The political economy of land access for large-scale solar photovoltaic projects in Ghana

The Government of Ghana prioritises the adoption of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) power projects. This is part of its strategy to increase the share of renewable energy sources, diversify the national generation mix, and to meet its low-carbon development goals. However, one of the major challenges facing the development of such projects is the difficulty in accessing suitable land. To fully realise the potential of solar PV in Ghana, it is crucial to streamline the land acquisition process and engage effectively with local communities whose lands will be used for these projects. This policy brief examines investors' experiences with land acquisition processes, as well as the responses of host communities to the introduction of solar PV projects.Evidence gathered from key informant interviews and site visits highlights the varying experiences of investors based on geographical context, land acquisition routes, and the prevailing land tenure systems. Based on these findings, the brief offers key policy recommendations to address the challenges and enhance the development of utility-scale solar projects in Ghana.