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.

Climate activists picket African Energy Week in Cape Town
energy and infrastructure|

Climate activists picket African Energy Week in Cape Town

Climate activists converged on the African Energy Week conference in Cape Town on Tuesday to demand an immediate end to new oil and gas exploration across the continent. Demonstrators gathered outside the venue, highlighting the tension between Africa's push for industrialization through fossil fuels and the global urgency of the climate crisis. The protest occurred as energy leaders and policymakers from across Africa and beyond met to discuss the continent's energy future, with activists insisting that a transition to renewable energy is the only sustainable path forward for the region's development. Members of Greenpeace Africa and Extinction Rebellion spearheaded the picket, carrying placards and chanting slogans against continued investment in fossil fuel infrastructure. The groups argued that multinational energy companies and African governments are prioritizing short-term corporate profits over the long-term well-being of local communities. They expressed concerns that expanding oil and gas projects will only lock African nations into carbon-heavy economies while failing to address the energy poverty that affects millions of people. According to the activists, these investments exacerbate environmental degradation and displace vulnerable populations who are already bearing the brunt of climate change. The protest at African Energy Week underscores the growing divide between environmental advocates and proponents of a transition that includes the use of Africa's natural gas reserves. While conference delegates often argue that gas is a necessary bridge fuel for economic growth and electrification, the activists maintained that such a strategy is a false solution that ignores the catastrophic impacts of global warming. As the conference continues, the presence of these demonstrators serves as a reminder of the international pressure on African leaders to align their energy policies with global climate targets and to shift focus toward wind, solar, and other green technologies.

Tema Community 25 residents issue two-week ultimatum to Ghana Water Limited
energy and infrastructure|

Tema Community 25 residents issue two-week ultimatum to Ghana Water Limited

Residents of Tema Community 25 in the Greater Accra Region have issued a stern two-week ultimatum to Ghana Water Limited (GWL), threatening to occupy the utility provider's head office if regular water supply is not restored. The residents, who have struggled with persistent water shortages for several years, expressed deep frustration over the company's inability to provide a stable service despite multiple previous assurances. The community warns that if the situation does not improve within the 14-day window, they will mobilize for a sustained demonstration at the GWL headquarters. The ongoing crisis has forced households to resort to costly alternatives, including the purchase of water from private tankers and the drilling of personal boreholes. Many community members reported spending substantial monthly sums on these alternatives while still receiving bills from GWL for water not delivered. Beyond the financial burden, residents raised alarms regarding fire safety, noting that the lack of water in the community poses a significant risk in the event of an emergency, as hydrants and domestic taps remain dry. The residents have described the billing practices of the utility company as unresponsive and unfair. They highlighted that despite the lack of water flow, they continue to be charged, adding to their financial distress. The community is now demanding urgent intervention from the government to address the technical or administrative failures preventing the flow of water to their taps. They expressed concern that despite the growth of the area, infrastructure development has not kept pace with residential needs. The planned protest, which residents describe as "sleeping at the GWL head office," is intended to force a resolution to the years-long problem. If the two-week deadline expires without a visible improvement in supply or a credible plan for restoration, the community leaders have vowed to follow through with the occupation. This development underscores the growing pressure on Ghana’s utility providers to maintain infrastructure and service standards in rapidly developing urban residential areas.

energy and infrastructure|

Ghana Water Limited to procure 72,000 water meters for billing

Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has announced plans to procure 72,000 water meters to enhance its meter reading and billing operations. The Managing Director of GWL, Adam Mutawakilu, disclosed this initiative during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting on October 13, emphasizing the utility's commitment to improving efficiency in monitoring water consumption across the country. The move is designed to address existing gaps in revenue collection and ensure more accurate tracking of water usage. During the committee session, Mr. Mutawakilu explained that the procurement process has been subject to rigorous testing to ensure that the new equipment meets the highest standards. He noted that previous attempts to acquire meters were delayed because of these stringent testing protocols, which are necessary to prevent the installation of faulty or substandard units. This focus on quality control is intended to bolster the reliability of GWL's billing systems and reduce the frequency of customer disputes over consumption data. Beyond the immediate procurement of 72,000 meters, GWL is looking toward significant technological modernization. Mr. Mutawakilu outlined a strategic goal to implement a remote meter reading system by early 2027. This transition would allow the company to collect consumption data wirelessly, reducing the need for manual readings and minimizing the potential for human error. The shift to remote monitoring is expected to significantly streamline operational workflows and provide real-time insights into the national water distribution network. The ongoing enhancements in meter testing and the planned rollout of new technology reflect GWL's broader efforts to improve its commercial operations and financial sustainability. By ensuring that all new meters are thoroughly vetted and eventually integrated into a remote reading platform, the utility aims to provide a more transparent and efficient service to its customers. These measures are seen as critical steps in reducing non-revenue water and stabilizing the utility's revenue cycle in the coming years.

John Jinapor discusses energy sector investment with Italian Ambassador
energy and infrastructure|

John Jinapor discusses energy sector investment with Italian Ambassador

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has held talks with the Italian Ambassador to Ghana, Laura Ranalli, to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. The high-level meeting focused on identifying strategic investment opportunities and establishing partnerships that align with Ghana’s current energy priorities. Both officials explored ways to attract Italian companies to participate in the development of the nation's energy infrastructure. During the discussions, Dr. Jinapor emphasized the government's commitment to a sustainable green transition and the importance of securing external expertise to achieve these goals. He highlighted that strategic partnerships with Italian firms could provide the necessary technology and capital to unlock new potentials in the sector. The Minister noted that such collaborations are vital for promoting sustainable economic growth and ensuring long-term energy security for the country. Ambassador Ranalli and the Minister also reviewed existing business ties between the two nations, with a focus on fostering a more conducive environment for foreign direct investment. Dr. Jinapor expressed optimism about the future of Ghana-Italy relations, stating that the proposed collaborations would serve as a catalyst for industrial development. The meeting concludes a series of recent diplomatic efforts by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition to diversify international support for Ghana’s evolving energy needs.

energy and infrastructure|

Brent crude oil prices fall to $103.18 per barrel on global markets

International oil prices recorded a significant decrease on global markets following a strategic announcement from Russia regarding its fuel exports. Brent crude, the global benchmark, fell by 1.47 percent to settle at $103.18 per barrel, while United States West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude saw a reduction of $1.54, dropping to a price of $90.31 per barrel. This downward movement provides a notable shift in the energy market, which has been under consistent pressure from high global demand and supply concerns.\n\nThe decline in prices is largely attributed to Russia's decision to increase its diesel supply to the global marketplace. This move has helped to alleviate worries about fuel shortages that had been mounting amid ongoing Middle Eastern tensions. By ensuring a higher volume of diesel is available for international trade, the announcement from Moscow has provided a necessary buffer against the supply constraints that were threatening to push crude prices higher. Market participants have viewed the move as a key factor in stabilizing the energy sector in the short term.\n\nFor oil-importing nations, these fluctuations in international crude prices are critical indicators for economic health and domestic energy costs. While the current reduction offers a reprieve from escalating fuel prices, the inherent volatility of the international market remains a concern for economic planners. As Russia moves forward with its plans to bolster the global diesel supply, the international community will continue to monitor whether this downward trend in energy costs can be sustained or if other geopolitical factors will intervene.

Malawi experiences severe fuel shortage for two weeks
energy and infrastructure|

Malawi experiences severe fuel shortage for two weeks

Malawi is currently grappling with a severe fuel crisis that has persisted for two consecutive weeks, causing significant paralysis across the country's transportation networks and daily economic activities. The shortage has left petrol stations across the nation dry, with the few facilities receiving supplies becoming flashpoints for long, winding queues of frustrated motorists. The situation has created an atmosphere of anxiety as the scarcity shows no immediate signs of resolution. The persistent lack of petrol and diesel has forced many vehicle owners to spend hours, and in some cases entire nights, at filling stations in hopes of securing even a few liters. This disruption has had a ripple effect on the broader economy, as public transport services have become increasingly unreliable and expensive, making it difficult for workers and students to reach their destinations. Small businesses that rely on fuel for generators or delivery services are also reporting significant operational challenges due to the supply gap. Despite the mounting pressure on the Malawian government to address the scarcity, there remains a palpable sense of uncertainty regarding when regular supplies will be restored. Government officials have yet to provide a definitive timeline for the stabilization of the fuel market, leaving citizens to navigate a landscape of scarcity and unpredictable availability. The current situation highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in the nation's energy supply chain and its susceptibility to logistical or financial shocks. As the crisis enters its third week, the social and economic toll on Malawians continues to rise. Observers are closely watching for a comprehensive response from the authorities to secure the necessary arrangements required to replenish national stocks and stabilize the distribution network. For now, the sight of empty pumps and stranded vehicles remains a stark reminder of the energy challenges facing the nation.

energy and infrastructure|

Yinson Production to boost Sankofa FPSO gas capacity for US$600m

Yinson Production has entered into a significant agreement to enhance the gas compression and treatment capabilities of the Sankofa Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. The project, valued at approximately US$600 million, is expected to increase the facility's gas export capacity by more than 60%. This expansion is a key component of Ghana’s strategy to strengthen its domestic energy security and is slated for completion by the first quarter of 2028. The upgrade will take place at the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) field, which is operated by Eni. As part of the new agreement, Yinson Production has secured an extension of its lease for the FPSO until 2036, ensuring long-term operational stability for the field. By improving the infrastructure to handle higher volumes of gas, the project aims to facilitate a more reliable transition from liquid fuels to gas-to-power solutions. The increased supply of domestic gas is anticipated to have a stabilizing effect on electricity tariffs across Ghana. By reducing the energy sector's dependence on expensive imported liquid fuels, the government and utility providers hope to manage costs more effectively. However, the ultimate impact on consumer pricing will depend on the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) and its calculation of the Weighted Average Cost of Gas (WACOG). For these benefits to be fully realized, the government must also ensure that downstream gas processing infrastructure is expanded in tandem with the offshore upgrades. The successful delivery of the Sankofa expansion project is viewed as a vital step in meeting the country's growing demand for electricity while maintaining economic competitiveness through stable utility rates.

energy and infrastructure|

Osie Adza Tekpor VII calls for road repairs to boost Avatime tourism

Osie Adza Tekpor VII, the Paramount Chief of Avatime, has issued a call to the government for the urgent rehabilitation of roads within the Avatime Traditional Area. Speaking at the launch of the 2026 Avatime Amu Festival, the traditional leader lamented the current state of infrastructure, describing it as a major bottleneck for regional economic growth. He emphasized that the deteriorating road network is specifically hindering the development of the area's significant eco-tourism potential, which remains largely untapped due to accessibility challenges. The Paramount Chief highlighted key tourist attractions such as Mount Gemi, noting that while the area possesses unique landmarks, the difficulty in navigating the local roads discourages both domestic and international visitors. He pointed out that roads connecting local communities have suffered years of neglect, leading to severe deterioration. According to Osie Adza Tekpor VII, fixing these roads is essential not only for the daily lives of residents but also for unlocking the revenue-generating capacity of the region's natural heritage. In addition to seeking government intervention, the traditional ruler extended an invitation to corporate investors to explore opportunities within Avatime. He argued that with improved infrastructure, the private sector could find lucrative prospects in the tourism sector. The festival launch event also served as an occasion to honor the memory of the late Pharmacist Harrison Kofi Abutiate, who was recognized for his significant contributions to the development and progress of the Avatime community. As the 2026 Avatime Amu Festival approaches, the call for better roads serves as a reminder of the developmental challenges facing traditional areas. The community remains hopeful that the government will prioritize these infrastructure projects to facilitate easier movement and support the broader national goal of diversifying the economy through tourism. The successful rehabilitation of these routes is seen as a prerequisite for transforming Avatime into a premiere destination.

A crowded transportation hub in Ghana, likely a lorry park, filled with numerous trotros and taxis parked closely together. Market umbrellas are scattered among the vehicles, and people are seen moving through the congested area, illustrating urban transport infrastructure challenges.
energy and infrastructure|

GPRTU raises road infrastructure concerns before TRAFFITECH-GH rollout

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) is calling for significant improvements to road infrastructure before the Ghana Police Service rolls out the TRAFFITECH-GH system. The union's leadership expressed concerns that current road conditions, characterized by missing signs and faded markings, could undermine the effectiveness of the new electronic traffic enforcement initiative. The GPRTU emphasized that for the system to achieve its intended goals, the physical road environment must meet international safety standards to provide clear guidance to motorists, ensuring that the technology is implemented fairly. Samuel Amoah, the Deputy Communications Director for the GPRTU, highlighted specific deficiencies that the union believes must be addressed immediately. These include the lack of visible road signs, pedestrian pathways, and clearly demarcated bus stops in major urban areas. Amoah noted that without designated bus stops, commercial drivers are often forced to pick up or drop off passengers in areas that might be flagged by automated cameras, leading to potentially unfair penalties. The union argues that infrastructure must be functional and legible to ensure that drivers can comply with regulations without confusion. Beyond physical infrastructure, the GPRTU is advocating for a shift in focus from revenue collection to genuine road safety. While the upcoming police enforcement measures will initially target speeding and red-light violations, the union believes that success should be measured by the reduction of accidents rather than the volume of fines issued. Amoah also called for more comprehensive driver education programmes to ensure that all road users understand the technicalities of the TRAFFITECH-GH system and updated traffic regulations before strict enforcement begins. The introduction of TRAFFITECH-GH represents a significant technological shift in Ghana's traffic management strategy, moving toward automated monitoring and ticketing. However, the GPRTU's stance suggests that technological solutions alone may not solve the nation’s road safety challenges without concurrent investment in physical infrastructure. As the police prepare for the rollout, the dialogue between transport unions and law enforcement will be critical in ensuring that the new system is perceived as a fair and effective tool for improving road safety across the country.

COPEC advocates for cedi payments for crude oil at local refineries
energy and infrastructure|

COPEC advocates for cedi payments for crude oil at local refineries

The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) is calling for a policy shift to allow local refineries in Ghana to purchase crude oil using the Ghana Cedi instead of the United States Dollar. Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah argues that this transition is necessary to alleviate the persistent pressure on the foreign exchange market and to provide a measure of stability for the local currency. By transacting in the national currency, COPEC believes the energy sector can become more resilient against the volatility of international market pricing. According to COPEC, the current requirement for refineries to pay for crude oil in dollars creates a logistical and financial mismatch. Refineries typically sell their finished petroleum products on the domestic market in cedis, but the need to acquire dollars for their primary feedstock forces them to compete with other sectors for limited foreign exchange reserves. Duncan Amoah emphasized that this competition not only weakens the cedi but also creates unnecessary operational hurdles for local refiners, which can ultimately lead to higher prices at the pumps for Ghanaian consumers. This proposal comes at a time when there is a renewed national focus on enhancing domestic refining capabilities to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on imported fuel. COPEC maintains that aligning the currency of purchase with the currency of sale would provide a natural hedge for refineries. It would also safeguard the domestic economy from the immediate shocks of international currency fluctuations, which have historically been a significant driver of inflation in the transport and energy sectors. The advocacy by COPEC suggests that such a move would be a critical step toward achieving energy security and economic sovereignty. By decoupling local production from constant dollar demand, the government could potentially see a more stable exchange rate environment. Moving forward, the chamber expects policymakers and the central bank to consider the feasibility of this arrangement as part of broader efforts to strengthen the local refining industry and protect the purchasing power of the average Ghanaian.

A portrait photograph of Kwasi Agyeman Busia, the Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in Ghana. He is wearing a blue suit jacket over a light blue collared shirt and has a small gold-colored pin on his lapel.
energy and infrastructure|

DVLA contributes GH₵98.1m to public funds for 2025 fiscal year

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has achieved a significant financial milestone by contributing a total of GH₵98.1 million to mandatory public funds during the 2025 fiscal year. This record-breaking figure represents the highest annual contribution in the authority's history, reflecting a robust performance in revenue mobilization. These statutory payments are designed to support national development goals and provide the necessary capital for essential public services and infrastructure. Of the total amount contributed, GH₵80.4 million was allocated to the Road Fund. This specific fund is critical for the financing of road maintenance and the development of transportation infrastructure across the country. By providing this substantial sum, the DVLA directly supports the government's efforts to improve the national road network, ensuring that maintenance projects can proceed without the delays often caused by funding gaps. In addition to the infrastructure support, the DVLA transferred GH₵17.7 million to the Consolidated Fund. This central government account is the primary repository for state revenue and is used to manage a wide range of national expenditures. These contributions are a vital component of the government's broader strategy to enhance domestic revenue collection and reduce reliance on external financing for day-to-day administrative costs. The record contribution underscores the DVLA's evolving role as a major contributor to Ghana's fiscal stability. As the authority continues to modernize its licensing and registration processes, the resulting efficiency has translated into higher revenue yields for the state. This financial support is expected to play a key role in sustaining the government's infrastructure agenda through the remainder of the 2025 fiscal year and beyond.

Alexander Afenyo-Markin proposes three major reforms to stabilise ECG
energy and infrastructure|

Alexander Afenyo-Markin proposes three major reforms to stabilise ECG

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has challenged the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to abandon its reliance on frequent electricity tariff increases in favour of deep-seated structural reforms. Speaking during an engagement with ECG management and former executives, Afenyo-Markin argued that price adjustments alone cannot resolve the utility provider’s financial distress. He emphasized that the company must instead prioritize revenue collection, financial discipline, and the aggressive reduction of operational losses to ensure long-term sustainability. The Minority Leader outlined three priority measures intended to stabilise the energy sector’s financial health. These include the strict enforcement of the Cash Waterfall Mechanism to ensure transparent revenue distribution and the renegotiation of legacy power purchase agreements (PPAs) to reduce excessive financial obligations. Additionally, he called for a mechanism for the timely settlement of public-sector electricity bills, involving clear verification and oversight to prevent the further accumulation of government debt to the utility. The engagement followed a luncheon hosted by ECG management to recognise Afenyo-Markin’s brief but impactful tenure as the company's Board Chairman. During the meeting, ECG officials commended his focus on enhancing accountability and operational efficiency. However, the discussions also highlighted the magnitude of current challenges. While the ECG has reported revenue growth and a reduction in losses, management noted that these gains were significantly influenced by accounting gains rather than purely operational improvements, underscoring the need for the reforms Afenyo-Markin advocated. Beyond financial mechanisms, Afenyo-Markin urged ECG to adopt modern technology to curb technical and commercial losses. He recommended the widespread introduction of smart meters and digital payment systems, alongside stricter procurement controls to manage costs. He concluded that the electricity sector must move toward a model of operational excellence that does not pass its inefficiencies onto Ghanaian consumers, stressing that true reform is the only path to creating a robust and accountable national institution.