Government's solar tax exemptions a major boost to climate action – Foundation

The AbibiNsroma Foundation has congratulated the Government of Ghana on its decision to abolish import duties and Value Added Tax (VAT) on solar panels and batteries as part of measures announced in the 2027 Budget Statement.

The Foundation says the policy is an important step towards making renewable energy more affordable and accessible while strengthening Ghana’s efforts to tackle climate change and promote sustainable development.

In a press release issued on November 15, 2026, in Accra, the Foundation described the tax exemptions as an opportunity to accelerate Ghana’s transition to renewable energy, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and make clean energy more accessible to households, businesses and communities.

It said the decision could also create opportunities for small businesses, farmers, women and young people who often face financial barriers to accessing renewable energy technologies.

According to the Foundation, Ghana continues to experience the effects of climate change, including flooding, rising temperatures and coastal erosion, making investment in renewable energy an important part of efforts to build a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.

While welcoming the government's decision, AbibiNsroma Foundation has urged authorities to introduce additional measures to ensure that the benefits of the tax exemptions reach ordinary Ghanaians, particularly those in underserved communities.

It stressed that the success of the policy should not be measured solely by the number of solar panels imported into the country but also by how many households and businesses can afford and benefit from the technology.

The Foundation has therefore called for accessible financing and credit facilities to enable households and small businesses to acquire solar systems.

It has also urged the government to create more opportunities for women and young people in the renewable energy sector, invest in technical training and skills development, and promote local assembly, manufacturing and innovation.

The organisation further called for targeted interventions to extend solar energy access to rural, coastal and underserved communities, alongside stronger battery recycling and electronic waste management systems to prevent environmental pollution.

Government urged to ensure effective implementation

The foundation has also called on the government to ensure the effective implementation of the tax exemptions in 2027 and guarantee that the savings are reflected in the prices paid by consumers.

It encouraged government agencies, civil society organisations, development partners, the private sector and community organisations to collaborate to ensure the policy delivers tangible benefits to Ghanaians.

The Foundation said the decision presents Ghana with an opportunity to make renewable energy a major driver of sustainable development, climate resilience, job creation and economic transformation.

It further emphasised that the country's energy transition must be fair and inclusive, with women, young people, low-income households, rural communities, coastal populations and small businesses given particular attention.

"Our message is simple: climate action must not only be about protecting the environment; it must also improve people's lives," the Foundation stated.

AbibiNsroma Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to working with the government, civil society organisations, development partners and communities to advance climate justice, renewable energy advocacy and a Just Transition in Ghana and across Africa.