This research article by Adusah-Poku & Takeuchi (2019) explores the dynamics of energy poverty in Ghana using two national cross-sectional datasets. Energy poverty is defined as “the absence of sufficient choice in accessing adequate, affordable, reliable, high quality, safe, environmentally benign energy services to support economic and human development”. This study displays aspects of the energy supply chain where progress have been made to alleviate energy poverty in Ghana as well as areas where more work needs to be done. It was realized that the incidence of energy poverty is still high with rural dwellers being the most vulnerable and energy poor as compared to urban dwellers. The devastating impacts of energy poverty on health, the environment and the economy as well as an overview of interventions designed to combat energy poverty are also discussed. In conclusion, to ensure access and affordability of modern energy spaces, energy poverty strategies should be integrated with strategies to reduce income poverty.
Frank Adusah-Poku and Kenji Takeuchi, "ENERGY POVERTY IN GHANA, ANY PROGRESS?", contributed by Barbara Ackun, The Energy Rights Project, Platform for Experimental Collaborative Ethnography, last modified 11 June 2020, accessed 23 April 2024. https://energyrights.info/content/energy-poverty-ghana-any-progress
Critical Commentary
This research article by Adusah-Poku & Takeuchi (2019) explores the dynamics of energy poverty in Ghana using two national cross-sectional datasets. Energy poverty is defined as “the absence of sufficient choice in accessing adequate, affordable, reliable, high quality, safe, environmentally benign energy services to support economic and human development”. This study displays aspects of the energy supply chain where progress have been made to alleviate energy poverty in Ghana as well as areas where more work needs to be done. It was realized that the incidence of energy poverty is still high with rural dwellers being the most vulnerable and energy poor as compared to urban dwellers. The devastating impacts of energy poverty on health, the environment and the economy as well as an overview of interventions designed to combat energy poverty are also discussed. In conclusion, to ensure access and affordability of modern energy spaces, energy poverty strategies should be integrated with strategies to reduce income poverty.