The Board Chairman of the Volta River Authority (VRA), Jabesh Amissah-Arthur, has proposed a proportional approach to power supply reductions to Ghana's neighbouring countries during periods of electricity shortages. He made this suggestion at the VRA's annual stakeholder engagement in Accra on October 2, 2026. According to him, Ghana should avoid completely cutting off power supplies to neighbouring countries during shortages, as this could have long-term commercial implications.
Amissah-Arthur argued that Ghana's neighbouring countries are valuable customers of the country's electricity and have been so over the years. He noted that completely cutting off power to these markets could lead to Ghana losing them. Instead, he advocated for a proportional reduction in power supply, where Ghana and its neighbours share the shortfall equally. For instance, if Ghana experiences a 30% power cut, its neighbours would also experience a 30% cut.
The VRA Board Chairman emphasized the importance of maintaining relationships with neighbouring countries, particularly in the power sector. He stated that Ghana should not cut off its neighbours during periods of shortfall, as this could damage the country's reputation as a reliable supplier of electricity. Amissah-Arthur also stressed the need for the state to provide necessary support and resources to state agencies like the VRA to enable them to meet their responsibilities.
Amissah-Arthur's proposal is not new, as Ghana has used a proportional supply arrangement with its neighbours in the past. He believes that this approach should continue to guide the country's policy on electricity supply to neighbouring markets. According to him, when Ghana has a surplus of power, it should supply it to its neighbours, and when there is a shortfall, the reduction should be shared proportionately.
The VRA Board Chairman's suggestion has significant implications for Ghana's energy sector. Ghana's neighbours, including Togo, Benin, and Côte d'Ivoire, rely heavily on Ghana's electricity supply. A proportional power cut would ensure that these countries are not severely affected by Ghana's power shortages. This approach would also help maintain Ghana's reputation as a reliable supplier of electricity.
Amissah-Arthur's call for proportional power cuts is also relevant in the context of the VRA's revenue. The VRA generated GH¢8.9 billion in revenue in 2025, but the authority has warned that payment delays and inter-utility debt threaten its liquidity. A proportional power cut could help minimize the impact of power shortages on the VRA's revenue.
The proposal by Amissah-Arthur has been well-received by stakeholders in the energy sector. The approach is seen as a pragmatic solution to Ghana's power shortages and its implications for neighbouring countries. As Ghana continues to navigate its energy challenges, Amissah-Arthur's suggestion is likely to remain a key consideration for policymakers.
Key points
- VRA Board Chairman Jabesh Amissah-Arthur proposes proportional power cuts to Ghana's neighbours during electricity shortages.
