Ghana: “This Is A Test” – Jinapor Confident Ghana Will Overcome Power Challenges
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, is confident that the current intermittent power supply being experienced across the West African nation will be resolved as soon as possible, bringing relief to businesses and the general public.
According to him, the challenges in the power sector are a test for him and the ministry, and he is confident they will pass this test.
“This is a test and I know we will pass this exam,” the minister said in response to a question from this portal.
Dr. Jinapor said his immediate plan is to ensure the return of all six units of the 1,020 MW Akosombo Generating Station back online.
“My duty as a minister is to ensure that we restore all the units of Akosombo back into operation and ensure that there is uninterrupted supply of power,” he stated.
The Akosombo Generating Station, Ghana’s largest hydroelectric power plant, was knocked off the national grid on Thursday, April 23, 2026, after a fire incident at the switchyard of the Ghana Grid Company substation at Akosombo, which receives power from the station before feeding it into the national grid.
The incident disrupted power supply across the country.
Addressing the nation on Monday, April 27, 2026, the Energy Minister announced that two of the Akosombo Generating Station units had been restored, with engineers working around the clock to restore the remaining units.
Ghana: Deepening Power Crisis Is Worrying; We Need Reforms – ACEP
The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), a policy think tank in the Republic of Ghana, has raised serious concerns over what it describes as a worsening power supply crisis in the country, warning that recent prolonged outages, weak communication, and underlying structural failures are deepening public frustration and threatening economic stability.
A transformer replacement and upgrading exercise by the two power utility companies—the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo)—has escalated power outages across the country, forcing many businesses to rely on alternative sources of energy to continue operations.
The six-hour power cuts occurring in the morning, afternoon, and evening have triggered public outcry nationwide.
In a statement issued in Accra on Monday, April 27, 2026, and signed by Kodzo Yaotse, Policy Lead for Petroleum and Conventional Energy at ACEP, the organisation said households, businesses, and institutions have endured over a month of escalating power cuts. The situation, it argued, has been aggravated by the recent fire at the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) Akosombo substation, which removed about 960MW of relatively cheap and reliable generation capacity from the system.
ACEP noted that while system operators have been issuing updates on expected outage areas, the information has been inconsistent and unreliable, with many communities experiencing outages beyond published schedules.
“ACEP acknowledges that some communication is being issued indicating areas expected to experience power cuts. However, this communication has been irregular, inconsistent, and unreliable, with outages frequently extending beyond announced areas and affecting communities not captured in these notices,” the statement said.
It added that explanations from system managers attributing the crisis partly to transformer upgrades and replacements are not fully convincing, citing past instances where similar explanations were later found to be inaccurate following independent audits by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).
ACEP warned that the scale and duration of the current outages suggest deeper systemic challenges beyond routine maintenance activities.
“Even if transformer upgrades and replacements are genuinely underway, the scale, concurrence, and duration of the outages nationwide point to deeper systemic failures,” it said, pointing to constraints in gas supply and processing, maintenance backlogs, and planning inefficiencies.
The energy policy group also cautioned the Energy Minister against relying on short-term emergency interventions in responding to the crisis, arguing that such measures have historically led to costly consequences for the state and consumers.
“ACEP strongly encourages the Minister to resist the pressure of reactive, short-term interventions that may appear decisive but risk generating deeper problems if not carefully assessed and transparently implemented,” it said.
The statement further stressed the need for structural reforms in the power sector, including improved planning, transparent procurement, and stronger institutional accountability across the electricity value chain.
On the Akosombo fire incident, ACEP described the loss of nearly 1,000MW of capacity as a serious public interest issue, calling for a thorough and independent investigation into the cause of the incident.
“A fire of that scale should not occur where proper safety systems and modern operational standards are in place,” it said, urging authorities to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.
ACEP outlined a series of urgent actions it believes are necessary to address the crisis, including the immediate publication of a reliable load-shedding timetable by GRIDCo and system operators to help households and businesses plan effectively.
It also called for a clear timeline for restoring full power supply, deeper oversight by the PURC through an independent investigation, and full public disclosure of all findings related to the Akosombo fire and the broader outages.
The group said transparency and accountability are critical to restoring public confidence in Ghana’s power sector and preventing future systemic failures.
U.S. Will Not Accept Iran Control Of Key Oil Chokepoint Hormuz- Rubio
U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested Iran still wants to retain control of the Strait of Hormuz and cast that as unacceptable to the U.S., after President Donald Trump canceled the latest round of negotiations with Tehran over the weekend.
Asked about a report that Tehran had made an offer to reopen Hormuz after the talks were scrapped, Rubio told Fox News the U.S. cannot tolerate Iran continuing to decide which vessels can sail through the strait or allow any Iranian tolls.
“If what they mean by opening the straits is, ‘yes, the straits are opened, as long as you coordinate with Iran, get our permission, or we will blow you up and you pay us,’—that’s not opening the straits,” Rubio said in a Fox News interview that aired Monday.
“They cannot normalize—nor can we tolerate them trying to normalize—a system in which the Iranians decide who gets to use an international waterway and how much you have to pay them to use it.”
The comments come after Axios reported that Iran had given the U.S. a new proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the war in a deal that would postpone more complex negotiations over the country’s nuclear program.
Trump and other U.S. officials have said Iran’s nuclear ambitions were the main reason the U.S. and Israel launched a war against Tehran.
The Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports, has been effectively closed since the U.S. and Israel attacked Tehran at the end of February.
While Iranian threats first closed the strait, the U.S. is now also enforcing a naval blockade to prevent Iran-linked ships from navigating Hormuz.
While a ceasefire has mostly held since early April, the strait’s closure has caused global energy prices to soar.
The waterway, which was functioning normally before the war, has become one of the major sticking points in U.S.-Iran negotiations mediated by Pakistan, with a previous round of talks in Islamabad ending without any deal.
While talks were expected over the weekend, Trump told his son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff to skip another trip to Pakistan.
The unpopular war has become a political challenge for Trump domestically—given the sharp rise in U.S. gas prices—and it has also strained already-fraught ties with European nations, who have tried to avoid getting drawn into the conflict even as they deal with the energy crisis.
On Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in unusually candid comments that the U.S. was being “humiliated” by Iran’s leadership, which had proceeded “very skillfully” in talks.
At the United Nations Security Council on Monday, diplomats discussed the Strait of Hormuz in a dedicated session. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said allowing tolls and bribery from Iran would set a dangerous precedent.
“Access to the seas would be a privilege reserved for the few,” he said, “Straits would become militarized corridors. Global trade would be taken hostage, and entire regions would become isolated. The world would be asphyxiated, subject to lawlessness and the law of the strongest.”
Ghana: Akosombo Generation Station Partially Restores Power Supply To National Grid
Ghana’s largest hydroelectric power plant, the Akosombo Generation Station, operated by the Volta River Authority, has partially restored power generation to the national grid following a fire incident on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the switchyard of the Ghana Grid Company Limited substation in Akosombo.
The fire forced an emergency shutdown of the plant, which generates about 1,020MW for the national grid, disrupting power supply in many parts of the country.
Checks by this portal revealed that the Akosombo Generation Station produced 84MW at about 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, 2026, increasing to 133MW by 10:00 p.m. the same day. However, as of Monday morning, output had dropped to 86MW.
The Akosombo Dam has six units, each with a capacity of 170MW, while the Kpong Generation Station generates about 160MW, bringing the total hydropower capacity of the Volta River Authority to 1,180MW.
According to a system load document sighted by this portal, the Kpong Generation Station has reduced generation from about 137MW to between 30MW and 36MW as of Monday, April 27, 2026.
The current power situation has triggered widespread complaints among sections of Ghanaians, particularly businesses that rely on the national grid daily.
Thursday’s incident forced the Energy Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor, who was in the northern part of the country, to return to Accra and visit Akosombo to assess the extent of damage.
During the visit, the minister announced that a seven-member committee, chaired by William Amuna, current Board Chairman of Electricity Company of Ghana, will investigate the incident.
According to the minister, the fire is unusual and requires a thorough probe to uncover its root cause.
“The damage is quite extensive. It’s quite serious. From the briefing I received, there was a significant situation that we need to get to the bottom of,” he said.
He added that the committee is expected to present its findings within two to three weeks.
“We expect that within two to three weeks, they should be ready with a report so that we can determine the root cause of this challenge and all the issues surrounding this unfortunate incident,” he said.
On Sunday, the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, revealed that the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Grid Company Limited, Mark Awuah Baah, had been asked to step aside pending investigations into the fire.
The Energy Minister is expected to address the nation at about 2:00 p.m. today.
Nigeria: Lagos State Inks Power Deal With Three Firms To Ramp Up Generation To 400MW
Nigeria’s Lagos State Government has signed a landmark Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with three electricity generation companies in a strategic move to significantly boost energy supply and strengthen the state’s power infrastructure, according to a report by The Sun Nigeria.
The agreement was signed on Sunday at Lagos House, Marina, in the presence of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Abiodun Ogunleye, signed on behalf of the state government.
The partner firms—Mainland Power Limited, Akute Independent Power Plant, and Fenchurch Power Limited—are among the independent power producers operating within the state, with Fenchurch emerging as a new entrant in the partnership.
Commenting during the signing, Sanwo-Olu described the agreement as a people-focused initiative aimed at improving quality of life through a more reliable power supply. He urged all parties to uphold the terms of the deal with professionalism and commitment.
“This agreement is about the people and how easily we can solve problems. Let’s keep our promises on both sides. When people benefit, life becomes easier. This marks the beginning of the reforms we are seeing in the energy sector,” the governor said.
Ogunleye explained that the agreement is designed to ramp up generation capacity and revive dormant assets without placing additional financial strain on the state. According to him, the three firms currently generate about 60 megawatts (MW), with projections to scale up to between 200MW and 400MW within the next two to three years.
He disclosed that Mainland Power Limited, which operates the Ikeja GRA plant, has an installed capacity of 8.8MW and a contracted capacity of 5.8MW, supplying electricity to areas from Ikeja to Oshodi.
Key beneficiaries include Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, among other critical facilities.
The commissioner added that the Akute Independent Power Plant, now under Fenchurch Power Limited, has a contracted capacity of 26MW and is being repositioned as a major energy hub. Once dormant for about five years, the facility is undergoing rehabilitation and upgrades to supply power to surrounding communities, including the Adiyan Water Works.
On the Island corridor, Viathan Engineering, operators of the Island Power Limited/Peninsula Integrated Power Project, currently manage a combined installed capacity of 21MW—6MW in Lekki and 15MW in Marina. The project is expected to power vital public infrastructure, including Lagos House, the deputy governor’s residence, and major health institutions such as Lagos Island General Hospital.
The participating firms commended the Sanwo-Olu administration for creating an enabling environment for infrastructure development, noting that the initiative sends a strong signal to investors about Lagos’ readiness to deepen its energy market and attract sustainable investments.
Ghana Gas Urges PURC To Increase Transmission Tariff To Sustain Operations
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Gas Company, Ms. Judith Adjobah Blay, is urging the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), the economic regulator for utilities, to consider increasing the transmission tariff to support plant expenditures and future investments.
According to her, a tariff adjustment would help sustain maintenance and investment at the facility, while ensuring the reliability needed to support power generation.
“It is very necessary that we at Ghana Gas approach the PURC to convince them of certain expenditures and investments that we are making, which warrant an increase—especially in our transmission tariffs,” she said on Friday during a tour of the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant in the Western Region by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy.
Madam Blay warned that the consequences of inaction would be more severe than a modest increase in tariffs.
“If Ghana Gas does not have sufficient funds to operate and maintain the plant, the consequences will be far more dire than a slight increase in tariffs,” she stated
Ghana: GRIDCo CEO Asked To Step Aside Over Switchyard Fire Incident At Akosombo Substation
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has directed the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), Ing. Mark Awuah Baah, to step aside pending investigations into the recent fire incident at the switchyard of the company’s substation at Akosombo.
The fire, which occurred on Thursday, April 23, 2026, has since disrupted power supply across much of the West African nation.
Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, revealed this on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
A source at the Energy Ministry also confirmed the development.
“The Minister for Energy and Green Transition has asked the CEO of GRIDCo to step aside pending investigations into the fire incident at Akosombo’s power control center,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu wrote on Facebook.
He also disclosed that there has been a major shake-up in the leadership of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in the Ashanti Region. The Minister for Energy and Green Transition will hold a major press briefing at 2:00 p.m. on Monday to address recent developments in electricity distribution and provide updates on the investigations and administrative actions taken so far.
This development comes just three days after the Energy Minister and his deputy visited Akosombo to assess the extent of the damage at the switchyard of the Akosombo substation following the Thursday fire.
The incident has led to a halt in power generation from the Akosombo Hydroelectric Power Station, preventing its power from being evacuated onto the national grid, which has caused outages in several parts of the country.
During the visit, the Minister announced that a seven-member committee, chaired by Ing. Dr. William Amuna, current Board Chairman of ECG, will investigate the fire incident.
According to the Minister, the incident is unusual and requires a thorough probe to uncover its root cause.
“The damage is quite extensive. It’s quite serious. From the briefing I received, there was a significant situation that we need to get to the bottom of,” he said.
He added that the committee is expected to present its findings within two to three weeks. “We expect that within two to three weeks, they should be ready with a report so that we can determine the root cause of this challenge and all the issues surrounding this unfortunate incident,” he concluded.
The outages, which have disrupted businesses and households in recent days, have triggered growing public frustration, with many Ghanaians demanding answers.
Zambia: Hichilema Commissions 50MW Mabumba Solar Plant To Boost Luapula Power Supply
Zambia’s efforts to diversify its energy mix by targeting 1,000 megawatts from solar power are beginning to yield results, with President Hakainde Hichilema on Friday officially commissioning the 50-megawatt Mabumba Solar Plant in Chief Mabumba’s area of Mansa.
The project is expected to benefit more than 20,000 households and boost economic activity in the province.
In November 2025, Energy Minister Makozo Chikote said, “So far, 347MW of new generation capacity has been completed.” Notable among these are the 100MW Chisamba Solar PV Project, the 25MW Mailo Solar PV Plant in Serenje, and various projects under the net-metering initiative with a total capacity of 14.7MW.
With the commissioning of the 50MW Mabumba Solar Plant, Zambia’s total installed solar capacity has now reached about 400MW.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, President Hichilema noted that since independence, the area had largely relied on the 10MW Musonda Falls Hydropower Station, which has fallen far short of meeting the growing electricity demand estimated at around 30MW.
He said previous administrations failed to prioritise energy diversification and economic expansion, stressing that his government has taken deliberate steps to reform the energy sector and diversify the country’s power sources.
The President said the reforms undertaken by his administration are already yielding results, commending ZESCO Limited for successfully delivering the project, as well as the Energy Regulation Board for providing effective oversight and leadership.
“Development starts with a vision, followed by planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Nothing happens by chance,” President Hichilema said.
He highlighted that the project created jobs during the construction phase and will continue to provide permanent employment opportunities, while also supporting key sectors such as mining in Luapula Province.
President Hichilema emphasised that meaningful development requires consistent planning and execution, adding that the newly commissioned solar plant will also support events such as the Luapula Expo and stimulate industrial growth in the region.
On his part, Energy Minister Makozo Chikote described the commissioning of the 50-megawatt Mabumba Solar Project as a clear demonstration of President Hichilema’s commitment to diversifying Zambia’s energy mix and delivering on promises made to citizens.
Mr Chikote said the project reflects the Head of State’s vision to strengthen energy security and expand the country’s power sources, adding that ongoing reforms in the sector are beginning to yield tangible results.
He said the solar plant, which feeds into the national grid, is part of broader reforms aimed at prioritising investment in renewable energy while reducing reliance on hydropower.
“What we are commissioning today is leading the New Dawn administration towards achieving universal access to electricity by 2030 and positioning Zambia as a regional energy hub,” he said.
He added that the project contributes to Zambia’s target of attaining 10,000 megawatts of installed capacity by 2030 and called on citizens to unite in supporting national development efforts.
The Energy Minister further stated that solar initiatives, once criticised by some stakeholders, are now proving effective, with more projects lined up across the country.
He commended President Hichilema for his leadership, noting that deliberate investments in the sector have significantly reduced electricity shortages.
The Energy Minister further stated that solar initiatives, once criticised by some stakeholders, are now proving effective, with more projects lined up across the country.
He commended President Hichilema for his leadership, noting that deliberate investments in the sector have significantly reduced electricity shortages.
Kenya Eyes Stake In Uganda’s KSh500 Billion Oil Refinery
Kenya is planning to invest in Uganda’s oil refinery in a move that could deepen East Africa’s collaboration in the energy sector, President William Samoei Ruto revealed on Thursday during the Africa We Build Summit 2026 in Nairobi.
The announcement comes on the back of Uganda’s efforts to acquire a controlling stake in the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) following the government’s recent divestiture programme.
According to President Ruto, Africa produces approximately 10 million barrels of oil per day—equivalent to about 10% of global output—yet the continent remains a net importer of petroleum products.
He noted that East African nations are in discussions to develop a common oil refinery.
“President Yoweri Museveni called me and said, ‘I want to buy 50 per cent of Kenya Pipeline’… and he told me, ‘I don’t care about the price.’ That’s how serious he is. President Museveni could see beyond the price—he could see the opportunity. I want to assure you Kenya is going to invest in your refinery,” Ruto said.
Following the commitment by the two heads of state to undertake joint projects, businessman Aliko Dangote, who owns a private refinery in Nigeria, has pledged to build a similar facility in the region.
“There is nothing we cannot do in Africa. That’s why, as a group, we have now launched a plan to invest $40 billion in various fields between now and 2030. Even now, I can give a commitment to the two presidents here: if they support the refinery, we will build one identical to what we have in Nigeria,” he said.
The debate comes more than a decade after Kenya shut down its Changamwe Oil Refinery in 2013 due to outdated technology, inefficiency, and high production costs, which made it uncompetitive compared to imported refined products.
Despite the government’s expressed interest in Uganda’s refinery, the National Treasury says a decision on the scale of investment has yet to be made.
Somalia: Oil Tanker With 17 Crew Hijacked By Pirates
Pirates have hijacked an oil tanker with 17 crew members sailing near the Somali coast, the BBC has reported, citing multiple security officials.
According to the BBC, the ship, which bore the name Honour 25, was overrun late on Wednesday by six gunmen when it was approximately 30 nautical miles offshore, the officials said.
Until three years ago, piracy had almost disappeared in this stretch of the Indian Ocean, once notorious for hijackings. However, it has since made a comeback, with fishing trawlers and container ships being targeted.
The seizure of a tanker headed for the Somali capital, Mogadishu, is likely to increase anxiety in the city, where petrol prices have already tripled since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran.
The vessel was carrying 18,500 barrels of oil, according to security officials from Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region, who spoke to the BBC.
The hijacked ship departed from the port of Berbera, in the self-declared republic of Somaliland, on 20 February and had arrived near the coast of the United Arab Emirates shortly after the conflict began, according to the ShipAtlas website.
Shipping data shows it circling near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz before turning around on 2 April and making its way toward Mogadishu.
Under the control of the pirates, the vessel, carrying 17 crew members—10 Pakistanis, four Indonesians, one Indian, one Sri Lankan, and one from Myanmar—has anchored close to the Somali shore between the fishing towns of Xaafun and Bander Beyla.
Five more armed men have since boarded the Honour 25, sources said. Officials believe the hijackers set off from a remote area near Bander Beyla. It is unclear how they were able to intercept and take control of the tanker.
Neither the Somali authorities nor the European Naval Force, which oversees anti-piracy operations in Somali waters, has released a statement on the hijacking.
Ghana: Seven-Member Committee Formed To Investigate GRIDCo Akosombo Switchyard Fire-Energy Minister
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has announced the formation of a seven-member committee of enquiry to investigate the fire incident at the switchyard of the Ghana Grid Company Limited substation in Akosombo on Thursday, which disrupted power supply in parts of the country.
According to him, the incident is unusual and requires a thorough probe to uncover its root cause.
“The damage is quite extensive. It’s quite serious. From the briefing I received, there was a significant situation that we need to get to the bottom of,” he said.
The committee will be chaired by Ing. Dr. William Amuna, Board Chairman of the Electricity Company of Ghana and former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Grid Company Limited.
It will include experts from the Ghana National Fire Service, National Security, the Energy Commission, and other relevant institutions to ensure a comprehensive investigation.
He indicated that the committee is expected to present its findings within two to three weeks.
“We expect that within two to three weeks they should be ready with a report so that we can determine the root cause of this challenge and all the issues surrounding this unfortunate incident,” he added.
The Minister disclosed this on Friday during a visit to the substation to assess the extent of damage to the switchyard.
He was accompanied by his deputy, Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah; the Chief Executive Officer of the Volta River Authority, Ing. Ekow Obeng Kenzo; the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Grid Company, Ing. Mark Awuah Baah; and other officials from the ministry.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to restore one of the six units of the Akosombo Hydroelectric Power Station to the national grid today.
The Minister stressed that while investigations are ongoing, the immediate priority remains the restoration of power supply.
He was accompanied by his deputy, Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah; the Chief Executive Officer of the Volta River Authority, Ing. Ekow Obeng Kenzo; the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Grid Company, Ing. Mark Awuah Baah; and other officials from the ministry.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to restore one of the six units of the Akosombo Hydroelectric Power Station to the national grid today.
The Minister stressed that while investigations are ongoing, the immediate priority remains the restoration of power supply.
Africa Faces 86 Million Tonne Fuel Shortfall By 2040
The war in Iran has exposed Africa’s vulnerability to fuel supply disruptions, with the continent projected to face an 86 million tonne fuel shortfall by 2040, the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) revealed in a report released Thursday at the Nairobi summit, according to AFP.
Africa currently imports more than 70 percent of its refined fuel, along with some $230 billion worth of essential goods each year, including food, plastics, steel, and fertiliser, the AFC said.
One potential solution was announced at the summit, where Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, told Kenya’s President William Ruto and Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni that he plans to build a refinery in East Africa similar to his massive complex in Nigeria.
“I can give a commitment to the two presidents that are here: If they support the refinery, we’ll build the identical one that we have in Nigeria — 650,000 barrels,” Dangote told the audience.
According to the AFC report, Africa’s dependence on fuel imports is expected to rise from 74 million tonnes in 2023 to 86 million tonnes by 2040 — nearly the equivalent of three Dangote refineries, by far the largest in Africa.
East Africa’s vulnerability to supply shocks has been particularly exposed by the conflict in the Middle East and the resulting disruption of oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
President Ruto told the summit that the war highlighted the need for Africa to reduce its reliance on external actors.
“Our ambitions will remain unrealised if we continue to depend on external capital whose primary interest is securing raw materials for their own industries,” he said. “We cannot continue to export raw materials and import finished products made from them.”
Kenya last year announced an ambitious infrastructure programme, including 50 new hydroelectric dams, 10,000 megawatts of additional power generation over seven years, and plans to revamp roads, rail, and airports.
“While historical injustices from colonialism to inequities in the global economic order are real, we must also acknowledge that other regions have faced similar challenges, but they have risen above them,” Ruto said.
“We are constrained only by the extent to which we accept the status quo through acquiescence, complacency, and limited ambition.”
Fixing Africa’s energy shortfall, the AFC report said, requires the creation of new energy hubs and improved performance from existing assets.
AFC’s Chief Economist, Rita Babihuga-Nsanze, highlighted examples such as Zambian dams that were not designed to cope with new drought conditions, and two gigawatts of Angolan hydropower that were not connected to the regional grid, leaving them underutilised.
She also noted fertiliser shortages caused by the war, since a high proportion of supplies comes from the Gulf.
Such vulnerabilities are “strange,” Babihuga-Nsanze said, pointing out that Africa holds 80 percent of the world’s phosphate reserves — a key source of fertiliser — yet produces only 20 percent of the global stock.
“There’s a real opportunity for Africa to step in and fill the gap here,” she said.
Ghana: Energy Commission Warns Solar Companies To Renew Licenses Or Face Sanctions
The Board Chairman of the Energy Commission, Prof. John Gartchie Gatsi, has urged licensed solar companies that are in default to immediately begin their licensing renewal processes within the stipulated 60 days or face severe sanctions.
He revealed that numerous institutions in the solar energy sector are violating the Commission’s regulations on biomass cookstoves (L.I. 2454) and solar panel standards (L.I. 2449), which govern their operations.
Prof. Gatsi shared these insights during an interview with Energy News Africa on the sidelines of the 24th Electric Wiring Certification and Awards Ceremony in Accra.
He explained that institutions and organizations in this sector currently owe the Commission over GH¢28 million, severely affecting its operational efficiency.
“The Commission, mandated to enforce national standards, relies on these funds to acquire testing and monitoring equipment, train staff to remain current and effective, and deliver benefits to the nation,” Prof. Gatsi lamented.
Addressing the lack of punitive enforcement to date, he emphasized that Ghana’s renewable energy laws were originally crafted to attract investors. His team is now seeking parliamentary approval to strengthen the sanctions regime.
While some solar companies have complied following Commission visits, Prof. Gatsi stressed the urgency of expediting expired license renewals to uphold national laws.
On the investment outlook, he noted a surge of organizations establishing renewable energy sites to support Ghana’s energy goals, including nuclear power technology.
Ghana aims to increase renewable energy’s share in the national generation mix to 10% by 2030 (excluding large hydro), according to the Ghana Renewable Energy Master Plan.
Priorities include solar and wind expansion, off-grid electrification for 1,000 communities, and reducing reliance on biomass.
Ghana: Major Fire At Akosombo Substation Disrupts Power Supply In Parts Of Ghana
A major fire outbreak at the Akosombo Substation of the Ghana Grid Company Limited in the Eastern Region has disrupted power supply in parts of the country.
A statement issued by GRIDCo confirmed that the unfortunate incident occurred at about 2:01 p.m. on Thursday, causing a disruption in operations and power transmission.
As a result, electricity supply has been affected in several parts of the country.
The company stated that emergency response teams have been deployed to the site and are working around the clock to assess the situation and initiate immediate remedial actions.
According to GRIDCo, a full evaluation is currently underway to determine the extent of the impact and to enable technical teams to begin processes to restore normal operations as swiftly as possible.
GRIDCo assured the public that its technical teams are actively working to manage the situation, and every effort is being made to stabilise the system and minimise disruptions.
“We kindly urge the public to remain calm and assured that the situation is under control,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, the Electricity Company of Ghana, which is responsible for power distribution in southern Ghana, has informed customers in the Volta and Oti Regions that the current outage is due to a technical challenge at the Akosombo generating station.
ECG assured customers that power supply will be restored as soon as GRIDCo resolves the issue.
The affected areas include Sogakope, Akatsi, Yorkutikpo, Dabala, Adutor, Torve, Tordzinu, Kpenu, Ada, parts of Keta, Adidome, and their surrounding communities.
The inconvenience caused by this technical challenge is deeply regretted.
According to GRIDCo, a full evaluation is currently underway to determine the extent of the impact and to enable technical teams to begin processes to restore normal operations as swiftly as possible.
GRIDCo assured the public that its technical teams are actively working to manage the situation, and every effort is being made to stabilise the system and minimise disruptions.
“We kindly urge the public to remain calm and assured that the situation is under control,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, the Electricity Company of Ghana, which is responsible for power distribution in southern Ghana, has informed customers in the Volta and Oti Regions that the current outage is due to a technical challenge at the Akosombo generating station.
ECG assured customers that power supply will be restored as soon as GRIDCo resolves the issue.
The affected areas include Sogakope, Akatsi, Yorkutikpo, Dabala, Adutor, Torve, Tordzinu, Kpenu, Ada, parts of Keta, Adidome, and their surrounding communities.
The inconvenience caused by this technical challenge is deeply regretted.