endorsement is essential given the project’s focus on energy transition.
Beyond reducing emissions, the initiative promises tangible benefits for public schools, including lower fuel costs, improved indoor air quality, and reduced pressure on Ghana’s forests.
The partnership is being lauded as a model for how developing countries can leverage carbon markets to finance sustainable infrastructure in education and health, without adding fiscal pressure on the state.
As Ghana strengthens its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, stakeholders believe this project could position the country as a regional leader in clean cooking and waste-to-energy innovation.
