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.

ECG converts 44,928 Huawei prepaid meters to postpaid units
energy and infrastructure|

ECG converts 44,928 Huawei prepaid meters to postpaid units

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has commenced the reprogramming of 44,928 Huawei prepaid meters into postpaid units to address technical incompatibilities. The meters, valued at GH‵42.7 million, were found to be non-compliant with the company's current Meter Management System (MMS). This move aims to salvage the utility provider's investment and ensure the devices continue to serve consumers rather than being discarded as obsolete hardware. These meters were originally installed between 2022 and 2024 as part of a modernization drive. However, following their rollout, it became apparent that the hardware could not interface correctly with the centralized management software used by ECG to monitor prepaid transactions. The issue was brought to light during parliamentary proceedings, prompting officials to explain why such a significant quantity of equipment required replacement or modification so soon after procurement. ECG management defended the original purchase, noting that the procurement process was fully sanctioned by the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA). Officials attributed the incompatibility to rapid technological advancements that outpaced the meters' integration capabilities during the installation period. They emphasized that by redeploying the devices as postpaid meters, the company is effectively preventing a total financial loss to the state, as the hardware remains fully functional for recording electricity consumption under a different billing format. The repurposed meters will be deployed as part of a pilot program in selected communities across the country. While the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament has requested further documentation to verify the successful redeployment of these units, ECG maintains that the strategy is the most efficient way to utilize the existing inventory. This transition allows the company to focus on its newer metering standards while still deriving value from the GH‵42.7 million expenditure.

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie designates court for petroleum diversion cases
energy and infrastructure|

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie designates court for petroleum diversion cases

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has officially designated the Achimota Court as the specialized venue for prosecuting cases related to the diversion of petroleum products. The announcement was made by Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), during a session with Parliament's Public Accounts Committee. The move is designed to enhance the efficiency of the legal process and ensure that individuals or companies found flouting regulations in the downstream petroleum sector face swift and specialized justice. According to the NPA, the decision follows extensive engagement between the authority and the Office of the Chief Justice to address the growing challenge of petroleum diversion. This practice, which involves the unauthorized rerouting of fuel intended for specific destinations, often results in significant tax revenue losses for the state and disruptions in the fuel supply chain. By centralizing these cases at the Achimota Court, the judiciary aims to create a more streamlined and expert handling of technical evidence common in energy-related offences. The legal framework governing these prosecutions is established under the National Petroleum Authority Act. Convicted offenders face severe penalties, including fines ranging from 2,500 to 5,000 penalty units, imprisonment for terms between two and five years, or both. Mr. Tamakloe emphasized that the designation of a specific court would serve as a deterrent to petroleum service providers and other industry actors who might attempt to circumvent the law. This judicial initiative marks a significant step in the effort to sanitize the petroleum downstream industry. By providing the NPA with a dedicated legal avenue, the state expects to improve its success rate in prosecutions and recover losses incurred through illicit activities. The specialization is also expected to reduce the backlog of cases in traditional courts, allowing for faster resolution of industry-specific disputes and a more consistent application of sentencing guidelines for petroleum-related crimes.

ECG attributes Ashanti Region power outages to Ridge BSP cable fault
energy and infrastructure|

ECG attributes Ashanti Region power outages to Ridge BSP cable fault

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has identified an underground cable fault at the Ridge Bulk Supply Point (BSP) in Kumasi as a primary cause of recent power outages across parts of the Ashanti Region. The disruption has significantly affected several communities, including Abuakwa and Sepaase, leading to intermittent supply issues. ECG engineers are currently on-site working to resolve the underground cable faults and complete necessary repairs to restore reliable power to the affected areas. During a Regulatory and Reliability Performance Monitoring Meeting with the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), ECG officials explained that the regional power situation is further compounded by failures on the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) network. Specifically, officials noted that transformer failures and blasts on the GRIDCo network have contributed to the instability. Furthermore, ongoing infrastructure upgrades being carried out by both GRIDCo and ECG are placing additional operational constraints on the existing power distribution system. ECG has issued an apology to its customers for the inconvenience caused by these technical challenges and technical failures. In the meeting with the PURC, there was a strong emphasis on the need for better communication between utility providers and the public. This includes ensuring that residents are kept informed about service updates and the progress of repair works to manage expectations during periods of instability. The utility provider assured stakeholders that efforts are being expedited to improve electricity supply and reliability in the region. As these upgrades continue, the ECG aims to enhance the resilience of the local grid to prevent future occurrences of similar faults. The meeting with the PURC serves as part of a broader monitoring effort to ensure that utility companies maintain service delivery standards despite technical and infrastructural hurdles.

energy and infrastructure|

Star Oil reduces petrol prices to GH₵16.45 per litre

Several Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in Ghana have commenced a reduction in retail fuel prices for the second pricing window of October 2026. Star Oil, one of the prominent distributors in the country, has led the downward adjustment by lowering its petrol price from GH₵16.64 to GH₵16.45 per litre. This move provides a marginal reprieve for motorists and transport operators as the industry reacts to recent shifts in both domestic and international market dynamics. While petrol and diesel prices are trending downward, consumers using Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) are facing a different reality. Domestic gas prices are projected to rise significantly, with an expected increase of over 18%. This surge could see LPG prices reach approximately GH₵20.60 per kilogramme, driven largely by international market pressures. The diverging paths of transport fuels and cooking gas highlight the complex pricing environment currently managed by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA). The recent price adjustments are occurring against a backdrop of high global energy costs, with crude oil prices averaging US$126.73 per barrel. Domestically, the Ghanaian cedi has continued to depreciate against the US dollar, adding further pressure to the local pricing structure. Despite these headwinds, the reduction in petrol prices at the pump is being attributed to a combination of government interventions and intense competition among the various OMCs operating in the Ghanaian market. Looking ahead, the final cost of fuel at retail outlets across the country will continue to be influenced by the NPA's minimum pricing regulations and the ongoing volatility of the exchange rate. While the current window offers some relief at the pump, the anticipated spike in LPG costs remains a point of concern for households and small businesses. Analysts suggest that future price stability will depend heavily on the cedi's performance and the stability of global oil supply chains in the coming weeks.

The image displays several green and gold Aayalolo BRT buses parked in a paved transit terminal under a cloudy sky. The foreground focuses on a green bus with registration number GS 5197-18 and vehicle number 169, while other buses and transit workers are visible in the background.
energy and infrastructure|

GAPTE increases Aayalolo bus fleet for Accra contra-flow service

The Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE) is intensifying efforts to expand its bus fleet to support the growing demand for the Aayalolo contra-flow service. Since its launch on September 29, 2026, the initiative has seen significant success, currently transporting over 8,000 passengers daily across major corridors in the capital. Managing Director Dawuda Awudu announced that the expansion is necessary to sustain the system's efficiency and meet the needs of the increasing number of commuters opting for the service. To bolster the fleet, GAPTE is pursuing a two-pronged strategy of repairing grounded vehicles and negotiating the acquisition of additional buses. The contra-flow system, which operates on the Adenta, Amasaman, and Kasoa corridors, has drastically improved travel times for workers, students, and traders. Notably, the journey from Adenta to the Central Business District (CBD), which previously took up to two hours during peak traffic, has been reduced to approximately 28 minutes. This improved reliability is intended to encourage private vehicle owners to leave their cars at home and utilize public transport. Mr. Awudu emphasized that the Aayalolo contra-flow service is a mobility-driven initiative rather than a profit-oriented venture. The primary objective remains the reduction of traffic congestion and the enhancement of public transport reliability in Greater Accra. While the current results are promising, the Managing Director noted that further expansion of the service to other routes will depend on the availability of resources and ensuring the safety of all road users. He called for continued cooperation from transport stakeholders to maintain the advantages gained since the program's inception.

John Abdulai Jinapor announces 30% surge in Ghana's crude oil production
energy and infrastructure|

John Abdulai Jinapor announces 30% surge in Ghana's crude oil production

Ghana’s crude oil production has recorded a significant 30% increase in 2026, marking a pivotal turnaround after five consecutive years of declining output. Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, announced the rebound, attributing the growth to strategic interventions and renewed investor confidence within the petroleum sector. This resurgence signals a robust recovery for the industry, which had struggled with dwindling volumes and limited new activity since 2021. The production surge follows a landmark $2 billion investment agreement between the Government of Ghana and Kosmos Energy, along with its partners. The deal included an extension of the operational licences for the Jubilee and TEN offshore oilfields until 2040. Speaking at the African Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa, Dr. Jinapor explained that the capital injection has facilitated enhanced drilling activities and technical optimizations across these primary assets, effectively reversing the previous downward trend through intensive field development. Beyond the increase in oil volumes, the Minister highlighted the positive impact on the country's energy security and economic stability. The growth in oil production has concurrently boosted the domestic gas supply, which is critical for national power generation and industrial use. To sustain this momentum, the government is implementing further reforms to streamline the petroleum sector, aiming to make it more competitive and attractive to global investors by improving the ease of doing business. Looking ahead, Kosmos Energy is scheduled to launch a new drilling campaign in mid-2027, which is expected to further consolidate production levels and extend the lifespan of the country's oil reserves. Dr. Jinapor reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering an investor-friendly environment through transparent policies and regulatory stability. This recovery is viewed as a vital component of the broader economic strategy to leverage natural resources for sustainable development and provide a reliable foundation for the nation's energy transition goals.

Ghana secures €323m to tackle water shortages in Tamale, Yendi and Damongo
energy and infrastructure|

Finance Ministry secures €323m for Northern water project

The Finance Ministry has secured a €323 million financing package to address persistent water shortages and sanitation challenges in the Northern Region. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson finalized the agreement following a meeting with European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle during the IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand. The initiative, officially known as the Northern Ghana Water and Sanitation Project, will specifically target urban and peri-urban populations in Tamale, Yendi, and Damongo. The total financing includes a €225 million concessional loan from the EIB, complemented by significant grant funding to ease the country’s debt obligations. The European Commission is contributing a €68 million grant, while an additional €30 million grant has been secured from Invest International. Dr. Forson noted that this combined approach of grants and low-interest facilities is designed to improve water infrastructure without placing an undue burden on the national treasury. Key components of the project involve substantial infrastructure upgrades to water supply systems and the construction of new faecal sludge treatment facilities. These developments are expected to benefit approximately 1.4 million people in northern Ghana. By expanding the reach of clean water and modernizing waste management, the project seeks to reduce environmental pollution and significantly improve public health outcomes in the beneficiary communities. Beyond immediate utility provision, the project is structured to bolster climate resilience in a region prone to seasonal droughts. Under the leadership of President John Mahama, the government has prioritized the Northern Ghana Water and Sanitation Project as a cornerstone of its regional development agenda. Officials emphasize that the project will not only provide relief to residents but also create a more stable environment for local economic activities and urban expansion.

UMaT delegation visits Tema Oil Refinery to bridge industry-academia gap
energy and infrastructure|

UMaT delegation visits Tema Oil Refinery to bridge industry-academia gap

A high-level delegation from the School of Petroleum Studies at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) visited the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to establish a strategic partnership between the academic institution and the energy industry. The meeting, held with the Managing Director of TOR, Edmond Kombat, focused on creating a framework to align petroleum studies with the practical realities of refinery operations. This initiative aims to ensure that students and faculty remain at the forefront of industrial advancements while providing the refinery with academic support. The UMaT delegation featured prominent academic figures, including the Dean of the School of Petroleum Studies, Professor Richard Amorin. He was joined by Associate Professor Harrison Osei, Associate Professor Ohenewaa K. Dankwa, and Dr. Ato Fanyin-Martin. The presence of these senior faculty members underscores the university's commitment to integrating professional development and industrial exposure into its curriculum, ensuring that graduates are better equipped for the Ghanaian energy market. Discussions during the visit centered on bridging the gap between theoretical education and technical application. By fostering closer ties with TOR, the university seeks to enhance its research capabilities and provide students with vital hands-on experience within a functioning refinery environment. Managing Director Edmond Kombat expressed openness to the collaboration, recognizing the value of academic insights in optimizing industrial processes and addressing the evolving challenges of the petroleum sector. This partnership represents a critical step in strengthening the synergy between Ghana’s educational institutions and its industrial base. As the energy sector continues to grow under the current administration, such collaborations are expected to play a pivotal role in developing a highly skilled workforce. Both TOR and UMaT intend to continue these dialogues to formalize programs for internships, joint research, and technical exchange that will benefit both the refinery and the next generation of petroleum professionals.

A large group of delegates pose for a photograph at the Walk21 Regional Dialogues Africa conference held at the University of Cape Coast. The participants are gathered in front of a large event banner that features the University of Cape Coast logo and photos of key speakers including the Vice-Chancellor and the Ghanaian Minister for Transport.
energy and infrastructure|

Walk21 urges African nations to prioritise walking in urban planning

Walk21, a global charity dedicated to promoting walking, has called on African governments to integrate pedestrian infrastructure into urban planning to enhance public health and social inclusivity. Speaking at the Walk21 Regional Dialogue held in Cape Coast, the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Bronwyn Thornton, emphasized that walking remains the most fundamental form of transport and must be prioritised in national development agendas. The event convened government officials, urban planners, and transport practitioners from several African countries to address the growing need for active mobility in rapidly expanding cities. During the discussions, Ms. Thornton highlighted that making cities walkable is not just an infrastructure challenge but a vital component of creating equitable urban environments. Participants reviewed strategies to incorporate safe walking routes into broader transport and health policies, ensuring that pedestrians are no longer marginalized in road design. The dialogue focused on the development of local action plans that support active mobility, aiming to reduce the reliance on motor vehicles and lower the carbon footprint of African urban centres. Supporting the call for improved infrastructure, the Central Regional Minister, Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, urged local authorities to maintain cleaner and safer walkways. He noted that urban areas in Ghana and across the continent often lack dedicated space for pedestrians, which poses significant safety risks. Minister Eduamoah stressed that creating a more conducive environment for walking requires a collaborative effort between the government and urban planners to ensure that pavements are free of obstructions and properly lit for nighttime use. The regional dialogue concludes with a push for long-term investment in pedestrian-friendly projects that can be scaled across various African nations. By fostering safer walking environments, officials believe they can improve road safety and encourage more citizens to adopt walking as a primary mode of travel. This shift is expected to have far-reaching benefits for urban livability, reducing traffic congestion and promoting healthier lifestyles across the continent’s growing metropolitan areas.

Dignitaries and delegates of the Ghana Water Ladies Association who attended the event
energy and infrastructure|

Thomas Abobi urges Ghana Water Ladies Association to mentor younger staff

Dr. Thomas Abobi, the Chief Manager of Finance at Ghana Water Limited (GWL), has called on the Ghana Water Ladies Association (GWLA) to transition from a welfare-oriented group into a professional network focused on mentorship and leadership. Addressing the association’s national delegates' conference, Dr. Abobi stressed that the group must play a more strategic role in the company’s ongoing transformation. He urged the members to focus on grooming the next generation of female professionals to ensure they are prepared for the evolving challenges in the global water sector. During his address, Dr. Abobi emphasized that the association should serve as a platform for building professional capacity rather than just providing social support. He noted that as the industry faces shifting dynamics, it is essential for women within the organization to adapt and take on more prominent leadership roles. By fostering a culture of mentorship, the senior members of the GWLA can provide younger colleagues with the guidance and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern utility management. The conference also brought to light concerns regarding gender balance within the organization. Perpetual Asomani, a speaker at the event, highlighted a worrying trend of declining female representation in the Ghana Water Limited workforce. She encouraged women to invest heavily in their own professional development to remain competitive and ensure their presence is felt at all levels of the company. Supporting this sentiment, Hannan A.A. Mumin, the National President of the association, called for increased empowerment and unity among members to create more opportunities for future leaders.

Accra Metropolitan Assembly completes Kwame Nkrumah Avenue repairs
energy and infrastructure|

Accra Metropolitan Assembly completes Kwame Nkrumah Avenue repairs

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has announced the completion of extensive paving and repair works on Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, a critical thoroughfare within the capital’s Central Business District. Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey conducted a formal inspection of the site to mark the conclusion of the project, which was initiated to address deteriorating road conditions that have long plagued commuters and business owners in the area. The completion of these works is expected to significantly improve the flow of traffic in one of Accra’s most congested commercial zones. The rehabilitation project specifically targeted persistent potholes and severe surface abrasions that had hindered vehicular movement and posed safety risks to both motorists and pedestrians. By restoring the road surface, the AMA aims to minimize the risk of accidents and reduce the wear and tear on vehicles frequently navigating the route. The improvement of this infrastructure is seen as a vital step in modernizing the city's transport network and supporting the high volume of daily transit required for the district’s economic activities. During his inspection, Mayor Allotey highlighted the assembly's commitment to urban renewal and the necessity of maintaining high-traffic corridors to facilitate trade. He emphasized that the smooth operation of Kwame Nkrumah Avenue is essential for the productivity of local businesses, as it serves as a primary link for goods and services entering and leaving the heart of Accra. The Mayor noted that the timely completion of such repairs is a priority for the AMA to ensure that the city remains a functional environment for commercial growth. Beyond the physical repairs, the Mayor called upon the public and motorists to play their part in preserving the newly rehabilitated road. He urged drivers to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and to avoid activities that could lead to the rapid degradation of the asphalt surface. As the AMA continues its broader infrastructure maintenance program, officials remain focused on ensuring that regular upkeep becomes a standard practice to prevent future delays and enhance the overall safety of the capital’s road network.

Tanzania to finalize $42bn gas development deal with Shell and Equinor
energy and infrastructure|

Tanzania to finalize $42bn gas development deal with Shell and Equinor

Tanzanian government officials are nearing the finalization of a major $42 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) development agreement with international energy giants Equinor and Shell. This project is designed to exploit the nation's substantial offshore natural gas reserves, marking a pivotal step in Tanzania's strategy to transform its energy sector and stimulate broad-based industrialization. The deal represents one of the largest single investments in the country's history and is expected to provide a significant boost to the national economy upon its completion. The project seeks to tap into an estimated 47.13 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves. By unlocking these vast resources, Tanzania is poised to join the ranks of Africa's leading energy producers. Officials believe the project will position the nation among the top six natural gas reserve holders on the continent, trailing only Nigeria, Algeria, Senegal, Mozambique, and Egypt. This strategic positioning is intended to enhance Tanzania's influence in the global energy market while securing a stable energy future for the East African region. Beyond the immediate benefits of extraction and export, the $42 billion investment is a cornerstone of Tanzania's long-term industrialization agenda. The partnership with Equinor and Shell is expected to generate substantial tax revenues and create numerous employment opportunities for Tanzanians across the energy value chain. As negotiations reach their final stages, the government remains focused on ensuring the agreement provides a framework for sustainable economic growth and local content development, ensuring that the country’s natural wealth translates into tangible benefits for its citizens.