Ghana has discovered the potential to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in commercial quantities locally as part of a major step towards a cleaner and more resilient aviation future.
It follows the conclusion of a national feasibility study, which confirmed that the country could now produce low-carbon aviation fuel using local crops, municipal waste, byproducts, and other renewable energy sources.
The deployment of the sustainable aviation fuel initiative addresses the global call for decarbonisation, with the potential to reduce life cycle carbon emissions by about 80 per cent compared to conventional fossil-based jet fuel.
Also, it can power aircraft engines without modification, making it an immediate and viable solution for greener air travel and also mitigating the environmental impact on the aviation industry.
With the feasibility phase completed, Ghana now enters the decisive stage of building a viable SAF industry, one that promises economic opportunities, energy diversification, and environmental benefits.
Hand over
The feasibility study was presented by a delegation from ICAO to the Director General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, at a workshop in Accra on February 24.
The study, which started in May 2025, was funded by the United Kingdom (UK) through the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Environment Fund.
On the theme: “Feasibility study on the use of sustainable aviation fuels,” the two-day workshop was part of ongoing efforts to advance sustainable aviation and reduce carbon emissions within the aviation sector.
The workshop was also used for discussions on implementation pathways and insights into the role of sustainable aviation fuels in supporting climate goals and the future of air transport.
Rev. Arthur stated that the workshop was a critical platform for advancing ICAO’s Assistance, Capacity-Building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF) programme.
“Today represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s journey towards a greener and more resilient aviation sector.”
“Sustainable aviation fuel is not merely an innovation — it is a regulatory imperative,” he said.
Findings
The ICAO Technical Consultant for Ghana, Damiana Serafini, stated that Ghana had discovered significant potential to produce sustainable aviation fuel, particularly due to the abundance of feedstock across the country.
“What we found was that Ghana, like many other African countries, ha great potential when it comes to the production of feedstock in terms of volumes for the production of sustainable aviation fuel,” he said.
She added that with the right investment and decisive policy direction, Ghana could spearhead SAF development within the West African sub-region and unlock new economic benefits.
Decarbonisation goals
Joining the workshop virtually from Montreal, Canada, the Chief of Environmental Standards of the ICAO, Dr Neil Dickson, expressed appreciation to the government of Ghana for its commitment to the ACT-SAF programme.
He said that ICAO’s Assistance, Capacity-Building initiative supported all 193 member States in achieving the sector’s long-term decarbonisation goals.
“ICAO is committed to ensuring that no country is left behind as aviation transitions to net-zero emissions by 2050,” Dr Dickson said.
He added that the feasibility study, launched in May 2025, confirmed Ghana’s strong potential to produce sustainable aviation fuel in line with global standards and provided clear recommendations to maintain momentum towards implementation.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh