SMALL HYDROPOWER DEVELOPMENT AS A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SOLUTION IN GHANA: A REVIEW

Access to reliable and sustainable electricity remains essential for socioeconomic development, particularly in remote and underserved communities in Ghana. Despite government interventions such as the National Electrification Scheme (NES), significant disparities in electricity access persist, especially in rural areas. Furthermore, the centralised electricity distribution system faces challenges, including overloaded substations, transmission and distribution losses, grid congestion, and the high cost of extending the national grid to geographically isolated communities. These challenges highlight the need for alternative and decentralised renewable energy solutions. Small-scale hydropower presents a promising option for addressing electricity access gaps while promoting environmental sustainability and rural development. This review examines trends in small-scale hydropower development in Ghana, with particular emphasis on its contribution to sustainable energy generation, rural electrification, and socioeconomic advancement. It also considers the major infrastructural, financial, technical, environmental, and institutional challenges affecting the adoption and long-term sustainability of small-scale hydropower projects. Furthermore, the review explores opportunities for improving project implementation through supportive policies, technological innovation, investment mobilisation, and effective resource management. The study highlights the potential of small-scale hydropower to complement Ghana's national electricity grid, reduce dependence on conventional energy sources, and improve electricity supply in remote communities. It concludes that strengthening institutional frameworks, encouraging private-sector participation, and promoting sustainable hydropower technologies are essential for expanding small-scale hydropower development and achieving Ghana's renewable energy and universal electricity access objectives.