Ghana's Energy Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor, has confirmed the nation lacks sufficient redundancy in its power generation system. This critical shortage directly affects the country's ability to ensure a consistent and reliable electricity supply for its citizens and industries.
The Minister explained that the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, along with its agencies, is actively working to restore idle power plants belonging to the Volta River Authority (VRA). The objective is to bring these plants back into operation. Additionally, efforts are underway to ensure the Akosombo Hydroelectric Dam operates at its full capacity. These measures aim to meet consumer demand and reduce Ghana's reliance on more expensive private-sector power generation.
This revelation comes amidst persistent challenges with electricity generation and transmission in Ghana. The country has faced intermittent power supply issues, often referred to as 'dumsor,' which have impacted economic activity and daily life. Addressing this redundancy gap is crucial for long-term energy security and economic stability, as reliable power is fundamental for industrial growth and attracting investment.
Minister Jinapor made these statements at the opening ceremony of the 2026 edition of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition's Annual Review Meeting in Ho. He emphasized the need for careful financial stewardship when considering additional power procurement. "If you love this country, you will treat this country as if it were your company; you will be guided," he stated, underscoring the importance of protecting Ghana's financial interests in energy decisions.
The government plans to raise $500 million to significantly strengthen Ghana's electricity transmission infrastructure. This investment will target the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), which manages the national power grid. Improving transmission is vital to efficiently distribute power from generation sources to consumers and reduce system losses, which can contribute to higher electricity costs.
Minister Jinapor expressed confidence that restoring the VRA's idle plants will improve electricity supply, despite anticipated challenges. He believes that once these plants are fully operational, Ghana can reliably supply power at a more affordable cost. This move is expected to alleviate some of the financial burden on consumers and businesses currently facing high energy tariffs.
The Minister also noted that electricity supply stability has already seen some improvement. This follows the procurement and installation of new transformers as part of a broader initiative to install 10,000 transformers nationwide. These infrastructure upgrades are essential for modernizing the power distribution network and reducing localized outages.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the financial and operational turnaround of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR). He commended its management for moving the refinery from significant losses to profitability. A profitable TOR contributes to national energy security by refining crude oil locally, reducing reliance on imported refined products and saving foreign exchange.
The annual review meeting serves as a critical platform for energy sector stakeholders to discuss strategies. These discussions focus on improving the country's energy infrastructure and ensuring a reliable supply. Addressing the lack of generation redundancy and strengthening transmission are key priorities for Ghana's economic future.