Energy citizenship in northern Ghana: drivers of community engagement in the sustainable energy transitions

This study examines the drivers of community engagement in sustainable energy transitions in Northern Ghana, with a focus on the concept of energy citizenship. Through a survey of 678 residents across selected rural communities, the study examines how awareness, motivation, and perceived benefits influence active participation in renewable energy initiatives, employing the Structural Equation Modeling approach. Key constructs were validated through Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and the relationships were tested using path analysis. Results indicate that community members are motivated by affordability, local economic benefits, and a sense of ownership over energy systems. However, policy awareness showed limited influence on engagement, and infrastructural gaps persist. The study recommends enhanced local engagement strategies and targeted education campaigns to strengthen energy citizenship and promote inclusive energy governance. • The study explores the concept of energy citizenship in northern Ghana's rural energy transitions. • Engagement is enhanced by perceptions, motivations, and benefits, not policy awareness alone. • Perceived benefits weaken the motivation–engagement relationship, showing possible motivational crowding-out. • Policies should balance tangible benefits with intrinsic motivation to sustain community energy engagement.