The government, through the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, has approved the procurement of 200 new transformers for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to strengthen power transmission and distribution to major cities across the country.
The sector minister, John Abdulai Jinapor, made information public on May 28, during the opening session of the 18th West Africa Mining and Power Exhibition (WAMPEX) at the Grand Arena and Accra International Convention Centre (AICC) in Accra.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) made a formal request for 200 new transformers in April 2025, and after barely a month, the government has given the green light for the deployment of the transformers.
“Despite the challenges we inherited, recent reports show that power generation has been very stable” What we need to do is improve the transmission and distribution network. In this regard, I have granted approval to ECG as a matter of urgency to inject about 200 transformers in our major capital cities in order to ensure that we not only generate power but we can distribute power to (sic) consumers effectively and efficiently,” Mr Jinapor said.
Minister Jinapor noted that initial challenges with power generation have been stabilized, and Ghana is now exporting electricity to neighboring countries. The current focus is on improving power transmission and distribution systems.
WAMPEX, the largest forum for mining and power industries in West Africa, attracted over 240 exhibitors from 30 countries and more than 5,000 visitors this year. The event provides a platform for industry professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss challenges, innovations, and future opportunities.
The conference was jointly opened by the Ministers of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor.
About Ghana’s energy crisis
Ghana is currently facing a severe energy crisis, evident in the frequent power outages, financial struggles, and fuel shortages. The government is urgently seeking GH₵1.1 billion for fuel procurement.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), on the other hand, is facing a monthly deficit of GH₵2 billion due to poor revenue collection, making it difficult to pay independent power producers, who have threatened to suspend operations.
Government’s efforts to deal with the energy sector crisis
Last week, the Ministry of Energy confirmed the arrival of 450,000 barrels of fuel to support power generation at a time stakeholders project imminent power outages.
Head of Communications at the Energy Ministry, Richmond Rockson, who engaged the media in an interview noted that the challenge before his outfit is financing to procure more barrels of fuel.
“The only challenge is financing because when you look at the tariff structure, fuels are not part of the tariff structure, so every now and then, we have to fall on the Ministry of Finance to make provisions for funding,” he said.
Per reports, the barrels of fuel recently purchased are likely to last no more than 16 days. That sets June 4, as the next critical date by which new fuel must arrive, or the country might experience electricity generation shortfall.
Also, the government is working on constructing a second gas processing plant to augment the shortfall and increase supply security.
The Implementation Committee for Ghana’s Second Gas Processing Plant (GPP II) has been inaugurated and has been issued a 4-week timeline to finalise their implementation plan.
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson asserts that the project, which is “long overdue” will enable the country to save “nearly $500 million and create over 1,000 jobs for our people.”
