Walk21 urges African nations to prioritise walking in urban planning

John Abdulai Jinapor urges domestic gas use for African power generation

The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has called on African nations to adopt a dual-purpose strategy for natural gas development that prioritizes domestic power generation alongside export ambitions. Speaking at a panel during the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), Dr. Jinapor argued that a balanced approach is essential for ensuring both long-term energy security and sustainable economic growth across the continent. He emphasized that for African countries to truly benefit from their natural resources, the primary focus must remain on addressing internal energy deficits and supporting local industrialization. Dr. Jinapor highlighted that natural gas serves as a critical bridge in the transition to cleaner energy, particularly for countries like Ghana that rely heavily on the resource for reliable power generation. By linking gas production directly to domestic energy infrastructure, governments can provide the stable electricity supply needed to fuel economic expansion and improve the lives of citizens. The Minister noted that while the global market offers lucrative export opportunities, these should not come at the expense of national energy requirements, which are fundamental to building a resilient and self-sufficient economy. The importance of regional integration and shared infrastructure was also a central theme of the Minister’s address to the forum. He specifically pointed to the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) as a successful model of regional cooperation that facilitates energy trade and mutual benefits for member states. Dr. Jinapor urged African leaders to invest in similar cross-border projects that can move gas from resource-rich areas to demand centers within the continent, thereby fostering a more integrated African energy market. In concluding his remarks, Dr. Jinapor reiterated Ghana’s commitment to a sustainable and balanced energy strategy. He stated that the government is focused on optimizing the value chain of its gas resources to ensure a steady supply of fuel for power plants while exploring innovative ways to reduce carbon emissions. By harmonizing domestic needs with international trade opportunities, he believes Africa can leverage its natural gas reserves to drive a just energy transition that ensures long-term stability and growth for all nations involved.