Accra: Mr Richard Gyan-Mensah, Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, emphasized the necessity for sound governance, financial stability, reliable infrastructure, and strategic investment for sustainable electricity utilities in Africa. He highlighted that achieving universal access and resilience is crucial for the continent's energy sector.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Gyan-Mensah, speaking at the 60th Annual Meeting of the Association of Power Utilities of Africa (APUA) in Accra, noted that regional cooperation through the West African Power Pool and the emerging African single electricity markets would facilitate resource optimization, improve reliability, and attract investment across Africa. The event, hosted by the Volta River Authority (VRA), focused on accelerating Africa's electricity market integration under the theme: 'Accelerating Africa's Electricity Market Integration: Advancing Regulatory Readiness, Regional Market Development and Strategic Partnerships'.
Mr Gyan-Mensah stated that Ghana's electricity transmission capacity remained above 99.5 percent, underscoring the sector's impact on business, healthcare, industrial expansion, and societal transformation. He reported that the government had paid approximately GHS1.4 billion towards legacy debts owed to Independent Power Producers and fuel suppliers since the current administration took office. Efforts to renegotiate Power Purchase Agreements have secured savings exceeding $250 million and restored a $500 million World Bank partial risk guarantee for the Sankofa gas project, strengthening the cash waterfall mechanism.
The VRA continues to supply nearly 2,550 megawatts of electricity from its diversified energy portfolio, which includes hydro, thermal, and renewable sources. Mr Gyan-Mensah reported an increase in renewable energy capacity from 205 megawatts to 283 megawatts. He highlighted ongoing projects, including the implementation of a 200-megawatt battery energy storage system with solar PV charging and a 200-megawatt utility-scale solar project.
Ghana is poised to share its experiences in financial reforms, competitive procurement, battery storage, grid modernization, and regional power trade, while learning from other African utilities. Mr Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo, Chief Executive of the VRA, emphasized the importance of collaboration among African utilities to deliver affordable and reliable electricity across the region. He advocated for nuclear and renewable energy to be seen as complementary pillars for energy security, climate resilience, green industrialization, and regional electricity market integration.
Mr Abel Didier Tella, Director-General of APUA, called for stronger collaboration among African utilities to accelerate the transformation of the continent's electricity sector, urging a mindset shift to ensure economic growth and power industry sustainability.