Promoting women's participation in Ghana's renewable energy industry: a case study of Lady Volta Green Tech Academy

Women are significantly underrepresented in the renewable energy sector, facing systemic barriers that limit their participation in technical and leadership roles. This study investigates the impact of the Ghana-based Lady Volta Green Tech Academy (LVGTA) in addressing these challenges through its tailored technical education and support programs for women. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines qualitative insights from interviews with students, alumni, administrators, and stakeholders with quantitative data on enrollment, skills development, and employment outcomes. The findings reveal that LVGTA has been instrumental in equipping women with marketable technical skills, such as solar panel installation, electrical wiring, and energy system maintenance. However, challenges persist, including student financial burdens, cultural biases discouraging female participation, and insufficient industry engagement to support job placement and career advancement. The study recommends targeted interventions to improve outcomes, including financial assistance, mentorship programs, improving job placement and career support, and investing in faculty and infrastructure. Strengthening partnerships with industry stakeholders and aligning training programs with market needs are critical for scaling the academy's impact. Addressing systemic barriers and advancing gender equity, this research provides actionable insights for creating an inclusive renewable energy workforce in Ghana, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals 5 (Gender Equality) and 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). Achieving these goals also fosters broader socio-economic development by alleviating poverty (SDG 1), enhancing health and well-being (SDG 3) through reduced pollution and improved living conditions, promoting quality education (SDG 4) by ensuring girls and women have the energy resources necessary for studying, improving access to decent work (SDG 8) by creating job opportunities in the green energy sector and building sustainable communities (SDG 11) through the implementation of environmentally friendly solutions.