Energy Minister Outlines Sector Gains at Accountability Series

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, on Thursday, July 17, presented a comprehensive overview of the government’s achievements in Ghana’s energy sector as part of the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House in Accra.

The high-level engagement, spearheaded by the Office of the Minister for Government Communications, brought together key government officials, energy stakeholders, and media professionals to assess and showcase progress made since the current administration took office on January 7, 2025.

In his remarks, Hon. Jinapor said the government had moved swiftly and strategically to stabilize the energy sector, rebuild investor confidence, and position Ghana as a green energy leader in West Africa.

“We have acted decisively to restore investor confidence, deepened local participation in the energy value chain, and ensured reliable power delivery to industries and households,” he said. “Our focus has been to ensure energy security and transition sustainably.”

Key Highlights of Achievements:

1. Green Energy and Renewable Power Push

• Launch of the Ghana Scaling-up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP) in May 2025 to deploy 12,000 net-metered solar PV systems.
• Construction of 35 mini-grids to power over 70,000 residents in 47 island and lakeside communities.
• Distribution of 1,450 solar home systems to remote off-grid locations.
• Commissioning of new mini-grids in Azizakpe, Aflive, and Alorkpem in Ada, benefiting over 3,700 people.
• Distribution of 23,500 smart solar street lights across 700km of roads under a new nationwide lighting programme.
• The “Government Goes Solar” initiative is expected to deploy 22MW of solar power for public institutions, saving GHS 52 million annually.
• Deployment of EVs with charging infrastructure, with a pilot solar charging station already launched at the Energy Commission.

2. Power Sector Stability and Reforms

• Restoration of stable power supply since March 2025 after months of erratic outages.
• National Distribution Improvement Programme underway to reduce unplanned outages through feeder line repairs and vegetation control.
• ECG has terminated 202 contracts worth over $227 million deemed unnecessary or wasteful.
• Launch of the new “Zeus” billing system in just three months.
• ECG now in full compliance with the Cash Waterfall Mechanism, ensuring timely payments to power generators and fuel suppliers.
• Record revenue collection of GHS 1.678 billion in June 2025—up 47% from the previous year.
• 63 new communities connected to the national grid under the Rural Electrification Programme.
• Cabinet approval for new Private Sector Participation model in distribution (Multiple Lease Option).
• Additional gas supply secured: N-Gas increased from 80 to 100 mmscfd; ENI from 245 to 270 mmscfd; and Jubilee expected to add 30 mmscfd soon.
• Competitive procurement framework for power projects being developed to replace costly sole-sourced PPAs.
• Legacy PPAs currently under review to reduce excess capacity costs.
• Rehabilitation of street lighting infrastructure to support the 24-hour economy agenda.

3. Petroleum Sector Resurgence

• Renewed interest in Ghana’s oil basins due to regulatory consistency and pro-investment policies.
• Commerciality declared for Afina, Eban-Akoma discoveries; development to begin soon.
• Fast-track development planned for Eban-Akoma via OCTP tie-back.
• US$2 billion investment secured from Jubilee and TEN partners to drill 20 new wells.
• Contract extensions approved through 2040 to enable sustained hydrocarbon exploitation.
• Petroleum cost audit expected to save Ghana US$228 million in unsubstantiated costs.
• Local content efforts improving, with Local Content Fund balances rising to GHS 29.8 million and USD 2.49 million respectively.
• Petroleum Commission to begin fund disbursement for SME capacity-building this year.

4. Strategic State-Owned Energy Projects

• Tema Oil Refinery (TOR): Restart planned for October 2025; critical maintenance ongoing. Debt restructuring and feasibility studies for 100,000 bpsd expansion underway.
• Second Gas Processing Plant (GPP II): Final report submitted; project expected to save Ghana up to US$1 billion annually by reducing liquid fuel imports.
• Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company (GCMC): Retooling in progress to enhance production capacity under the Cylinder Recirculation Model.

“Sustainability with Justice”

Minister Jinapor concluded his presentation by reaffirming the government’s commitment to a just and inclusive energy transition that balances environmental sustainability with social and economic equity.

“We are not only working to meet present demands but also laying the foundation for a resilient and sustainable energy future,” he affirmed.

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