Energy poverty remains a critical issue in rural communities worldwide, with over 1.6 billion people lacking access to reliable electricity. Global initiatives, such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal Seven (SDG7), aim to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy by 2030. However, these efforts often adopt a top down, techno material approach that may not reflect the actual needs and experiences of energy poor households, particularly in the Global South. This thesis analyzes a specific rural electrification policy in Ghana, the Self-Help Electrification Programme (SHEP) component of the National Electrification Scheme (NES). The study argues that despite increased electricity access, significant challenges persist due to energy injustices, particularly in recognizing and addressing the unique needs of local households. Using semi structured interviews and participatory observation, the research provides deep insights into the complex nature of energy poverty and the effectiveness of current interventions. Guided by the Energy Cultures Framework and the Energy Wellbeing Framework, the study highlights the importance of a nuanced approach that considers the specific needs of rural households to achieve energy justice and improve their wellbeing. The findings aim to inform policy amendments and contribute to the broader discourse on energy poverty in the Global South, especially in Sub Saharan Africa.
Keywords: Energy poverty, Energy Justice, Wellbeing, Rural Electrification Policy, Sub Saharan Africa, Ghana