Small-scale hydropower (SHP) presents a promising solution for expanding rural electrification and enhancing energy sustainability in Ghana. However, emerging literature highlights growing concerns about the environmental and social dimensions of SHP development. The novelty of this study resides in the fact that it presents updated information on the growth and emerging trends in small hydropower projects within Ghana, highlighting some of the technologies being implemented. Also, the study reviews sustainable practices in the development of these projects, examining their environmental and social impacts. The findings reveal that the widespread assumption of minimal impact constrained efforts to assess cumulative socio-ecological effects of SHP. Moreover, climate variability, deforestation, grid expansion and other technical barriers are reshaping the viability of many proposed sites. This study offers policy recommendations to ensure that SHP can reliably and equitably contribute to Ghana’s long-term energy future.
Keywords: Climate Variability, Ghana, Impacts, Rural electrification, small-scale hydropower, sustainable practice
