Iraq Seals Major Oil Deal With Chinese Company
Iraq’s government has signed a deal with Chinese Geo-Jade Petroleum to expand production at the Tuba oil field, build a refinery and two power plants.
Per an AFP report, the deal will also involve the construction of a petrochemicals facility and a fertilizer plant. The refinery that Geo-Jade Petroleum will build will have a capacity of 200,000 barrels daily.
One of the power plants will have a capacity of 650 MW and the other, a solar power facility, will have a capacity of 400 MW.
“These projects with Geo-Jade represent a big leap in the development of Iraq’s oil wealth and supporting of the national economy,” Iraq’s oil minister, Hayan Abdel Ghani, said, adding that the deal would create thousands of jobs.
Geo-Jade Petroleum already operates in Iraq – it is in charge of the Khana field, which is slated to begin expanded production in 2026.
Chinese companies as a whole have built a solid presence in OPC’s number-two, driven by Beijing’s strategy to expand supply availability through both domestic and international investments.
To date, more than a third of Iraq’s proven oil and gas reserves and as much as 66% of production are under the management of Chinese firms, Simon Watkins reported earlier this year.
The Iraqi government’s ambition to boost production significantly, to as much as 7 million bpd, Chinese companies are among the best placed to take advantage of the opportunity.
Currently, Iraq produces around 4 million barrels daily—above its OPEC+ production quota, which has created tensions with OPEC’s number-one, Saudi Arabia.
Chinese companies’ entry into Iraq’s oil and gas sector is a result of an agreement inked back in 2019 and dubbed “Oil for Reconstruction and Investment”, under which Chinese companies are granted entry into Iraq’s energy infrastructure sector as investors in return for oil supplies.
Source: Oilprice.com
Tanzania: Lazaro Twange Appointed New Tanesco MD
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed Mr. Lazaro Jacob Twange as the new Managing Director of the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (Tanesco).
Mr. Twange replaces Eng. Boniface Gissima Nyamo-Hanga, who died in a road accident in Mara Region last month.
Mr. Twange previously served as District Commissioner for Ubungo.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Power Outage Hits Obuasi, Other Towns After Fire Incident At GRIDCo Substation
Residents of Obuasi, a gold mining town in Ghana, and surrounding areas have been hit with a power outage following a fire incident at a power substation operated by Ghana Grid Company Limited on Wednesday night.
A statement issued by the power transmitter, GRIDCo, on Thursday, May 22, 2025, explained that the incident occurred at approximately 9:12 p.m., prompting an immediate shutdown of power from the station to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.
The fire was swiftly brought under control with the support of the firefighting team from AngloGold Ashanti.
GRIDCo’s team of engineers is currently conducting thorough checks to assess the integrity of the substation’s equipment before power can be safely restored to affected areas.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused by this unexpected incident,” the statement said. “We want to assure residents that every effort is being made to resolve the situation and restore electricity supply as quickly and safely as possible.”
GRIDCo urged residents of Obuasi and surrounding towns to remain patient as it works to complete its investigations and resume normal operations.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Energy Minister Charges New ECG Board To Develop Strategic Plan For Turnaround
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has inaugurated the newly constituted governing board of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) with a call on them to put in place a strategic plan to help turn the fortunes of ECG around.
Minister Jinapor emphasized that the board should pursue a rigorous revenue mobilization drive to keep the system running, set a roadmap for preventing frequent power outages in ECG’s operational areas, and establish a strategic communication plan to reach out to consumers across its operational areas.
“The Electricity Company of Ghana is a pillar for the survival of our national economy. The board’s leadership is crucial in driving reforms that will enhance operational efficiency, reduce losses, and improve customer satisfaction,” Hon. Jinapor stressed.
The Minister pledged the Ministry’s continued support to the ECG Board in achieving its objectives and implementing government policies aimed at enhancing the energy sector.
The new ECG board is chaired by Ing. Dr. William Amuna, a former Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Grid Company Limited. Other members include Ing. Julius Kpekpena (Acting Managing Director of ECG), Lawyer Georgette Emefa Fugah, Nana Agyakoma Difie II (Mamponghemaa), Hon. Adams Abdul Salam, Dr. Simon Akorli, Hon. Alhassan Sulemana, Hon. Edem Agbana, and Hon. Queenstar Pokuah Sawyerr.
Speaking after the inauguration, Ing. Dr. William Amuna expressed gratitude to President H.E. John Dramani Mahama for the trust reposed in the board members and reiterated their commitment to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to benefit the people of Ghana.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that ECG meets its mandate of delivering reliable and affordable electricity services. We look forward to implementing strategies that will help achieve the 24-hour economy agenda of the government. Without stable, reliable, and efficient electricity supply, the 24-hour economy cannot be realized,” Dr. Amuna stated.
Dr. Amuna further stated that the board would focus its attention on the operational efficiency and financial viability of the Electricity Company of Ghana.
The inauguration of the new board is seen as a positive step towards addressing Ghana’s energy challenges and achieving the government’s vision of a stable and efficient electricity supply that supports the 24-hour economy.
Source:https://energynewsfrica.com
Ghana: Tullow Restarts Drilling Campaign In Jubilee Field
Africa-focused independent oil and gas firm, Tullow Oil plc, and its partners have announced the restart of drilling operations in the Jubilee Field, marking a renewed phase of investment and confidence in Ghana’s energy future. This follows the arrival of the Noble Venturer Drillship on Friday, May 16, 2025.
The two-year program begins this May and is expected to boost oil production and operational efficiency at one of West Africa’s strategic oil fields. This new campaign follows the successful completion of Tullow’s previous four-year drilling program in December 2024, which delivered 18 new wells—six months ahead of schedule and below budget.
The earlier campaign was noted for its efficiency, safety record, and disciplined cost management. The upcoming campaign will roll out in phases, beginning in May 2025, with additional activity scheduled for November and extending into 2026.
Building on previous high-performance records, Tullow is looking to take drilling management to new heights throughout this project.
Commenting on the restart of the drilling campaign, Managing Director of Tullow Ghana, Jean-Médard Madama, said: “This is an exciting moment for us. The restart of drilling reflects another milestone in our journey in Ghana and shows our confidence in the country’s resource base.”
Even as the field matures, we are confident in its capacity to deliver value—for our shareholders, partners, and the people of Ghana.
Despite entering a mature phase, the Jubilee Field remains a critical source of production and revenue base for key stakeholders in the sector, and this new campaign will seek to unlock further value.
Tullow recently concluded a 16-day maintenance activity at the Jubilee field to upgrade operations and reduce risks ahead of the drilling campaign.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Angola: Oil Platform Accident In Cabinda Province Leaves 17 People Injured
Seventeen people were injured on Tuesday following a fire outbreak on the Benguela Belize Lobito Tomboco (BBLT) deepwater platform in Block 14, located in Angola’s northern Cabinda province.
The fire occurred during annual maintenance, which had already halted production at the site since May 1, 2025.
The incident was confirmed by Angolan National Agency for Oil, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG).
Cabinda Gulf Oil Company Limited (CABGOC), a Chevron subsidiary, responded promptly and successfully extinguished the flames.
“CABGOC responded immediately and successfully extinguished the fire. All protocols were activated to implement emergency response procedures and notify the relevant authorities,” the statement said.
It added that the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, the national concessionaire, and the operator’s main priorities are ensuring the safety of all personnel, providing better follow-up care for the injured, and determining the root cause of the fire.
The ANPG reiterates its commitment to the well-being of the population and remains focused on ensuring effective and transparent communication with all stakeholders.
CABGOC operates two concessions in Block 0 with Sonangol EP (41%), TotalEnergies EP Angola SAS (10%), and Azule Energy Angola Production BV (9.8%).
In Block 14, CABGOC has a partnership with Sonangol P&P (20%), Angola Block 14 B.V. (20%), Azule Energy Angola (20%), and Etu Energias (9%).
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Former GRIDCo CEO Chairs New ECG Board
The President of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, has appointed Ing. William Amuna as Chairman of the newly constituted Board of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Ing. Amuna brings over 30 years of wealth of experience in the energy sector to this new role.
Ing. William Amuna is assuming the position of ECG Board Chairman at a time when the Mahama-led administration is seeking private sector participation in ECG to enhance revenue collection and improve efficiency.
ECG has been at the center of public scrutiny recently following claims of missing containers containing critical electrical equipment at the Tema Port.
The new ECG Board includes Ing. Julius Kpekpena (Acting Managing Director of ECG), Lawyer Georgette Emefa Fugah, Nana Agyakoma Difie II (Mamponghemaa), Hon. Adams Abdul Salam, Dr. Simon Akorli, Hon. Alhassan Sulemana, Edem Agbana and Hon. Queenstar Pokuah Sawyerr.
Profile of Ing. Amuna
Ing. Dr. William Amuna is an Electrical Engineer with over thirty (30) years experience.
He is the Technical Coordinator for the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA).
He previously served as a Senior Policy Advisor to the Minister of Energy, Ghana and was Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo).
He was worked with the Volta River Authority (VRA) as a Director of Technical Services, a Manager and an Electrical Engineer.
Ing. Dr. Amuna has a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, a Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership from the United Nations University and Electrical Power Systems from the Advanced School in Power Systems from the Penn State University, an Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Ghana and a Master of Public Administration degree in Public Policy from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.
He also holds a Doctoral degree in Management.
He is a member of the Electricity Market Oversight Panel (EMOP) and a Council Member of the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE).
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Transport Fares To Go Down By 15% Effective May 24
Transport operators in Ghana have announced a 15% reduction in transport fares, effective Saturday, May 24, 2025.
The decision follows successful negotiations between transport operators and the Ministry of Transport, aimed at aligning transport costs with prevailing economic conditions.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), the umbrella body, attributed the fare reduction to the sustained appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the US dollar in recent months, which has significantly eased the cost of fuel—a major cost driver in the transport sector.
Fuel prices have seen a consistent drop over the past weeks, prompting calls from the public for corresponding decreases in transportation costs.
The Ministry of Transport welcomed the move.
Commuters have expressed optimism about the fare cut, particularly as families and workers navigate the pressures of rising living costs.
Many see this as a hopeful signal that broader consumer costs could soon follow a similar downward trend.
The new fares will apply to all intra-city (trotro), inter-city (long-distance), and commercial taxi services under the GPRTU’s purview.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana Energy Awards Pays Courtesy Call On Minister Of Energy And Green Transition
The members of the Ghana Energy Awards Secretariat and Awarding Panel paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, at the Ministry’s office in Accra on May 13, 2025. The delegation included esteemed members of the Awarding Panel, led by Lawyer Kwame Jantuah, Chairman of the Awards and renowned Energy Consultant.
He was joined by Dr. Kwame Ampofo, former Board Chairman of the Energy Commission; Dr. Jemima Nunoo, former Technical Director for Media and Strategic Communications at the Office of the Former President; Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, and renowned Evangelist and Economist.
The Awards Secretariat, led by Ing. Henry Teinor, Event Director, also included Mr. Eugene Amoako, Mr. Kwame Atiase, Mr. Emmanuel Abossey, and Miss Stephanie Tetteh. The meeting served as a platform to deepen strategic collaboration, marking a nine-year relationship focused on promoting excellence and innovation in Ghana’s energy sector.
Key discussions explored how the Awards could help illuminate gaps, encourage sector-wide dialogue, and promote investments, particularly at a time when Ghana’s energy landscape is expanding to include green transition efforts. Speaking during the meeting, Lawyer Kwame Jantuah highlighted the vital role of the Awards in supporting a robust and resilient energy sector.
“The energy sector needs independent institutions like the Ghana Energy Awards to assess the performance of players and help keep the sector on track. Our initiative is bolstered by the Ministry’s support, the World Energy Council Ghana, carefully selected themes, and a rigorous, transparent awarding process validated by Forvis Mazars and Casely Brooke Law Firm. Our goal is to ensure sector institutions align with global benchmarks, a standard we proudly uphold.”
The Honourable Minister welcomed the team’s proactive engagement and reaffirmed the Ministry’s openness to oversight and collaboration. The Event Director, Ing. Henry Teinor, expressed gratitude to the Ministry for its continued support and emphasized the significance of the longstanding partnership.
“We value this partnership deeply. It extends beyond the awards night and is reflected in our continuous engagement and consultative approach throughout the year.” The 9th Ghana Energy Awards is set to launch soon, continuing its legacy of spotlighting excellence and strengthening sector performance across Ghana.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Sierra Leone: Moyamba Residents See Light After 40 Years In Darkness
Residents of Moyamba Township in the Southern Province of Sierra Leone are in jubilant mood as the country’s President Julius Maada Bio turns on a solar-powered light to illuminate the area for the first time after living in darkness for about forty (40) years.
The plant is set to connect over 3,000 households, marking a historic turning point for the district, according to a report by the Sierra Leone News Agency.
Moyamba Township has struggled with electricity since the civil war in Sierra Leone, during which households and businesses had to depend on expensive and unsustainable power sources.
However, hope and aspirations of the people have been lifted as development partners collaborated to develop a 1-megawatt solar-powered light in the area.
Commissioning the project on Saturday, May 17, 2025, President Julius Maada Bio expressed deep satisfaction and pride, describing the event as a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey toward sustainable energy. He emphasized that without affordable and sustainable energy, the country’s aspirations for economic growth and human capital development would remain unfulfilled.
“This project is yet another shining example of effective collaboration between my government and our development partners,” the President noted. “While my administration funded the construction of the distribution network, our partners financed the installation of the solar PV generation plant and battery storage.” He extended heartfelt appreciation to all those who made the project possible, singling out the World Bank and UNOPS for their significant contributions.
He also acknowledged the support of other partners, such as the African Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), while expressing hope for continued collaboration in future energy initiatives.
The President revealed that the Moyamba Solar Plant serves as a pilot initiative that will be replicated in other district headquarter towns, aiming to ensure that many districts and chiefdom headquarters gain access to reliable electricity.
“Access to energy is a human right and a critical enabler of human development, especially in the 21st century,” he said. Highlighting the transformative power of electricity, President Bio added, “Reliable electricity can catalyze business growth, foster entrepreneurship, enhance education and healthcare services, and improve the overall quality of life. For too long, this has been lacking in our rural communities.”
He emphasized that the project will enable farmers to process and preserve their produce, allow traders to operate for longer hours, and improve the performance of students and healthcare workers. “If we can achieve this in Moyamba, we can certainly replicate it across the country,” he asserted.
He noted that the absence of reliable power had hindered service delivery, business development, and quality of life. Reaffirming his government’s commitment to energy access, President Bio urged the residents of Moyamba to use the electricity productively, to build businesses, create jobs, and uplift their communities.
UNOPS West Africa Director, Silvia Gallo, commended President Bio for his unwavering commitment to sustainable and reliable electricity in Sierra Leone. “The commissioning of the Moyamba Solar Plant is a clear testament that change is happening, and UNOPS is proud to support your vision of energy access for all citizens,” she said.
Kagaba Paul Mukibi, Senior Energy Specialist at the World Bank, lauded the project as a major milestone in the country’s electricity access agenda. He confirmed that the World Bank is committed to supporting both off-grid and stand-alone solar systems, particularly in schools and healthcare facilities nationwide.
Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security, also applauded the achievement. He stressed that President Bio’s energy agenda seeks to address all major barriers in the sector and reminded the public that “there is no quick fix to energy challenges anywhere in the world.”
He described the Moyamba project as a pilot phase of the broader initiative to electrify seven towns by replacing diesel power with clean solar energy.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
“This project is yet another shining example of effective collaboration between my government and our development partners,” the President noted. “While my administration funded the construction of the distribution network, our partners financed the installation of the solar PV generation plant and battery storage.” He extended heartfelt appreciation to all those who made the project possible, singling out the World Bank and UNOPS for their significant contributions.
He also acknowledged the support of other partners, such as the African Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), while expressing hope for continued collaboration in future energy initiatives.
The President revealed that the Moyamba Solar Plant serves as a pilot initiative that will be replicated in other district headquarter towns, aiming to ensure that many districts and chiefdom headquarters gain access to reliable electricity.
“Access to energy is a human right and a critical enabler of human development, especially in the 21st century,” he said. Highlighting the transformative power of electricity, President Bio added, “Reliable electricity can catalyze business growth, foster entrepreneurship, enhance education and healthcare services, and improve the overall quality of life. For too long, this has been lacking in our rural communities.”
He emphasized that the project will enable farmers to process and preserve their produce, allow traders to operate for longer hours, and improve the performance of students and healthcare workers. “If we can achieve this in Moyamba, we can certainly replicate it across the country,” he asserted.
He noted that the absence of reliable power had hindered service delivery, business development, and quality of life. Reaffirming his government’s commitment to energy access, President Bio urged the residents of Moyamba to use the electricity productively, to build businesses, create jobs, and uplift their communities.
UNOPS West Africa Director, Silvia Gallo, commended President Bio for his unwavering commitment to sustainable and reliable electricity in Sierra Leone. “The commissioning of the Moyamba Solar Plant is a clear testament that change is happening, and UNOPS is proud to support your vision of energy access for all citizens,” she said.
Kagaba Paul Mukibi, Senior Energy Specialist at the World Bank, lauded the project as a major milestone in the country’s electricity access agenda. He confirmed that the World Bank is committed to supporting both off-grid and stand-alone solar systems, particularly in schools and healthcare facilities nationwide.
Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security, also applauded the achievement. He stressed that President Bio’s energy agenda seeks to address all major barriers in the sector and reminded the public that “there is no quick fix to energy challenges anywhere in the world.”
He described the Moyamba project as a pilot phase of the broader initiative to electrify seven towns by replacing diesel power with clean solar energy.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Set KPIs For ECG/NEDCo MDs – Minority Tells Govt
Ghana’s parliamentary minority caucus on energy has tasked the government to set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for managements of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Distribution Company (NEDCo) to reduce operational losses.
The minority caucus held a press conference in Accra on May 19, 2025, to respond to recent comments by the sector minister which, according to them, affect investor confidence as well as the Ghanaian energy consuming public.
The Minority’s Ranking Member on Energy, Hon. George Kwame Aboagye, who addressed the media, charged the sector minister to deal with the challenges of the Cash Water Fall mechanism and enforce it to alleviate the challenges confronting the sector.
He questioned why the government had failed to diversify the Energy Mix with renewables and gas optimization (maximizing Jubilee and TEN fields to reduce reliance on imported fuels).
According to him, government must swiftly encourage off-peak consumption by industries to flatten demand curve.
Hon. Aboagye, who is also the Member of Parliament for Asene-Manso, urged the sector minister to accelerate the roll-out of smart metering to curb theft and increase revenue mobilization.
“We also understand and know some of the challenges are forex-related and believe the current appreciation of the Ghana cedi is an opportunity to recover some losses in the sector. Today, however, a new generation (Generation Alpha’s) is experiencing power outages for the first time, reminiscent of the dark days of “dumsor” that plagued us from 2012 to 2016…This is not merely a matter of nostalgia; it is a call to action,” he pointed out.
He stressed that Ghanaian had already endured a 14.75% increase in electricity tariffs this year, and they rightfully expect a corresponding improvement in service quality and reliability.
“We, the minority caucus, firmly believe that any increase in tariffs must be accompanied by enhanced service delivery. We cannot accept poor performance while paying exorbitant prices.
“The specter of returning to the dark days of “dumsor” is unacceptable. We recognise the financial challenges facing the industry, but if Minister John Jinapor requires assistance, he must seek it and prioritize action over rhetoric. And this shouldn’t be a window for him to sign on to dubious contracts which will saddle the industry as they were noted for,” he said.
“We demand action and results from the Minister of Energy and the government. It is time to stop the talking and put the lights on,” he added.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia: ZESCO Assures Stable Electricity Supply As Kariba Water Levels Improve
Zambia’s power distribution company, ZESCO Limited, has assured the nation that electricity generation at the Kariba North Bank Power Station will remain stable enough to support the current load-shedding schedule, despite ongoing water rationing efforts.
According to ZESCO officials, the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has allocated ZESCO 13.5 billion cubic liters of water for 2025, which must be carefully managed to last until the next rainy season, expected toward the end of the year.
Although the 2024-2025 rainy season brought relatively good rainfall, the inflows into Lake Kariba have not been sufficient to allow full-capacity generation.
Kariba North Bank, with an installed capacity of 1,080 megawatts, is currently operating at reduced output, with some turbines shut down due to limited water availability.
Addressing a section of journalists during a tour of the Kariba North Bank Power Station, Senior Engineer Kenney Singogo of ZESCO cautioned that failure to manage the water allocation from ZRA could be problematic. “Failure to manage this allocation responsibly could disrupt the current load-shedding plan and result in more frequent outages, similar to what we experienced at the end of 2024,” he cautioned.
The tour helped stakeholders appreciate why electricity load-shedding has continued—albeit with reduced hours—despite the good rains recorded this year. It highlighted the delicate balance between rainfall, water inflows, and power generation capacity, reinforcing the need for cautious and sustainable water use.
ZESCO also explained that the challenges faced in hydropower generation have driven the company to diversify its energy portfolio by investing in solar power alternatives, aiming to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on fluctuating water levels. “The water levels are rising steadily, which is encouraging,” said Eng. Singogo. “However, unless we receive exceptionally high rainfall, it is unlikely the reservoir will reach full capacity this year.”
Lake Kariba is fed by the Zambezi River, which is jointly managed by Zambia and Zimbabwe. Each country, through its respective power utility—ZESCO and Zimbabwe Power Company—has been allocated 13.5 billion cubic liters of water for electricity generation in 2025. The Zambezi River Authority remains optimistic that both utilities will adhere strictly to their allocations to preserve the shared resource.
“We are confident that ZESCO and the Zimbabwe Power Company will remain within their prescribed limits,” said ZRA Public Relations and Communications Manager Selusiwe Moyo. “Our hydrologists are continuously monitoring the water levels to ensure accurate and timely advisories are issued to both power stations.”
ZESCO reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the current load-shedding schedule and pledged to update the public should there be any improvements in the water situation and generation capacity.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Stop Lamenting And Fix Intermittent Power Supply Before Talking About 24-Hour Economy – Minority To Govt
Ghana’s parliamentary minority group caucus on energy has called on the Mahama administration to fix the problems in the country’s energy sector and stop lamenting.
The minority caucus argued that without a stable, affordable and reliable power, the government’s much trumpeted 24-hour economy would remain a mirage.
Addressing a section of Ghanaian journalists in Accra on Monday, 19th May 2025, under the theme: “Stop the Talking, Fix the Lights – Before the 24-Hour Economy Becomes a 24-Hour Blackout,” the minority caucus described the current power outages as “a national emergency”.
They strongly condemned what they called the government’s persistent “lack of honesty, poor planning, and administrative failure” in the energy sector.
The legislators lamented the toll the erratic power supply is having on households, businesses and public institutions, making their operations difficult and expensive.
Besides, they cautioned that the government’s much-publicised 24-hour economy risks becoming meaningless if the country cannot guarantee consistent power supply.
“The time for excuses is over,” Hon. George Kwame Aboagye, a Ranking Member on Energy & Member of Parliament for Asene-Akroso-Manso, stated.
“The government must come clean on the true state of Ghana’s energy sector and publish a load-shedding timetable if it cannot resolve the crisis immediately,” he charged.
The group questioned the style of the Minister of Energy and Green Transition in managing the sector and urged him to come out with workable solutions, instead of adopting a complain methodology and media theatrics.
This latest confrontation between the sector minister and the minority came as Ghana continues to suffer regular energy outages as a result of mounting operational costs and distribution losses in the power generation ecosystem.
Source:https//energynewafrica.com
Nigeria: Power Sector Requires $10 Billion Investment To Guarantee Reliable Electricity – Adelabu
Nigeria will require about $10 billion to address the challenges in the country’s power sector and guarantee reliable electricity supply, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has said.
This amount is equivalent to almost a third of Nigeria’s national budget, prompting Adelabu to question whether the nation can commit such a huge sum to the power sector, considering other critical sectors like defense, education, and health also need interventions.
Adelabu explained that a turnaround in the power sector would require foreign and local investors, as well as the Federal and State Governments, to make the necessary investments.
“We need about $10 billion, which is about N63 trillion… Can we afford to put that alone in the power sector? There must be some level of investment flow locally by investors and even foreign investment flows for this sector to be turned around,” he said during the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) retreat.
The Minister also highlighted that the Federal Government owes over N200 billion in electricity debt.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, elaborated on the debt burden, stating that the tariff shortfall means the government owes N200 billion monthly.
With no payments made since 2025, the debt burden this year stands at N800 billion, adding to an existing N3 trillion debt owed to generating companies.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, emphasized that while power is a catalyst for economic growth, Nigeria currently faces significant challenges in the sector.
He stressed the need for a steady electricity supply to unlock the potential of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which drive economic growth in most societies
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com