Ghana's Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has expressed concerns about the country's power generation system, citing a lack of sufficient redundancy. This has impacted the country's ability to ensure a reliable electricity supply. The Minister made these comments at the opening ceremony of the 2026 edition of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition's Annual Review Meeting in Ho.
The Ministry and its agencies are working to restore the Volta River Authority's (VRA) idle plants to operation and ensure the Akosombo Hydroelectric Dam operates at full capacity. This aims to meet consumer demand and reduce reliance on expensive private-sector power generation. Mr. Jinapor emphasized that decisions on procuring additional electricity must be guided by the need to protect the country's financial interests.
The Minister acknowledged that the process of restoring idle power plants will come with challenges but expressed confidence that it will improve electricity supply. He also disclosed that the government is working to raise $500 million to strengthen the country's electricity transmission infrastructure. This investment will be crucial in enhancing the reliability of the power supply.
The government's efforts to improve the power sector include the procurement and installation of some transformers under a broader plan to install 10,000 transformers. This has contributed to improved electricity supply stability. Additionally, some private companies have expressed interest in undertaking oil exploration at designated sites across the country.
Mr. Jinapor commended the management of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) for its financial and operational turnaround. The refinery had previously faced a crisis and recorded significant losses but has now moved to profitability. This turnaround is a positive development for Ghana's energy sector.
The annual review meeting provided a platform for stakeholders in the energy sector to discuss strategies to improve the country's energy infrastructure and reliability of supply. The meeting aimed to address persistent challenges with electricity generation and transmission. Key stakeholders are working together to find solutions to these challenges.
The Energy Minister's comments highlight the need for Ghana to invest in its power generation and transmission infrastructure. The government's efforts to restore idle power plants, invest in transmission infrastructure, and promote private sector participation are crucial steps towards ensuring a reliable electricity supply. The country's energy sector is critical to its economic development, and addressing these challenges is essential.
Key points
- The Minister emphasized that decisions on procuring additional electricity must be guided by the need to protect the country's financial interests.
- The government is working to raise $500 million to strengthen the country's electricity transmission infrastructure.
- The Tema Oil Refinery has moved from recording significant losses to profitability after previously facing a crisis.
