Clean cooking transition in Ghana: Challenges, opportunities, and strategic pathways for sustainable development

Abstract

This study evaluated the challenges and opportunities for clean household cooking transition in Ghana, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals of health, affordable clean energy and climate action. Through a mixed-methods approach integrating national statistics, policy analysis, and case studies, spatial and socioeconomic disparities in clean cooking access were evaluated to assess the role of cultural, financial, and infrastructural barriers. The findings show that despite government efforts like the Gyapa Improved Cookstove project and National Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) Program, only 31 % of Ghanaians have access to clean cooking. Affordability remains a challenge to clean cooking as low-income households spend 3.1 % of their income on LPG compared to 0.7 % on wood. Other barriers include fragmented supply chains, limited access to modern fuels, inadequate infrastructure, and sociocultural preferences. Regional disparities persist, with northern Ghana's average household income (USD 1287 - 2276) limiting access to modern fuels compared to southern regions (USD 2144 - 6425). Successful models from Rwanda (Inyenyeri pellet cookstoves) and Kenya (pay-as-you-go LPG) projects highlight scalable solutions. Context-specific strategies are proposed to accelerate clean cooking transition. These strategies include scaling financial mechanisms such as carbon credit programs and rental or leasing schemes to reduce the cost of clean cooking, establishing local manufacturing firms, and behavioral initiatives addressing cookstove stacking practices and driving long-term adoption of clean cooking technologies. Energy policy revisions and regulatory frameworks must prioritize renewable energy integration for off-grid communities and strengthen the monitoring of policies, including Ghana's Renewable Energy Master Plan. By addressing these challenges and leveraging emerging opportunities, Ghana can reduce household air pollution, mitigate deforestation, and ensure equitable clean cooking access to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This study provides actionable insights and strategies for policymakers and stakeholders to accelerate clean cooking transitions, emphasizing the need for holistic, collaborative governance, financing innovation, and culturally tailored interventions.