Ghana has made considerable progress in distributing power to its citizens, but talks are under way in order to make this process more sustainable.

Around 86% of Ghanaians have access to power. The National Electrification Scheme (NES) was launched in 1990, at a point when power access was estimated at 20%.

There are considerable resources. The Akosombo Dam project was completed in 1972 and generates around 900 MW. Hydropower accounts for about 64% of the country’s power generation.

Companies have made offshore gas finds in the last few years. These come in addition to the West Africa Gas Pipeline (WAGP), which brings gas from Nigeria.

There are challenges, though. “We are undertaking an ambitious reform programme to protect the future of the sector because, as it exists today, it is not financially sustainable. We are committed also to private sector participation in the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in the distribution of electricity,” a government representative close to the sector said, pleading anonymity.

At the heart of Ghana’s plans for reforms, under the Energy Sector Recovery Programme (ESRP), is the aim of securing power at affordable prices for the country. The World Bank-backed ESRP runs from 2019 to 2023.

Moving the country beyond aid, as the government intends, “can only be achieved with a sustainable and cost-effective energy sector”.

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Source: EnergyVoice