Energy Transition and Dispute Resolution in West Africa: A Case Study of Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia

Energy transition is the move from fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas, and oil, towards renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy. This will require a continuous process of strategies and planning, and appropriate energy technologies to reach net-zero emissions. Regular blackouts and load shedding have adversely affected the day-to-day activities and businesses in West Africa, which in turn affect the GDP of this region. These call for improved access to sustainable energy in West Africa, which is richly endowed with tremendous sustainable energy potentials; if properly harnessed, it can be utilized to advance the creation of its regional power pool, the West African Power Pool (WAPP). This will aid the region’s electricity sector, which still lacks sufficient generation and transmission infrastructure for its population. This chapter discusses ECOWAS energy transition policies and programs towards improved access to sustainable energy. It equally considers climate change issues in relation with the region. The chapter narrows down to the case studies of Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia with particular reference to their energy transition policies and programs. It analyses the framework of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) mechanism for conflict prevention and dispute resolution in the Region with emphasis on Ghana, Liberia, and Nigeria. This chapter adopts a qualitative research methodology. It recommends that West African countries move from conventional energy to renewables for improved access to sustainable energy, combat climate change, and for preservation of human lives, flora, and fauna.