Ghana: Gov’t Committed To Net-Zero Emissions Target—Seth Mahu
Ghana is committed to achieving its Net-Zero emissions target by 2070, as stipulated in the country’s national Energy Transition Policy document.
This assurance was given by Mr Seth Mahu, Director in charge of Renewable Energy at the Energy Transition Dialogue 2025 on the theme: ‘Accelerating Energy Transition’, and organised by GIMPA -PURC Centre of Excellence in Public Utility Regulation (CEPUR) in Accra on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
Currently, Ghana’s energy generation mix is 69 per cent fossil, with the remaining portion coming from renewable sources.
According to Mr Mahu, the current government added the Green Transition to the Ministry’s name in a bid to fast-track the country’s quest towards achieving the Net-Zero Emissions target.
As steps to fast-track Ghana’s transition to attain Net-Zero, Mr Mahu, who is an Energy Expert, urged stakeholders in the energy sector to explore policy, financial, investment and technological approach to explore every resources in order to reduce environmental impact in Ghana in particular and the world as a whole.
To show the Energy Commission’s commitment to the Net-Zero Emissions 2070, the Acting Executive Secretary at the Energy Commission, Madam Eunice A. Biritwum, who was also a panelist, disclosed that her outfit is working closely with the African Development Bank to procure 12,000 standardised net meters, with 3,600 already approved for implementation.
Ghana has been gradually implementing renewable energy initiatives since passing the Renewable Energy Act in 2011.
The former Executive Secretary of Energy Commission, Michael Opam, who chaired the function, tasked all the stakeholders in the energy value chain to work in a concerted effort to revolutionise Ghana’s energy sector.
Ghana has gradually been implementing renewable energy initiatives since passing the Renewable Energy Act in 2011.
The goal of the Net-Zero Emissions is to adopt prudent and pragmatic measures to reduce fossil emissions.
In 2023, Ghana launched an energy transition and investment plan to further outline the path to achieving the objective by 2060.
The West African nation’s significant push towards an energy transition was launched by a comprehensive natural energy transition framework in 2022, when the government unveiled the plan at the COP27 Climate Conference in Egypt.
Its aim is to achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2070.
The discussion segment was moderated by a Research Fellow of CEPUR, Prof Phillip Kofi Adom.
CEPUR, established in 2023, aims to advance the field in public utility regulation and to also champion academic research into the electricity,water and natural gas towards attaining sustainable energy in Ghana.
Participants were from the PURC, ECG,GRIDCo, the Ministry of Energy and GreenTransition, CEPUR, civil society groups from the energy value chain and the media.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Egypt Invites Bids For 13 Oil And Gas Blocks In New Licensing Round
Egypt has launched a new licensing round, inviting international companies to bid on 13 offshore and onshore blocks.
The bid round, known as the Open Blocks Licensing Program (OBLP), aims to boost domestic oil and gas production and attract investments in the country’s upstream industry.
Companies can bid on six new exploration areas and seven undeveloped discoveries, including three offshore exploration blocks in the Gulf of Suez and three onshore exploration areas in Egypt’s Western Desert.
The bidding process will close on May 4, 2025.
This move is part of Egypt’s strategy to increase domestic oil and gas production, following recent discoveries in the Mediterranean.
The country has become a major focus of exploration since the 2010s, with Italy’s Eni discovering the massive Zohr gas field offshore Egypt.
Foreign firms, including BP and Carlyle Group, have expressed interest in investing in Egypt’s oil and gas industry.
BP recently announced the start of production from the second development phase of the Raven gas field, while Carlyle Group plans to make significant investments in the country’s energy sector.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigerian Air Force Personnel Invade Ikeja Electric Office, Assault Workers
Nigerian Air Force personnel invaded the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company headquarters in Lagos, assaulting workers on duty.
The armed men, led by a woman, stormed the office at 7:40 am on Thursday, beating staff and others present.
According to reports, the invasion was sparked by the disconnection of power supply to the Nigerian Air Force base in Lagos.
The Air Force had allegedly agreed to pay N60 million monthly to Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company in exchange for a guaranteed 10-12 hours of daily electricity supply.
Police intervened, but the armed personnel refused to back down.
The incident has raised concerns about the use of force and the safety of civilians.
As of the time of filing this report, staff and other persons found in the Ikeja Electric office were being assaulted by the armed men.
The Nigeria Police Force has intervened, but the armed personnel, led by a woman, have refused to back down.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Experts Push For Mandatory Prepaid Meters For All ECG Consumers
Ghana’s electricity sector is poised for a significant overhaul, as experts propose the mandatory use of prepaid meters for all Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) consumers. This initiative aims to tackle operational inefficiencies and revenue losses plaguing the country’s power distributor.¹
According to Dr. Kofi Koduah Sarpong, Chairman of the Structural and Policy Reform Committee, the ECG recovers only about 62% of the electricity supplied to the market, leaving a staggering 38% unaccounted for. This raises concerns about revenue leakage and its impact on tariff determination.
To address these challenges, Dr. Sarpong recommends the widespread adoption of prepaid meters, drawing parallels with the telecommunication industry. He believes prepaid meters will ensure timely revenue collection and reduce losses.
The proposal is part of the committee’s recommendations under the National Economic Dialogue. If implemented, it could mark a significant shift in Ghana’s electricity sector.
“We discovered that the ECG has numerous operational inefficiencies, including high technical and commercial losses. What’s particularly concerning is that only about 62% of the electricity they supply to the market is recovered. The question that arises is, where does the remaining 38% go? If we can recover that 38%, what impact would it have on tariff determination and managing the GH¢1 billion that’s lost annually?
“We believe that the ECG must expand prepaid electricity, and ideally, every consumer should be on prepaid. Just like in the telecommunications industry, where you need to purchase a card or bundle to access services. We think that with prepaid meters installed, we should be able to collect a substantial part of the revenue,” he reiterated.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Liberia: LEC Boosts Electricity Supply With 50 Megawatt Deal
The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) has signed a landmark power purchase agreement with CI Energies and CIE of Côte D’Ivoire, securing 50 megawatts of electricity to meet the country’s growing energy demands.
This deal marks a significant step towards achieving Liberia’s national goal of increasing access to electricity for all its citizens.
The agreement, which spans three years and is renewable, underscores the importance of regional cooperation in addressing energy challenges.
LEC’s Power Purchase Arrangement (PPA) with CI Energies and CIE has been instrumental in providing the necessary capacity for Liberia to meet its energy needs.
Mr. DJAHA Kouadio Ambroise, Asset Manager at CI-Energies, welcomed the Liberian delegation and acknowledged LEC’s efforts to honor the terms of their agreements.
However, he also highlighted the technical challenges CI-Energies has faced since last year, which have impacted their production.
LEC’s Interim Managing Director, Mr. Thomas Z. Gonkerwon, assured CI Energies that the Liberian government has prioritized the energy sector. To promote efficient electricity use, the government has instructed LEC to install prepaid meters at all government institutions, except medical facilities.
As Liberia looks to the future, LEC has initiated several projects to meet the country’s growing energy needs.
These include a solar farm project set to launch in October 2025, the repair of Unit 1 at the Mount Coffee Hydro Power Plant, and an expansion of the plant by two additional turbines.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
LEC’s Interim Managing Director, Mr. Thomas Z. Gonkerwon, assured CI Energies that the Liberian government has prioritized the energy sector. To promote efficient electricity use, the government has instructed LEC to install prepaid meters at all government institutions, except medical facilities.
As Liberia looks to the future, LEC has initiated several projects to meet the country’s growing energy needs.
These include a solar farm project set to launch in October 2025, the repair of Unit 1 at the Mount Coffee Hydro Power Plant, and an expansion of the plant by two additional turbines.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Edward Bawa Assumes Post As New GOIL PLC CEO & MD
The newly appointed Acting Group CEO and Managing Director of GOIL, Ghana’s largest indigenous petroleum downstream player, Mr. Edward Abambire Bawa, has officially assumed post, the company has announced.
His appointment marks a seamless transition following the end of tenure of Mr. Jacob Kwabena Adjei, who served GOIL in various capacities for 18 years before being appointed Managing Director in December 2024.
At a durbar held to formally introduce Mr. Bawa to staff after his engagement with the management team, he expressed deep appreciation for his predecessor’s contributions in steering GOIL onto a path of growth and resilience.
He reaffirmed his commitment to driving innovation, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring the company’s sustainable expansion.
In his address, Mr. Bawa assured management and staff of a collaborative and inclusive leadership approach, emphasizing his openness to new ideas and solutions that will address the company’s challenges and propel its growth.
Outgoing Group CEO & MD, Mr. Kwabena Adjei, extended his gratitude to the staff for their unwavering support during his tenure and urged them to offer the same dedication to his successor.
The management and staff of GOIL PLC pledged their full support for Mr. Bawa’s vision, reinforcing their collective ambition to position GOIL as a formidable, fully integrated, and competitive force in the energy sector.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
He reaffirmed his commitment to driving innovation, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring the company’s sustainable expansion.
In his address, Mr. Bawa assured management and staff of a collaborative and inclusive leadership approach, emphasizing his openness to new ideas and solutions that will address the company’s challenges and propel its growth.
Outgoing Group CEO & MD, Mr. Kwabena Adjei, extended his gratitude to the staff for their unwavering support during his tenure and urged them to offer the same dedication to his successor.
The management and staff of GOIL PLC pledged their full support for Mr. Bawa’s vision, reinforcing their collective ambition to position GOIL as a formidable, fully integrated, and competitive force in the energy sector.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com Congo: AfDB And Congo Sign Deals To Improve Access To Electricity
The African Development Bank and the Republic of the Congo have signed two grant agreements totaling $1.5 million to strengthen the country’s energy sector and improve people’s access to electricity and reduce the country’s energy deficit.
The first grant, of $585,000 mobilized from the Middle Income Country Technical Assistance Fund, would help fund development studies for hydroelectric dams.
The aim is to facilitate the future development of hydroelectric infrastructure at the Mbanza Ndounga in the south of the country and Linzolo – 20 km to the south of the capital, Brazzaville – sites to increase electricity production capacity and promote energy self-sufficiency.
The second grant of $995,000 – mobilized from resources from the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation Trust Fund (KOAFEC) – would be used to fund the feasibility study and detailed design of transmission lines between Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville, and between Loudima and Djambala.
The agreements were signed in Brazzaville on 26 February 2025 by Solomane Koné, the Bank Group’s acting Director General for the Central Africa region, and Ludovic Ngatse, Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Integration and the Bank’s governor for Congo.
“These agreements are a sign of the close relationship that the government maintains with the African Development Bank for the development of Congo. The various studies would accompany the implementation of Congo’s strategy in terms of the electrification of its urban centres but also its rural areas, the aim being to work towards universal access to electricity for the whole of the Congolese population,” said Ngatse.
These grants would be used to prepare core, short-term investment projects, which will allow Congo to achieve its objectives in terms of access to energy in alignment with “Mission 300”, an initiative between the African Development Bank and the World Bank aimed at supplying electricity to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.
“For the last decade, the African Development Bank Group has been developing significant initiatives and global partnerships to densify investments in the energy sector by involving different actors.
‘Mission 300’, the Desert to Power initiative and the Africa Energy Market Place have all been put in place to support our countries’ ambitions in terms of access to energy,” emphasized Koné.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Matimba Power Station Thief Gets 5-Year Jail Term
A South African court has sentenced a man to five years in prison for stealing critical electrical equipment at Matimba Power Station.
According to Eskom, the suspect was sentenced on February 26, 2025, without the option of a fine.
The suspect was arrested on June 19, 2024, by the power station’s security team for stealing ash conveyor belts. He was held in custody until his trial, despite multiple bail applications.
Eskom reports that there have been no incidents of theft on the conveyor belts since the arrest and conviction.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Government Suspends Gold-For-Oil Programme
Ghana’s Central Bank, Bank of Ghana (BoG), has suspended the Gold-for-Oil programme due to policy and operational challenges that resulted in financial losses.
The programme, introduced by the previous administration, aimed to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign exchange for fuel imports and stabilize domestic fuel prices.
According to BoG Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama, the programme’s suspension was necessary due to the incurred losses.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Dr. Asiama stated, “We have had to incur some losses on that, so we have put some suspension on the trade.”
Although Dr. Asiama didn’t elaborate on the specific challenges, the decision aligns with the new administration’s broader policy shift.
Despite the programme’s suspension, Dr. Asiama remains optimistic about Ghana’s economic outlook, particularly regarding the stability of the cedi.
The BoG intends to maintain an appropriate monetary policy stance and commit to fiscal discipline under President John Mahama’s administration to ensure stability in the foreign exchange markets.
“We intend to maintain an appropriate monetary policy stance. Together with commitments to fiscal discipline under the administration of President John Mahama, this should help us maintain stability in the foreign exchange markets,” he assured.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GIMPA-CEPUR Holds Energy Transition Policy Dialogue Today
The Centre of Excellence in Public Utility Regulation (CEPUR) at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) is hosting a Policy Dialogue on Sustainable Energy tomorrow, under the theme: “Accelerating Energy Transition In Ghana”.
This event is expected to attract stakeholders in the energy sector, with Ghana’s new minister for Energy and Green Transition Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor as the Guest of Honour.
Some of the notable speakers at the event include: Prof. Philip Kofi Adom, Research Fellow at CEPUR; Ing. Mark Baah, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo);Ing. Anthony Mark Yaw Esiape, former General Manager, Renewable Energy Technologies, ECG; Mrs Eunice A. Biritwum, Acting Executive Secretary, Energy Commission; Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo, former Director Energy at Bui Power Authority (BPA); Ing. Seth Mahu, Director for Renewable Energy, Ministry of Energy and Green Transition; and Dr Shafic Suleman, Executive Secretary of PURC.
CEPUR was established in February 2023, with the objective of developing competencies and expertise in economic regulation for the electricity, water, natural gas sectors, and other public utility service sectors.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
CEPUR was established in February 2023, with the objective of developing competencies and expertise in economic regulation for the electricity, water, natural gas sectors, and other public utility service sectors.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: Power Ministry Dispels Tariff Hike Rumours, Seeks Billing System Reform
Nigeria’s Ministry of Power is urging citizens, particularly labour unions, to remain calm, giving an assurance that there are no immediate plans to increase electricity tariffs.
This comes after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) expressed concerns over a potential tariff hike.
According to Tunji Bolaji, aide to the power minister, the government is instead focusing on addressing disparities in the current billing system to encourage investment in the power sector.
The minister highlighted the unfairness of some consumers paying N209 per kilowatt-hour for at least 20 hours of power, while others on Band B pay only N63 per kilowatt-hour for 16 hours or more.
“This disparity is too high,” he told this portal via phone.
Bolaji emphasised the need to address this disparity, stating that the federal government is struggling to fulfill its obligatory subsidy due to liquidity issues.
He noted that discussions around increasing efficiency have overlooked the fundamental challenge of sustaining the sector through liquidity since privatisation.
“Everyone is talking about increasing efficiency; the question should have been, since privatisation, why has it been difficult to sustain the sector through increased efficiency? It is liquidity,” he posited.
This development comes amid ongoing concerns about Nigeria’s power sector, including inefficiencies, high tariffs, and inconsistent supply, which have frustrated consumers and businesses alike.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia: Zesco Cuts Power Supply To Flood-Affected Areas In Lusaka
Zesco Limited, Zambia’s power utility company, has temporarily disconnected electricity supply to areas affected by recent flooding in Lusaka, the capital city.
This precautionary measure aims to safeguard lives and property from water-related electrical hazards.
The company has assured that power supply will be restored once the flooding subsides and electrical installations in homes and businesses are confirmed safe.
Zesco warned that flooding can compromise electrical systems, leading to electrical fires, shocks, and even death.
The company advised residents in flood-affected areas to exercise caution:
- Avoid standing in water covering electrical outlets, appliances, or conductors.
- Report fallen electricity lines to Zesco immediately.
- Avoid areas with sparks, popping, or buzzing noises from electrical installations.
- Do not operate electrical equipment or appliances that have come into contact with water.
Ghana: ECG’s 62% Revenue Collection Rate Hurting The Economy – Finance Minister
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the southern power distribution company, is facing criticism for its inefficiencies, which is draining the country’s economy.
As the largest distribution company in Ghana, ECG supplies electricity to six political regions in southern Ghana, covering around 80% of the population.
The company’s struggles have caught the attention of Ghana’s new Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, who has warned of dire consequences if drastic reforms are not implemented.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day National Economic Dialogue at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), Dr Forson revealed that ECG had been inefficient in its revenue collection, stating that power utility company collects only 62% of the total electricity it distributes, meaning nearly 40% of power supplied is either lost, or it goes unpaid for.
This alarming revenue gap has forced the government to continuously bail out the company, with budget transfers totalling $2.1 billion over the past two years.
“The inefficiencies at ECG are costing the nation heavily. Government transfers to support the energy sector have reached unsustainable levels, yet the company continues to struggle with revenue collection and operational inefficiencies,” he stated.
According to the Finance Minister, despite the government’s intervention, ECG’s financial problems are worsening.
By 2026, the projected cumulative shortfall in the energy sector is expected to exceed $9 billion, making it one of the biggest threats to Ghana’s economic stability.
“The power sector should be a key driver of industrial growth, but instead it has become a financial black hole, dragging the entire economy down,” Dr Forson stated.
Dr Forson acknowledged that while tariffs do not reflect the true cost of electricity, simply increasing prices is not a solution.
“Consumers cannot be forced to pay higher tariffs to cover ECG’s inefficiencies. Instead, we must address the root causes—inefficient billing, high system losses, and poor financial management,” he explained.
Despite periodic tariff adjustments, ECG continues to struggle with financial sustainability, making it increasingly reliant on government bailouts.
Dr. Forson called for urgent and radical reforms to fix ECG’s structural problems and reduce its burden on public finances.
He proposed a number of reforms including strengthening revenue collection by implementing strict enforcement measures to recover debts from consumers, including government agencies; reducing technical and commercial losses by investing in modern metering systems and anti-theft technology to prevent illegal connections; privatization or partnership with the private sector; implementing cost-cutting measures; and
enhancing financial accountability – Strengthening oversight and internal controls to prevent financial mismanagement.
Dr Forson did not mince words about the urgency of the situation. “If we do not act now, ECG will cripple Ghana’s economy. We cannot continue pouring billions into a broken system,” he warned.
The Finance Minister urged all stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector players, and ECG management to commit to a turnaround plan that ensures the long-term sustainability of the electricity sector.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zimbabwe: Power Outage Looms As Hwange Units Undergo Maintenance
Zimbabwe’s Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) Holdings has announced that two units at the Hwange Power Station would undergo scheduled maintenance in March and April, potentially affecting power supply.
Hwange Unit 7 went offline on Sunday, March 2, 2025, and the Class B maintenance is expected to be completed on March 29, 2025, while Unit 6 would undergo statutory maintenance from March 15 to May 14.
According to ZESA, the maintenance is necessary to ensure the units are ready for increased generation during the peak winter season.
The company has assured the public that measures are in place to maintain a stable power supply during the maintenance period.
ZESA said Kariba Power Station would be managed carefully to address periods of low supply, with output adjusted as necessary to conserve water for future use.
ZESA apologised for any inconvenience the maintenance may cause and thanked customers for their understanding.
Source: https://energynewsfrica.com