Ghana’s Energy Commission, the regulator for electricity and natural gas is set to revolutionize the certification process for electricians by introducing a mobile app to replace traditional paper documentation.
This move is aimed at enhancing efficiency, safety, and transparency in the electrical industry.
Effective June 1, 2025, electricians will use the mobile app to certify their work, marking a significant shift away from paper-based documentation.
The Director for Electricity and Natural Gas at the Energy Commission, Mr. Anthony C. Bleboo, revealed at the 22nd award ceremony for Certified Electrical Wiring Professionals in Accra on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, that the Installation Completion Certificate Mobile App (ICCAPP) will streamline the certification process, reduce costs, and increase accessibility.
The new mobile app, Installation Completion Certificate Mobile App (ICCAPP), will revolutionize the way the Energy Commission tracks and monitors electrical work in Ghana.
By utilizing this app, the Commission will be able to ensure compliance with safety standards more effectively, promoting a safer and more efficient electrical industry.
ICCAPP replaces the traditional paper-based documentation, streamlining the process for electricians, inspectors, and facility owners.
With the App, electricians can input wiring details, choose an inspector, and submit completion certificates. The app generates a unique token, accessible to authorized personnel, ensuring secure and reliable data storage.
Mr. Bleboo revealed that the ICCAPP mobile app has gained significant traction since its pilot launch in November 2024, with around 21,000 practitioners embracing the platform, demonstrating its potential to transform the electrical industry
“This significant uptake demonstrates the strong adoption and effectiveness of the ICCAPP system,’’ he said.
“Building on this success, we’re now poised for full implementation. Starting June 1, 2025, facility owners will no longer need to submit paper-based Installation Completion Certificates to distribution utilities for electricity network connection. Instead, they’ll use the token generated by ICCAPP,” he concluded.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghanaian parliamentarians have approved a GH¢1.2 billion allocation for the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition for the 2025 fiscal year. This funding aims to support initiatives enhancing electricity distribution and fostering a sustainable energy future.
As part of the Ministry’s 2025 objectives, one million smart meters will be procured and installed in key operational areas under the Programme for Results policy. This move is expected to improve efficiency and service delivery within the electricity distribution sector.
The Ministry also plans to encourage private sector participation, bringing in new expertise and investments to further enhance the sector. The Accra-Kumasi transmission line project is set to begin, improving the reliability of power supply between the two major cities.
In line with Ghana’s goal of achieving net-zero energy-related carbon emissions by 2060, the Government Goes Solar project will be implemented to promote clean, sustainable energy solutions.
This initiative supports the country’s Energy Transition Framework, focusing on deploying low-carbon solutions across key sectors.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa’s Minister for Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has announced that the country requires an investment of over R60 billion(equivalent of $3,287,268,000) to enhance its nuclear program at the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation.
According to him, R1.2 billion($65,745,360) has been allocated in the current budget to fund the project outside Pretoria.
“We need to invest in a new multipurpose reactor. I’ve made the point that we have made the case to cabinet. In the current budget, R1.2 billion in the medium term has been allocated to ensure that we support them. But you need something upwards of R60 billion to achieve the kind of ambition that you want.
“So that’s why it’s important that we begin to think creatively about how we can partner with the private sector whilst retaining ownership of this technology,” said Ramokgopa while speaking at the 60th anniversary of the country’s first nuclear reactor SAFARI 1.
This development is part of South Africa’s efforts to revitalize its nuclear program, which has been ongoing since the 1960s.
South Africa’s nuclear program includes both nuclear energy and nuclear medicine, with the country maintaining two pressurized water reactors commissioned in 1984 and 1985.
The Koeberg nuclear power station, located near Cape Town, is the only commercial nuclear power station in Africa.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya expects to launch an oil and gas exploration round for 10 blocks in September, Opiyo Wandayi, the Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary of the East African country, has said.
“This presents a unique opportunity for investors to explore Kenya’s hydrocarbon potential through a transparent and merit-based process,” Wandayi was quoted as saying by local outlet The Star.
The Kenyan government has renewed its efforts to launch an oil and gas industry and is offering tax incentives, among other incentives, the cabinet secretary said at the East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition 2025 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Kenya is also investing in infrastructure to support oil and gas exploration and development, the official noted.
The East African country has oil and gas resources, but development has stalled after UK-listed Tullow Oil failed to secure investor partners for a major oil project that has been years in the making.
Tullow Oil and its minority partners sought to develop the South Lokichar project for years.
However, French supermajor TotalEnergies and London-listed Africa Oil decided two years ago to withdraw from the project in Kenya, leaving Tullow Oil the sole owner of the blocks and further complicating Kenya’s oil dream.
Plans have been made for the development of the oil fields discovered in the South–Lokichar Basin in Kenya’s north. The partners had sought to secure financing for a pipeline to ship the crude out of the landlocked northern region.
However, Tullow Oil has failed to secure investors to back the Lokichar Basin development and the commercialization of the crude, further delaying Kenya’s dream to become a petroleum-exporting nation.
The government earlier this month restructured its petroleum exploration blocks to align with global best practices and its legal frameworks, which enabled Kenya to identify ten highly prospective blocks, selected based on geological and scientific data.
Source: oilprice.com
The Acting Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority, Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, Esq., has continued his nationwide familiarisation tour with a visit to the Eastern Region.
During his visit on Tuesday, March 25, 2024, Mr Tameklo engaged in meaningful discussions with the Regional Security Council, chaired by the Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey.
Godwin Edudzi Tameklo Esq., Acting Chief Executive Officer of National Petroleum Authority, NPA.
Together, they explored strategies to enhance collaboration among the Authority’s key stakeholders in the Region.
Mr Tameklo emphasised the importance of support from the heads of the security agencies in tackling the challenges posed by illicit fuel activities.
He recognised their vital contributions to ensuring smooth operations across the region.
Following this, he visited the Regional Office of the NPA, where he met with the staff.
This visit is part of Mr Tameklo’s efforts to familiarise himself with the Authority’s operations and engage with stakeholders across the country.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) has announced that its electronic payment platform is currently unavailable due to a technical issue on Telecel’s network.
In a statement released on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, NEDCo informed its customers that they will not be able to purchase power or pay their bills electronically or through third-party vendors until further notice.
The company advised customers to temporarily use the NEDCo Area Cash Offices for these services.
NEDCo assured customers that Telecel is working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
“We regret the inconvenience this has caused and appreciate our customers’ understanding as we work to resolve this technical issue,” said the Corporate Communications department of NEDCo.
“NEDCo is committed to providing safe and reliable electricity supply, and this temporary disruption will be resolved as soon as possible,” the statement assured.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Tullow Oil plc (Tullow), Africa focused independent oil and gas firm, has signed a binding heads of terms agreement with Gabon Oil Company for the sale of its Gabonese portfolio of assets. The transaction, valued at $300 million net of tax, is expected to significantly reduce Tullow’s net debt and accelerate its deleveraging process.
The sale includes Tullow’s entire Gabonese portfolio, representing approximately 10,000 barrels of oil per day (kbopd) of 2025 production guidance and 36 million barrels of 2P reserves. The effective date for the transaction is January 1, 2025.
On a pro forma basis, the transaction will reduce Tullow’s net debt to $1.15 billion as of the effective date. The company expects to enter into a full sale and purchase agreement (SPA) in the second quarter of 2025.
Completion of the transaction is subject to various conditions, including government approvals, CEMAC Competition Commission approval, and Tullow’s processing of the 2024 dividend in compliance with Gabonese requirements. The transaction is expected to be completed around the middle of the year.
Richard Miller, Chief Financial Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer of Tullow, commented: “This value-accretive transaction with Gabon Oil Company (GOC) aligns with our strategic priorities to materially accelerate deleveraging and is an important step as we progress our refinancing plans this year.
“Together with GOC, we are focused on finalizing the full suite of documentation and driving the transaction to swift completion.
“Our strengthened balance sheet, repayment of our 2025 senior notes, and imminent return to drilling at Jubilee, combined with production optimization activities in the first quarter of 2025, demonstrates our continued delivery against our business objectives and positions the Company strongly for the year ahead.”
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
A five-member technical committee constituted by the Minister of Energy and Green Transition to investigate procurement activities at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has disclosed that 1,347 out of 2,500 containers procured by ECG, that were to be cleared at the Tema Port, cannot be accounted for.
The committee made this disclosure when it presented its report to the Energy Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor, at the Ministry on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
Presenting the report, the Chairman of the committee, Prof Innocent Senyo Acquah, mentioned that ECG claimed to have 2,491 uncleared containers that contained cables, as well as other equipment at the Tema Port. He said independent audit at the port found only 1,134, leaving 1,347 unaccounted for.
Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor (left), Minister for Energy and Green Transition receiving the report of the Investigative Committee from Prof. Innocent Senyo Acquah.
According to Prof Acquah, before 2022, ECG had a dedicated fund that received weekly allocations for clearing the containers.
However, the practice was discontinued, with the ECG board citing a lack of funds.
Meanwhile, during this period, the company awarded contracts to two firms to clear the containers, with one being pre-financed by ECG.
It was further discovered that one of these companies lacked the necessary licence to carry out the contract, raising concerns over procurement breaches.
Besides, the committee found that ECG’s procurement directorate had been merged with its housing and estate unit.
Additionally, background checks on the Director of Procurement revealed that he had no prior experience in procurement and was not a member of any professional procurement body.
Receiving the report, Mr Jinapor described the findings as alarming and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted with the assistance of the Attorney General and the Police.
“The over 1,300 containers cannot vanish into thin air. We will work with the AG and the police to ensure those responsible are brought to book to retrieve the containers or the monetary value of the same,” he stated.
The minister also announced that the procurement unit at ECG would be decoupled within a week and pledged to introduce swift, far-reaching measures to reform procurement processes at the company.
“It cannot be business as usual. We are not targeting anybody, but we will make sure whoever is responsible will be held liable,” he added.
The investigation was launched following the discovery of the uncleared containers during the minister’s visit to the port in January 2025.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
The Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG), the power distribution company responsible for power distribution in southern Ghana, has announced the suspension of the ongoing meter replacement exercise.
In a letter signed by the ECG’s North Tema Manager, Shirley Tamara Asomani-Wiafe, on March 12, 2025, the power distribution company directed its contractors and officers to suspend the exercise immediately.
“Please be informed that the mass replacement of meters is currently on hold until further notice,” the letter said.
However, ECG emphasised that only new meter service connections, faulty meter replacements and fixed-rate customers should be provided with the new meters.
ECG warned, “Under no circumstances should any supplier proceed with the mass replacement of meters.”
ECG tasked all contractors and workers in the meters support chain to strictly comply with this directive.
The mass replacement of obsolete meters with smart MMS-compliant Prepaid Meters began in September 2024.
This is part of the company’s Loss Reduction Programme (LRP), an initiative to facilitate the installation of smart meters to improve energy accountability in Ghana.
The project is also to be undertaken as part of a broader effort to modernise ECG’s infrastructure to improve its service delivery across the nation.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
In Ghana, the effectiveness of regulatory governance within the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has long been scrutinised and debated. A recent in-depth study sheds light on the strengths and challenges of PURC’s oversight of Ghana’s electricity and urban water sectors, providing critical insights into its regulatory autonomy, transparency, responsiveness and credibility.
Assessing PURC’s Regulatory Framework
The study conducted a comprehensive qualitative analysis of PURC’s governance structures, examining whether its institutional design and legal framework align with globally recognized features of effective regulatory governance. The key focus areas included PURC’s autonomy and transparency, its responsiveness to stakeholders, and its perceived level of regulatory credibility within the electricity and urban water sectors.
The study gathered data through one-on-one interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis using a qualitative research methodology. The research was conducted across three strategically selected regions: Accra (Southern belt), Kumasi (Middle belt) and Tamale (Northern belt), ensuring a geographically representative perspective.
Findings
The findings highlight that PURC exhibits commendable managerial, legal and financial autonomy. However, challenges persist in ensuring complete structural autonomy, leaving the Commission vulnerable to political interference. While mechanisms exist to enhance transparency, there remain significant areas for improvement. For instance, the study found limited transparency in the tariff calculation model, as the unpredictability of certain variables creates uncertainty among stakeholders.
Despite these challenges, PURC has demonstrated regulatory responsiveness and credibility. However, inconsistencies in policy implementation and decision-making need urgent attention. A notable concern is the lack of predictability in tariff adjustment schedules, which affects both consumers and service providers.
The study identifies several key challenges that hinder PURC’s effectiveness:
Inadequate institutional resources for effective oversight
Recommendations
To address these challenges, the study proposes several reforms to strengthen the PURC’s regulatory governance:
Enhancing Autonomy and Transparency: The appointment procedures and tenure of office for PURC Officials should be reinforced to insulate the Commission from political influence.
Implementing the Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM): A more transparent tariff-setting process can be achieved by ensuring that all revenue allocations follow a well-defined and predictable system.
Strengthening Enforcement Mechanisms: More stringent regulatory frameworks should be put in place to ensure compliance by utility service providers.
Facilitating National Dialogue: A structured engagement with stakeholders is needed to balance consumer protection with fair tariffs for utility providers, ensuring sustainable infrastructure investment.
Addressing Policy Inconsistencies: The regulatory framework should prioritize consistency in policies to enhance credibility and predictability in tariff adjustments.
Theoretical Underpinnings
The research findings support three established theories of regulation:
Public Interest Theory: Suggests that regulation exists to protect public welfare and ensure that essential services are accessible and affordable.
Capture Theory: Highlights the risk of regulators being influenced by industry players or political actors, leading to decisions that may favor private over public interests.
Credible Commitment Theory: Underlines the importance of regulatory bodies maintaining a consistent and transparent governance structure to build trust among stakeholders.
Future Research
The study paves the way for future research in regulatory governance, suggesting areas that need further exploration, such as:
Measuring the quality of PURC’s regulatory governance to assess how effectively it balances stakeholder interests.
Investigating political interference in PURC’s operations, determining whether motivations are based on public or private interests.
Examining regulatory non-compliance by public utilities in the electricity and water sectors.
Analyzing power dynamics within the governance structures of the utility sector.
Comparative and longitudinal studies to track regulatory reforms over time and across different jurisdictions.
Furthermore, exploring the relationship between regulatory credibility, stakeholder behaviour, and policy outcomes will provide deeper insights into improving governance in Ghana’s utility sectors. The study also calls for a critical evaluation of government interference and its implications for service delivery.
A Call for Stronger Governance
The study makes original contributions to knowledge by highlighting key regulatory governance issues in Ghana’s electricity and urban water sectors. It underscores the need for institutional and legal reforms to strengthen regulatory autonomy, transparency and credibility. As Ghana continues to develop its infrastructure, ensuring an independent and effective PURC remains crucial in balancing consumer interests with sustainable utility service provision. With targeted reforms and continued dialogue, Ghana can enhance the efficiency and integrity of its regulatory governance, ultimately fostering a more robust and accountable public utilities sector.
By: Robert Tia Abdulai Aziz (Ph.D)
Regulatory Governance, Regulation and Public Policy Expert
South Africa’s power utility company, Eskom, has warned of a high risk of loadshedding tonight, citing the breakdown of several generation units today.
The power utility noted that six generation units have been taken offline over the past 12 hours, placing severe strain on the power system and requiring the use of emergency reserves.
“If an additional 800MW is lost, Eskom will be compelled to implement Stage 2 loadshedding at short notice,” Eskom said.
According to Eskom, efforts are underway to return seven generation units to service between the evening peak and Tuesday evening.
“Our teams are closely monitoring the situation, and further updates will be provided at 22:00 or earlier if necessary,” Eskom assured.”
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Saudi Arabia has awarded a $2.6-billion contract to a Spanish-Egyptian joint venture to build a large-scale 3 gigawatts (GW) combined cycle gas-fired power plant in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom, the Egyptian contractor said on Monday.
Egypt-based and NASDAQ-listed Orascom Construction announced that its 50-50 joint venture with Spanish energy infrastructure firm Técnicas Reunidas signed an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to build the Qurayyah IPP Expansion Project.
Orascom Construction and Técnicas Reunidas signed the EPC contract with Hajr Two Electricity Company, a consortium comprised of ACWA Power, Saudi Electricity Company, and Haji Abdullah Alireza & Co. Ltd. Orascom Construction and Técnicas Reunidas already received the Limited Notice to Proceed with the project.
The power plant will also be equipped with readiness for carbon capture and include a 380 kV electrical substation.
The contract “builds on our success in the power sector most recently in Egypt, and we look forward to making a similar significant impact in Saudi Arabia,” Orascom Construction’s chief executive officer Osama Bishai said in a statement.
Saudi Arabia, for its part, aims to boost electricity generation from natural gas, whose production is being increased by the state oil giant Aramco.
Major international energy equipment and engineering firms have won in recent months deals for new power plants in Saudi Arabia.
Earlier in March, Siemens Energy was awarded a $1.6 billion project, with Harbin Electric International as the EPC contractor, to provide key technologies for the Rumah 2 and Nairyah 2 gas-fired power plants in Saudi Arabia.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
A massive fire broke out at a fuel tanker yard in Kpone, near Tema, in the Greater Accra Region, on Sunday.
Sources indicate that a few of the tankers loaded with fuel products were destroyed in the blaze.
The exact cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed.
However, some tanker yards in the Kpone area have been known to engage in illegal fuel transfers and dilution of fuel.
A video shared on social media showed about five fire tenders deployed to the scene to control the fire.
Attempts to reach the Tema Regional Fire Service PRO for comments were unsuccessful, as the phone line was unavailable.”
Video Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FoM7fJzNT/Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria’s Federal Government has performed the sod-cutting ceremony for a 10 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCF/D) Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station project in Akwa Ibom.
The project, owned by Nsik Oil and Gas Limited, is expected to create several jobs, bolstering the local economy.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the ceremony.
Ekpo stated that the project aligns with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative, promoting cleaner and more affordable energy solutions.
The initiative aims to reduce dependence on petrol, making gas a more accessible and cost-effective alternative.
Tinubu commended Nsik Oil and Gas for its bold investment, noting that private-sector-led initiatives are crucial to Nigeria’s energy transition goals.
The Federal Government has prioritized investments in the gas sector, releasing over N222 billion into the industry, with an additional N400 billion to be injected within two months.
The President emphasized the project’s potential to drastically lower gas prices, making it a viable alternative to petrol, which has surged to N900 per liter.
“By the time this project is completed, people will no longer queue to buy fuel at high prices; they will have access to a cheaper, cleaner energy source,” he said.
Tinubu urged local investors to take charge of their economic growth, highlighting the project’s employment potential and its ability to stimulate economic growth.
“This project will transform Esit Eket into an economic destination, attracting further investments and sustainable development,” he said.
Nsik Oil and Gas Limited’s Chairman/CEO, Mr. Nsikan Johnny, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, the Akwa Ibom State Government, and stakeholders for their support.
Johnny described the project as a bold step towards energy security and economic empowerment, aligning with President Tinubu’s vision for a sustainable and prosperous Nigeria.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Following this, he visited the Regional Office of the NPA, where he met with the staff.
This visit is part of Mr Tameklo’s efforts to familiarise himself with the Authority’s operations and engage with stakeholders across the country.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 
