John Abdulai Jinapor calls for stronger ECOWAS regional electricity trade

Ghana's Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has called on ECOWAS member states to significantly enhance regional electricity trade. Addressing the 16th meeting of ECOWAS Ministers in Charge of Energy, Dr. Jinapor emphasized that such cooperation is essential for bolstering energy security across the sub-region and driving sustainable economic growth. During his opening remarks, the Minister stressed that stronger regional integration within the power sector is no longer an option but a necessity. By leveraging the collective resources of West African nations, the regional power market can become more resilient against individual national shortages and price fluctuations. Dr. Jinapor noted that a well-integrated electricity trade framework would allow countries with surplus energy to support those facing deficits, thereby creating a more stable and cost-effective energy environment for industries and households alike. The 16th ECOWAS energy meeting serves as a critical platform for harmonizing policies and technical standards to facilitate this cross-border flow of electricity. As member states work toward a more unified energy landscape, the focus remains on overcoming infrastructure gaps and regulatory hurdles. Successful implementation of these regional trade strategies is expected to foster industrialization and improve the quality of life for millions of citizens across the ECOWAS bloc, cementing energy as a cornerstone of West African development.