Energy Minister details major gains at Accountability Forum

In a compelling presentation at the Government Accountability Series held at Jubilee House, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, provided a comprehensive account of the energy sector’s transformation under the current administration. With an ambitious vision for energy security and sustainability, Jinapor outlined significant reforms and achievements realized since the government took office on January 7, 2025.

Hosted by the Office of the President, the series serves as a platform for ministers to transparently communicate their performance to the public and the media. Jinapor’s session painted a picture of a sector that has moved from uncertainty to stability, with a sharp focus on renewable energy, infrastructure modernization, and fiscal prudence.

Green Transition in Motion

At the heart of the Energy Ministry’s reforms is Ghana’s bold commitment to a green and sustainable energy future.

• Renewable Energy Expansion: The launch of the Scaling-up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP) in May 2025 set the tone. The initiative includes the deployment of 12,000 net-metered solar PV systems, 35 mini-grids serving 47 islands and lakeside communities, and 1,450 solar home systems for remote off-grid locations.
• Green Transition Fund: To accelerate investment, both public and private, the government established the Renewable Energy and Green Transition Fund, marking a major step toward climate-aligned financing.
• Solar Initiatives for Public and Urban Spaces: Through the Government Goes Solar initiative, 22MW of solar capacity will be installed across public facilities, projected to save GHS 52 million annually. In urban centres, a total of 23,500 smart solar street lights have been supplied to light up over 700km of road networks.
• Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Infrastructure: Ghana has commenced the nationwide deployment of EVs, starting with government fleets. A solar-powered EV charging facility is already operational at the Energy Commission, indicating the future of sustainable transport.

Power Stability and Reforms

A major area of concern for Ghanaians—power reliability—is seeing a positive turnaround.

• Ending Erratic Outages: Previously persistent power cuts have abated, with reliable power supply sustained well into the fourth month of 2025. This improvement is largely attributed to strategic upgrades across the transmission and distribution networks.
• Fixing the Grid: The Distribution Network Improvement Policy has mapped, diagnosed, and addressed faults in overhead lines. This structured approach to grid maintenance has had immediate impacts on power stability.
• Contract Rationalisation: The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) cancelled 202 inflated or redundant supply contracts, saving the country over $227.6 million, £1.17 million, and €4.08 million in potential expenditures.
• Billing System Upgrade: ECG’s shift to the Zeus billing system, completed in just three months, restored and improved commercial operations, enhancing service delivery and accountability.
• Cash Waterfall Mechanism Compliance: ECG’s full compliance since February has ensured timely payments to power producers and fuel suppliers—effectively averting the threat of load shedding due to financial constraints.
• Revenue Mobilization Boost: In June 2025, ECG recorded its highest-ever monthly revenue of GHS 1.678 billion, representing a 47.3% increase from June 2024.

Reaching Every Corner: Rural Electrification and Private Sector Role

The government’s emphasis on inclusive development is evident in its rural electrification push.

• Community Connections: Sixty-three (63) new communities have been connected to the national grid in the first half of 2025 under the Accelerated Rural Electrification Programme.
• Private Sector Participation (PSP): A new Multiple Lease Option model for electricity distribution has been approved by Cabinet. A dedicated Steering Committee will oversee its rollout to bring efficiency and innovation into the sector.
• Fuel for the Future: Gas supply has increased significantly—from N-Gas (80 to 100 mmscfd) and ENI (245 to 270 mmscfd)—with additional supply from Jubilee fields expected soon. These strategic moves are reducing Ghana’s reliance on expensive liquid fuels.
• Competitive Power Procurement: The Ministry is finalizing a new Legislative Instrument to support competitive bidding for power purchase agreements (PPAs), moving away from costly sole-sourcing.
• PPA Rationalisation: A special committee is reviewing existing contracts with Independent Power Producers to cut excess capacity costs and promote long-term sustainability.

Lighting the Way for a 24-Hour Economy

To support the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy Policy, the Ministry has started rehabilitating grid-connected street lighting across urban areas. This initiative is seen as critical to improving safety, supporting night-time commerce, and enhancing productivity.

Petroleum Sector: Revival and Strategic Investment

The upstream oil and gas sector, once stagnating, is now witnessing a revival, underpinned by investment attraction, regulatory clarity, and local content development.

• New Discoveries and Exploration: Commerciality has been declared for new discoveries at Afina, Eban-Akoma, and appraisal is ongoing at Aprokuma. The Eban-Akoma field is scheduled for fast-track development.
• US$2 Billion Investment Secured: The government has unlocked $2 billion in new investments for the Jubilee and TEN fields, with approvals for license extensions to 2040—ensuring sustainability and investor confidence.
• Petroleum Cost Audit: The audit of the DWT/CTP contract area revealed US$228 million in recoverable costs, showcasing strong regulatory oversight.
• Boosting Local Content: Contributions to the Local Content Fund are up by 11.2% (GHS) and 27.08% (USD), with plans to channel funds into SME capacity-building and technical training later this year.

TOR, Gas Processing, and Cylinder Reforms

Beyond exploration and production, significant reforms are underway in downstream and midstream petroleum operations.

• Tema Oil Refinery (TOR): Maintenance works are ongoing, aimed at restarting operations by October 2025. A feasibility study is in progress to expand TOR’s refining capacity by 100,000 barrels per stream day.
• Gas Processing Plant II: A final report on GPP II has been submitted. Once operational, the plant is expected to save Ghana up to $1 billion annually by reducing liquid fuel imports.
• Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company (GCMC): Plans to retool GCMC’s outdated machinery are in motion, with the aim of enhancing production efficiency and aligning with international standards, especially under the new Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM).

A Just and Resilient Energy Transition

Minister Jinapor closed his address with a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to a just energy transition that balances economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity.

“We are not only working to meet present demands,” he said, “but also laying the foundation for a resilient and sustainable energy future.”

As Ghana positions itself as a leader in West Africa’s energy transition, the strides outlined at the Accountability Series show a sector poised for transformation—powered by policy, backed by infrastructure, and driven by vision.