Contextualising The Emergence Of Energy Citizenship In Ghana: A Case Study Of Northern Ghana.

Abstract

The factors and drivers along with the role of local communities and institutions in promoting energy citizenship were examined in this study as well as the potential to address energy challenges and foster sustainable development. A comprehensive survey and interviews with key stakeholders were adopted for the study. A stratified random sampling approach was utilised through community engagement and with the aid of questionnaires to gather data from 678 respondents and 5 key informants. The study also examines the perceptions and attitudes of community members towards energy-related issues, their awareness, and the role of local institutions in shaping energy behaviours. The data was analysed using both structural equation modelling (SEM) and descriptive statistics. The results indicate that benefits and motivation support community engagement in energy citizenship. The findings further emphasise the significance of reliable electricity supply and the urgency of community involvement as a critical role in addressing energy-related challenges. The study reveals that majority participants feel empowered to make energy-efficient choices. Notably, education, awareness campaigns, and engaging citizens in decision-making emerge as crucial tools in promoting sustainable energy practices to drive positive change and enhance the effectiveness and acceptability of energy initiatives. This study concludes that energy citizenship has the potential in sustainable development providing actionable insights for policymakers, local institutions, and communities aiming to enhance energy literacy, promote renewable energy, and address pressing energy-related issues. Additionally, the transformative power of active citizen participation and a holistic approach to building resilient and equitable energy systems is emphasised.