Analysis of Internal Migration and Multidimensional Energy Poverty in Ghana

This study examines the relationship between internal migration and multidimensional energy poverty in Ghana based on Ghana Living Standard Survey (GLSS) rounds 6 and 7 datasets. The study used a method similar to Alkire and Foster approach to estimate multidimensional energy poverty and relied on the IV-Probit model to establish the relationship between internal migration and energy poverty in Ghana. The Lewbel 2SLS method and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was employed in the study to address endogeneity. Our estimates show that the share of energy poor households in Ghana reduced slightly from 41.4% in 2013 to 39.2% in 2017 . The incidence of energy poverty remains high, although there has been a significant decline in the overall energy poverty in Ghana between 2013 and 2017. Further, we find that the three northern regions namely the Northern, Upper East, and Upper West region experience the highest levels of energy poverty, while Greater Accra records the lowest in Ghana. The results also reveal a significant positive relationship between internal migration and energy poverty. We recommend the Ministry of Energy to strengthen and expand existing programs such as the cylinder recirculation program to help alleviate energy poverty with a specific focus on energy-poor and migration prone regions. Also, the Government of Ghana should create income-generating opportunities and infrastructure development in underdeveloped regions. This will help promote sustainable development and inclusive growth in the energy-poor and migration prone regions in the country.