Ghana Energy & Infrastructure News

Follow Ghana's energy and infrastructure story: electricity supply and the power grid, ECG and dumsor, fuel prices, oil and gas, and the road, rail, and port projects reshaping the country. Curated from Ghana's leading newsrooms and updated through the day, newest first.

energy and infrastructure|

Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly plans dedicated cycling lanes

The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has announced plans to construct the city's first dedicated bicycle lanes as part of a broader strategy to enhance urban mobility and promote active transport. Supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this initiative represents a significant step toward modernizing the transport landscape of the Western Regional capital. By prioritizing cycling infrastructure, the assembly aims to provide residents with a more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to motorized transport, aligning with global trends in urban planning that favor reduced carbon emissions and healthier lifestyles. A primary driver of the project is the improvement of road safety, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and pedestrians. The new infrastructure will specifically target high-traffic zones, including areas surrounding schools and local markets, where the risk of accidents involving non-motorized users is traditionally higher. By creating separated spaces for cyclists, the STMA hopes to significantly reduce the frequency of collisions and foster a culture of road safety. Officials emphasize that these lanes are intended to offer a "dignified and accessible" transport option, ensuring that those who choose to cycle or walk can do so with greater security and comfort. To ensure the project's long-term viability and technical soundness, the assembly is currently conducting specialized training sessions for various stakeholders. These sessions focus on effective road design and the specific considerations necessary to create a truly integrated and safe transport network. Participants, including engineers and urban planners, are learning how to incorporate features that cater to the diverse needs of road users while maintaining the overall flow of traffic. This educational component is seen as vital for building local capacity and ensuring that the final infrastructure effectively serves the Sekondi-Takoradi community. As the project progresses, it is expected to serve as a blueprint for other Ghanaian cities seeking to implement similar active mobility solutions.

Shell sells Nigerian domestic gas distribution group to Vaaris Energy
energy and infrastructure|

Shell sells Nigerian domestic gas distribution group to Vaaris Energy

Shell has officially entered into an agreement to divest its entire interest in the Shell Nigeria Gas Group to Vaaris Energy. This strategic move marks a significant shift in Shell's operations within the West African sub-region, specifically targeting its domestic gas distribution network in Nigeria. The agreement encompasses the management and operations of a business that serves as a critical link in the country’s industrial energy supply chain, ensuring that natural gas reaches key commercial hubs. The Shell Nigeria Gas Group has been a prominent player in Nigeria’s energy landscape, focusing on the downstream distribution of gas to industrial and commercial customers. By handing over these interests to Vaaris Energy, Shell is continuing its global trend of streamlining its portfolio to focus on specific core assets. Vaaris Energy, as the acquiring entity, is expected to take over the existing infrastructure and contractual obligations, ensuring continuity for the numerous industries that rely on this gas supply for their daily operations. While specific financial details of the transaction were not immediately disclosed in the announcement, the deal represents a major acquisition for Vaaris Energy. The transition process is expected to involve regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions typical of large-scale energy divestments in the region. This move follows a series of similar divestments by international oil companies in Nigeria as they navigate changing global energy priorities and local operational environments. The sale of the Shell Nigeria Gas Group highlights the evolving dynamics of the Nigerian energy market, where indigenous and smaller international players are increasingly taking up roles previously held by major global corporations. As Shell refocuses its investments, the successful integration of these gas distribution assets by Vaaris Energy will be crucial for maintaining stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy sector. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see how this change in ownership impacts gas pricing and infrastructure development in the coming years.

A man, likely Ghana's Energy Minister, sits on a white chair during an 'African Energy' event or conference. He is dressed in a dark pinstriped traditional attire with a conference lanyard around his neck. The setting includes a purple background and water bottles on a side table.
energy and infrastructure|

John Abdulai Jinapor announces $3.5bn upstream petroleum investment

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has announced that Ghana has secured US$3.5 billion in investment commitments for its upstream petroleum sector. Speaking at the African Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa, the Minister revealed that these funds are specifically earmarked for expanding existing operations and drilling new oil wells across the country's offshore basins. The announcement signals a significant boost for the industry as the government seeks to reverse declining production trends. Dr. Jinapor attributed the influx of capital to the government's sustained efforts to restore investor confidence through comprehensive legal and fiscal reforms. These measures are designed to create a more stable and attractive environment for international oil companies to commit long-term resources. The Minister emphasized that the multi-billion-dollar commitments are a direct result of ongoing engagement with industry stakeholders and a clear policy direction established under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama. Beyond exploration and production, the Minister underscored the strategic importance of domestic value addition. He stated that the government is prioritizing the local refining of crude oil to support industrialization and enhance national energy security. By processing petroleum resources within Ghana, the administration aims to stimulate job creation and reduce the country's reliance on imported refined products, which is expected to stabilize the local economy. This investment drive represents a central pillar of Ghana's strategy to maximize its natural resource potential for national development. Dr. Jinapor expressed the government's determination to ensure that these investments translate into tangible benefits for the Ghanaian people, reaffirming a commitment to transparency and sustainable development in the management of the nation's petroleum wealth as new wells begin to come online.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery reports GH‵4.73bn profit for nine months of 2026
energy and infrastructure|

Dangote Petroleum Refinery reports GH‵4.73bn profit for nine months of 2026

Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a net profit of $4.73 billion for the first nine months of 2026, marking a major financial turnaround for the massive industrial complex. This performance represents a significant recovery from the $117.2 million loss recorded during the same period in the previous year. The announcement comes as the refinery prepares for its initial public offering (IPO), signaling a shift from its intensive construction phase into a period of robust commercial viability and growth. The refinery’s financial surge was underpinned by a dramatic increase in revenue, which climbed to $22.48 billion from $9.19 billion year-on-year. This growth was driven by rising regional demand for refined petroleum products and the facility’s improved crude processing capabilities. Management attributed the success to stronger refining margins and the transition to sustainable operational efficiency, which has allowed the plant to capture a larger share of the West African fuel market. Amid these strong financial results, the refinery has extended the application period for its $1.6 billion IPO to October 27. The decision to move the deadline follows reports of high investor interest, with the company seeking to capitalize on its recent profitability to attract further capital. The funds raised through this public offering are earmarked for strategic expansion and debt management as the company scales its operations. Looking ahead, the $20 billion refinery aims to more than double its current output capacity, targeting a production level of 1.4 million barrels per day by 2029. This expansion is designed to eliminate Nigeria’s long-standing reliance on imported petroleum products and position the nation as a net exporter of fuel. The successful profit margin recorded in 2026 is seen by industry analysts as a critical milestone in proving the long-term feasibility of Aliko Dangote’s ambitious infrastructure project.

PIAC projects 2026 petroleum revenue to exceed $1bn
energy and infrastructure|

PIAC projects 2026 petroleum revenue to exceed $1bn

The Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) has revised its 2026 petroleum revenue projection upward, forecasting that Ghana will earn more than $1 billion from its oil resources. This updated outlook represents a significant increase from the committee's previous estimate of $985 million issued in April. The upward revision is primarily driven by surging global crude oil prices, which have been influenced by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. PIAC Chairman Richard Ellimah highlighted that while the rise in international oil prices promises a windfall for the national treasury, it presents a complex challenge for the domestic economy. Because Ghana remains heavily reliant on imported refined petroleum products, the same market forces that boost government revenue also threaten to drive up the cost of fuel at local pumps. Ellimah noted that this dependency leaves the Ghanaian consumer vulnerable to external shocks, offsetting some of the benefits of being an oil-producing nation. To address these vulnerabilities, the committee is advocating for a strategic expansion of domestic oil production and refining capabilities. Ellimah emphasized that increasing local output is essential to mitigating the risks associated with import dependency. By strengthening the domestic value chain, PIAC suggests the government could better protect citizens from volatile international prices while ensuring that the projected $1 billion in revenue translates into tangible economic stability and relief for the broader population.

The image displays the official logo of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMC) in Ghana. The logo features the acronym 'COMC' in bold gray font with a flame graphic in red, green, and gold colors, followed by the organization's full name in black capital letters on a plain white background.
energy and infrastructure|

Petrol and diesel prices to fall in second October pricing window

Ghanaian motorists and businesses are expected to see a slight reduction in fuel costs starting October 16, 2026. According to projections from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), petrol and diesel prices are set to decline during the second pricing window of the month. Petrol is expected to retail at approximately GH‵17.67 per litre, representing a drop of about 1.67%, while diesel prices are projected to fall by 3.32% to reach GH‵19.30 per litre. While transport fuels are trending downwards, consumers of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) face a significant price hike. Projections indicate that LPG costs will surge by 18.50%, bringing the price to GH‵20.60 per kilogramme. This sharp increase in cooking gas prices is expected to offset some of the financial relief gained from lower petrol and diesel costs, particularly impacting households and small businesses that rely heavily on gas for energy. The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has responded to these market shifts by adjusting the minimum price floors for the window. The floor for petrol has been lowered to GH‵16.09 per litre from GH‵16.45, and the diesel floor has been reduced to GH‵17.09 from GH‵17.97. Conversely, reflecting the upward trend in gas costs, the price floor for LPG has been raised significantly to GH‵13.87 per kilogramme, up from GH‵11.10. These regulatory benchmarks are intended to guide market competition and pricing strategies among oil marketing companies. Several factors are driving these fluctuations, including international market developments and recent government subsidies. Despite a 2.03% increase in average crude oil prices to US$126.73 per barrel, local fuel prices have managed a slight dip due to specific market adjustments. However, the continued depreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar—which fell by 1.61% during the period—remains a significant concern. This currency volatility threatens to undermine the benefits of falling international prices by increasing the overall cost of importing refined petroleum products into the country.

Mark Kurt Nawaane assures KATH Mother and Baby Unit contractors of payment
energy and infrastructure|

Mark Kurt Nawaane assures KATH Mother and Baby Unit contractors of payment

Mark Kurt Nawaane, the Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee on Health, has urged contractors at the stalled Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) Mother and Baby Unit to remain hopeful regarding government payments. The project has been suspended for approximately 14 months due to financial issues, leaving the critical healthcare infrastructure unfinished. During a visit by the parliamentary committee to the site, Nawaane emphasized that despite current funding challenges affecting various public projects, the government remains committed to honoring its financial obligations to ensure the facility’s completion. The Consultant Project Manager for the unit, Emmanuel Fobi Asabere, expressed serious concerns about the impact of the prolonged delay on construction materials. According to Asabere, while physical construction is 56% complete and 75% of procurement has been finished, the 14-month hiatus has led to visible deterioration of on-site materials. He warned that the delay is causing defects in specialized equipment and could lead to the loss of manufacturer warranties, potentially increasing the overall project cost and further complicating the construction timeline. The redesigned facility is expected to provide 509 beds, significantly enhancing maternal and child healthcare capacity at KATH. Nawaane encouraged the contractors to resume the installation of already procured materials where possible to mitigate further damage from exposure and environmental factors. He assured the project team that the Health Committee would continue to engage with relevant authorities to facilitate the release of funds and resolve outstanding financial disputes that have halted progress. This intervention by the parliamentary committee aims to address the deadlock that has stalled the expansion of KATH’s maternal services. Nawaane expressed confidence that collaborative efforts between the government and the contractors would eventually secure the project's completion. The Mother and Baby Unit is seen as a vital project for reducing neonatal and maternal mortality in the Ashanti Region, and its resumption is considered a high priority for both the health sector and the community.

Saudi Arabia supply risks drive Brent crude to $106.58
energy and infrastructure|

Saudi Arabia supply risks drive Brent crude to $106.58

Global oil prices rose on Wednesday as traders assessed significant supply risks arising from the ongoing conflict between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia. Brent crude futures increased by 89 cents, or 0.8%, to reach $106.58 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose by 80 cents to settle at $94.94 a barrel. The price hike reflects growing market anxiety over the stability of energy exports from the Middle East, a region critical to global fuel supplies. The surge in prices follows recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities and repeated strikes targeting Riyadh’s international airport. While Saudi Arabia has attempted to mitigate these disruptions by increasing oil production, the geopolitical turmoil continues to weigh heavily on market sentiment. Market analysts from Nissan Securities noted that while supply risks are driving prices upward, the market is also monitoring the flow of Russian diesel exports, which may prevent even more drastic price fluctuations. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed grave concern over these developments, with Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warning that attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure could negatively impact the global economy. This trend poses a particular threat to countries like Ghana, which are already grappling with energy price shocks. Rising international crude prices typically lead to higher domestic fuel costs, placing additional inflationary pressure on both households and businesses. In addition to the Saudi-Yemen conflict, other regional factors are influencing the market, including reports of shifting tactics by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz to maintain high prices. Meanwhile, Russia has maintained that its diesel export agreements remain independent of its diplomatic situation regarding Ukraine. As these multi-faceted geopolitical tensions persist, the global community remains on high alert for further impacts on energy security and the cost of living.

A group of people, including community members and officials, are gathered around a manual water pump on a concrete platform in a rural setting. The scene depicts a site visit or sensitization meeting involving infrastructure development within a Ghanaian district.
energy and infrastructure|

Mpohor-Fiase District Assembly starts campaign for 18 WATSAN committees

The Mpohor-Fiase District Assembly has initiated a comprehensive sensitisation campaign across 18 communities to facilitate the establishment of Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) Committees. This proactive measure is designed to ensure the effective oversight, maintenance, and long-term sustainability of several new borehole facilities recently constructed in the district. By engaging directly with residents, the Assembly aims to foster a sense of local ownership over the essential infrastructure provided through public funds. The water projects were financed through a combination of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) and support from the local Member of Parliament. Communities targeted in this initial phase of sensitisation include Bowobrayie and Anhweim, among several others. During the outreach sessions, Assembly officials are educating residents on the specific roles and responsibilities of WATSAN Committees, which range from routine technical maintenance to the financial management of water usage fees intended for future repairs. The Assembly has emphasized that the formation of these committees is a prerequisite for the official commissioning of the water systems. By requiring communities to organize themselves ahead of time, the local government ensures that there is a dedicated body accountable for the water supply from the very first day of operation. This strategy is part of a broader effort to enhance sustainable access to safe drinking water and ensure that capital investments in rural infrastructure yield lasting health and social benefits for the district’s population.

Ghana to stop buying liquid fuels for power generation next year
energy and infrastructure|

John Jinapor aims to end liquid fuel procurement for power by 2027

Energy Minister John Jinapor has announced that Ghana intends to stop the procurement of liquid fuels, including diesel and heavy fuel oil, for electricity generation by 2027. This strategic pivot is part of a broader national energy transition designed to replace expensive, carbon-intensive fuels with domestic natural gas and imports from Nigeria. By transitioning the power sector toward gas, the government aims to reduce the overall cost of electricity production while enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the national grid. The shift is seen as a crucial step in aligning Ghana's energy landscape with regional and international sustainability targets. The financial benefits of this transition are already significant, with the Ministry of Energy reporting savings of approximately $500 million over the past year. These savings have been achieved by prioritizing the use of domestic gas and optimizing existing processing facilities, which reduces the need for costly foreign fuel imports. As electricity demand in Ghana continues to rise, the government is focused on creating a resilient energy framework that can support industrial and residential growth without the financial volatility associated with global oil markets. This cost-reduction strategy is expected to provide much-needed stability for the energy sector. To support the 2027 target, several major infrastructure projects are currently in development. A key component of this plan is a 278-kilometre pipeline project that will facilitate more efficient gas distribution across the country. Additionally, the government has set a target of achieving 50% Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) adoption within the next three years to further modernize the nation's energy consumption. These infrastructure investments are intended to complement the power generation shift, providing a robust backbone for the country’s long-term energy security and ensuring that natural gas remains the primary driver of development. This national strategy also reflects broader regional trends across West Africa, where countries like Senegal are also prioritizing domestic gas supply to fuel their economies. The African Energy Chamber has voiced support for these developments, emphasizing that natural gas is an essential resource for Africa's industrialization and economic independence. By strengthening regional cooperation and building cross-border infrastructure, Ghana and its neighbors are working to create a secure energy network that can withstand supply disruptions. The continued focus on domestic resource development is expected to foster sustainable economic progress and energy sovereignty for the years to come.

Officials of the Energy Commission, the Ghana Standards Authority and the Ghana National Fire Service with some of the newly certified electrical wiring professionals
energy and infrastructure|

Energy Commission urges 884 new electricians to adopt solar technology

The Energy Commission of Ghana has called on 884 newly certified electrical wiring professionals to expand their expertise into emerging fields such as electric vehicle (EV) charging and solar installations. Speaking at the 25th graduation ceremony held in Tamale, the Commission underscored the necessity for practitioners to stay relevant as the national energy landscape shifts toward renewable technologies. The ceremony celebrated the success of candidates who completed their qualifying assessments earlier this year. The graduating class emerged from the May/June 2026 Electrical Wiring Certification Examination, where 884 out of 1,036 candidates successfully passed, representing an 85% success rate. Adolf Nii Ashong, the Manager for Electricity and Natural Gas Regulation at the Energy Commission, noted that the industry is rapidly evolving. He encouraged the new professionals to embrace battery storage technologies alongside solar and EV systems to meet modern consumer demands and contribute to the country's energy transition goals. In addition to technical skill sets, the Commission emphasized the critical importance of maintaining high professional standards. Mr. Ashong warned against shortcuts and substandard practices, which remain major contributors to electrical hazards and domestic fires. To support the shift in industry needs, he announced that a new syllabus is currently under development for future certifications, ensuring that the next generation of electricians is fully equipped for modern infrastructure challenges. To further safeguard the industry, the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has enhanced its oversight capabilities in the northern region. The GSA recently equipped its Tamale office with a dedicated cable testing machine, designed to identify and remove substandard electrical cables from the market. This initiative, combined with the certification of skilled professionals, aims to improve overall safety and reliability in Ghana’s expanding electrical and renewable energy sectors.

Fire outbreak at GRIDCo's Mallam Substation disrupts power supply in parts of Accra
energy and infrastructure|

GRIDCo Mallam substation fire causes power outages in Accra

A fire at the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) substation in Mallam during the early hours of Monday, October 14, 2026, resulted in widespread power outages across several parts of Accra. The incident, which occurred at approximately 2:36 a.m., disrupted electricity supply to major residential and commercial hubs, including Lapaz, Anyaa, Awoshie, and Mallam. According to GRIDCo, the blaze primarily affected a transformer and critical control boards, necessitating immediate intervention from the Ghana National Fire Service to prevent further damage to the facility's infrastructure. Firefighters from the Adjen Kotoku and Amasaman fire stations were dispatched to the scene and successfully contained the inferno. Their prompt response prevented the fire from spreading to other high-voltage installations within the substation. While the immediate danger was neutralized, the damage to the transmission equipment caused an automatic shutdown of supply lines to the western parts of the capital. GRIDCo’s technical teams were deployed shortly after to assess the extent of the destruction and begin the process of rerouting power to the affected districts. By the afternoon, GRIDCo reported that power had been partially restored to most of the affected communities. However, engineers are still working to replace the damaged transformer and repair the control boards to bring the substation back to full capacity. The company issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience caused to residents and businesses, thanking the public for their patience during the emergency repairs. A formal investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the fire, although preliminary reports suggest a technical fault in one of the transformers may have been the trigger. As the national grid operator, GRIDCo’s Mallam substation serves as a vital link in the distribution of electricity from generation plants to distribution firms serving the Greater Accra Region. The company has assured the public that technical assessments are ongoing to ensure the long-term stability of the transmission network in the area. Until the replacement transformer is fully commissioned and integrated, technical teams will continue to monitor the national transmission system to maintain stability and prevent further disruptions.