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|

Russia increases diesel supply to lower global oil prices

Global oil prices experienced a notable decline following Russia's announcement that it intends to increase diesel supplies to the international market. This move has successfully alleviated immediate concerns regarding potential fuel shortages, which had been heightened by escalating tensions in the Middle East. The influx of supply is seen as a stabilizing force for a market that has faced significant volatility due to geopolitical uncertainties in recent months. The impact on market benchmarks was immediate and significant across global trading floors. Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell by 1.47% to settle at $103.18 per barrel. Similarly, the United States West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude saw a price reduction of $1.54, bringing its value down to $90.31 per barrel. This simultaneous drop in both major benchmarks indicates a widespread market reaction to the prospect of increased Russian fuel availability and a reduction in the immediate risk premium. Industry analysts suggest that the announcement comes at a critical time when energy security has been a primary concern for importers worldwide. The prospect of increased supply from one of the world's major energy producers has tempered the anxiety that usually accompanies geopolitical instability in oil-producing regions. While Middle Eastern tensions remain a primary driver of market sentiment, the additional supply volume promised by Russia is expected to provide a necessary buffer against potential supply shocks in the short term. Market observers will continue to monitor the actual volume of diesel released and how it balances against ongoing global demand. As these new supplies enter the global distribution chain, the pressure on fuel prices at the pump may see some relief in various regions, including emerging markets sensitive to oil price fluctuations. However, the long-term outlook remains dependent on both geopolitical stability and the sustained production levels of major oil-exporting nations.

Malawi faces severe two-week fuel shortage disrupting transport
energy and infrastructure|

Malawi faces severe two-week fuel shortage disrupting transport

Malawi is currently grappling with a severe fuel shortage that has entered its second consecutive week, paralyzing key sectors of the economy and causing widespread distress among citizens. The crisis has left motorists stranded and significantly disrupted the movement of goods and services across the nation. With supplies dwindling at major distribution points, energy regulators and government officials are under increasing pressure to address the bottleneck and restore normalcy to the petroleum supply chain as uncertainty grows among the public. The scarcity has manifested in visible ways, most notably through the appearance of long, winding queues at filling stations in major urban centers and rural districts alike. Many motorists report spending hours, and in some instances entire nights, parked at petrol stations in hopes of securing even limited quantities of fuel. This persistent shortage has caused a ripple effect in the transport sector, where public transport operators have been forced to either reduce their fleets or increase fares to account for the time lost in queues and the difficulty of procuring petrol and diesel. As the situation continues, the broader economic implications are becoming more pronounced. The lack of a clear timeline for the restoration of regular fuel supplies has hindered planning for businesses that rely on consistent logistics. Local industries that depend on fuel for generators and distribution are reporting slowed operations, leading to fears of potential price hikes for essential commodities. For now, the Malawian public continues to navigate these daily challenges while awaiting official action to stabilize the energy market and ensure a consistent supply of petroleum products.

energy and infrastructure|

Osie Adza Tekpor VII calls for urgent road repairs in Avatime

Osie Adza Tekpor VII, the Paramount Chief of the Avatime Traditional Area, has issued an urgent appeal to the government for the rehabilitation of deteriorating road networks in the region. Speaking during the official launch of the 2026 Avatime Amu Festival, the traditional leader emphasized that the poor state of the roads has become a major bottleneck, stifling the economic growth and developmental potential of his people. He noted that the roads connecting the various local communities have suffered years of neglect, creating significant hardships for residents. The Paramount Chief highlighted the specific impact on the area’s burgeoning eco-tourism sector, noting that Avatime is home to significant natural attractions such as Mount Gemi. He explained that while the region possesses the natural assets to become a premier destination for domestic and international tourists, the lack of reliable transport links makes these sites difficult to reach. According to the chief, the "choking" effect of poor infrastructure prevents the region from fully utilizing its ecological wealth and generating necessary revenue. In addition to his call for government action, Osie Adza Tekpor VII urged corporate entities to explore investment opportunities within the traditional area. He suggested that private sector involvement could help bridge the gap in infrastructure and service delivery, supporting the local economy. 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 and dedicated service to the advancement of the Avatime community.

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 highlights missing road signs ahead of TRAFFITECH-GH enforcement

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has voiced significant concerns regarding the state of the country’s road infrastructure as the Ghana Police Service prepares to implement the TRAFFITECH-GH enforcement system. The union warned that the automated system, designed to capture traffic violations through technology, may face challenges due to widespread deficiencies in road markings and signage. According to the GPRTU, enforcing strict regulations without providing the necessary physical guides for drivers could lead to unfair penalties and ineffective traffic management. Samuel Amoah, the Deputy Communications Director for the GPRTU, highlighted specific areas requiring urgent attention, including the lack of designated bus stops and clearly defined pedestrian pathways. He argued that these infrastructural gaps often force drivers into technical violations that the TRAFFITECH-GH system will be programmed to penalize. While the police have indicated that the initial phase of the rollout will concentrate on red-light violations and speeding, the union maintains that a more holistic approach is required to ensure that drivers can realistically comply with the law. Beyond the physical infrastructure, the GPRTU is advocating for a paradigm shift in how traffic enforcement is perceived and executed. The union expressed fears that the new system might be overly focused on revenue generation through traffic fines rather than the fundamental goal of improving road safety. Mr. Amoah emphasized that the primary objective of any enforcement measure should be to foster a culture of compliance and safety, which can only be achieved if the roads themselves are properly equipped to guide motorists. To bridge the gap between enforcement and compliance, the GPRTU is calling for a robust driver education campaign to accompany the technological rollout. The union believes that informing drivers about the nuances of the TRAFFITECH-GH system and traffic regulations will yield better long-term results than punitive measures alone. As the government and police move forward with the implementation, the transport body remains hopeful that their calls for improved infrastructure will be addressed to ensure a fair and effective transition to automated traffic policing.

COPEC urges local refineries to purchase crude oil in cedis
energy and infrastructure|

COPEC urges local refineries to purchase crude oil in cedis

The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) is calling on the government and industry stakeholders to allow local refineries to purchase crude oil using the Ghanaian cedi instead of the US dollar. Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah argues that shifting away from dollar-denominated transactions for local refineries is essential to ease the persistent pressure on the nation's foreign exchange market. By transacting in the local currency, COPEC believes the government can provide a significant buffer for the cedi against international market volatility. According to Duncan Amoah, the current requirement for refineries to pay in dollars forces these institutions to compete with other businesses for limited foreign exchange. This competition often leads to a spike in demand for dollars, which in turn devalues the cedi and increases the cost of imported goods across all sectors. Amoah pointed out that since refined petroleum products are sold to Ghanaian consumers in cedis, it is logical and economically sound for the raw material—crude oil—to be acquired using the same currency when sourced or processed within the country. The proposal is seen as a strategic move to better integrate Ghana's refining sector into the national economy. COPEC emphasizes that allowing cedi payments would help stabilize fuel prices at the pump, as it would reduce the frequency of price adjustments driven solely by exchange rate fluctuations. This shift would also support the sustainability of local refineries, such as the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) or newer private facilities, by lowering the operational hurdle of securing foreign currency for every transaction. As Ghana continues to work toward enhancing its domestic refining capabilities, advocates like COPEC argue that currency policy must evolve to protect the local economy. Reducing the dependency on imported petroleum products through strengthened local refining remains a national priority. By aligning crude oil procurement with the domestic currency, the country could see more predictable energy costs and a more resilient financial environment, ultimately benefiting both the business community and ordinary consumers.

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|

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority contributes GH₵98.1m to public funds

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has reached a significant financial milestone by contributing a total of GH₵98.1 million to mandatory public funds during the 2025 fiscal year. This figure represents the highest contribution ever recorded in the authority's history, signaling a robust performance in its revenue mobilization efforts. The payments are statutory requirements designed to support the government's broader fiscal agenda and infrastructure development goals across the country. A detailed breakdown of the 2025 contributions reveals that the majority of the funds were directed toward the Road Fund, which received GH₵80.4 million. The remaining GH₵17.7 million was allocated to the Consolidated Fund. These allocations are critical to the state's financial management, with the Consolidated Fund serving as the primary account for government expenditures, while the Road Fund is specifically earmarked for the maintenance and expansion of Ghana’s road network. The substantial payment into the Road Fund highlights the DVLA's vital role in financing transportation infrastructure. By generating these funds through its core services—such as vehicle registration and driver licensing—the authority provides the necessary resources to ensure that roads remain safe and motorable. This historic contribution also underscores an improvement in the authority's internal processes and efficiency, allowing for a higher percentage of collected fees to be remitted to the central government. Moving forward, the successful mobilization of these funds is expected to bolster the government’s ability to meet its statutory obligations and fund public projects. As the DVLA continues to modernize its operations and expand its service delivery, its contributions to the Consolidated and Road funds are likely to remain a cornerstone of national revenue generation. This performance sets a benchmark for other state agencies in their efforts to contribute to Ghana's economic stability and infrastructure growth.

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II ( seated), Ga Mantse, welcoming Governs Agbodza, Minister of Roads and Highways, to his palace
energy and infrastructure|

Governs Kwame Agbodza resumes work on 26.6km Accra-Tema Beach Road

Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has announced the resumption of construction work on the 26.6-kilometre Accra-Tema Beach Road project. The coastal road, which connects Independence Square to Nungua and the Tema Beach Road, is now targeted for completion by March 2025, ahead of Ghana’s 70th independence anniversary celebrations. This development follows a period of suspension caused by financial constraints that previously halted progress on the critical artery. The project originally commenced in August 2020 but faced significant delays when a financing arrangement with Chinese partners collapsed. These difficulties were largely attributed to the country’s broader debt challenges, which stalled various infrastructure developments across the nation. The construction is divided into two main sections and was initially intended to be completed within a 24-month timeframe before the funding issues arose. The revival of the project has been made possible through the strategic involvement of local contractors, with the Minister specifically highlighting the role of Humphrey Oswal in getting the work back on track. By leveraging domestic expertise and resources, the government aims to overcome the previous reliance on external financing that led to the project's stagnation. The Ministry has emphasized its commitment to improving the road network in the capital to facilitate smoother transit and prepare for upcoming national milestones. Construction activities are expected to proceed with a focus on minimizing disruptions to commuters and residents along the coastal corridor. As the March 2025 deadline approaches, the completion of the Accra-Tema Beach Road is seen as a vital step in enhancing the capital's infrastructure, reducing travel time between Accra and Tema, and supporting economic activity within the region.

energy and infrastructure|

Yinson Production to expand Sankofa FPSO capacity in $600m project

Yinson Production has signed a US$600 million agreement to significantly expand the gas compression and treatment capacity of the Sankofa Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. Located in the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) field, the facility is a cornerstone of Ghana’s energy sector. This new project is designed to boost the vessel’s gas export capacity by more than 60%, a move intended to strengthen the nation's domestic gas-to-power supply chain. The upgrade project is being undertaken in collaboration with Eni, the operator of the OCTP field. According to the agreement, the technical enhancements are scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2028. To accommodate this long-term investment, the lease for the Sankofa FPSO has been extended through 2036. The project will focus on the installation of advanced compression systems to ensure that larger volumes of natural gas can be processed and transported to onshore power plants efficiently. The expansion is expected to have a direct impact on the cost of living by potentially stabilizing electricity tariffs for Ghanaian consumers. By increasing the volume of domestic gas available for power generation, the country can reduce its dependence on more expensive liquid fuels. Industry analysts note, however, that the full benefit of this expansion will depend on the successful integration of the gas into the national grid and how the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) calculates the weighted average cost of gas (WACOG) for future tariff cycles. This investment marks a significant step in Ghana’s efforts to achieve energy self-sufficiency and support industrial growth. The Sankofa field remains a vital asset in the country’s energy portfolio, and the planned capacity increase aligns with broader national goals to provide reliable and affordable electricity. As the project moves toward its 2028 completion date, it is expected to serve as a catalyst for further infrastructure development within the Western Region's energy hub.

Alexander Afenyo-Markin urges ECG to prioritize reforms over tariff hikes
energy and infrastructure|

Alexander Afenyo-Markin urges ECG to prioritize reforms over tariff hikes

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called on the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to focus on deep-seated structural reforms rather than relying on repeated tariff increases to solve its financial challenges. Speaking during an engagement with current and former ECG management, Afenyo-Markin argued that price adjustments alone cannot fix the systemic inefficiencies and operational losses currently plaguing the power distributor. He emphasized the need for a shift toward prudent financial management and operational excellence to ensure the utility's long-term sustainability. The Minority Leader, who recently served a brief tenure as ECG Board Chairman, outlined three priority measures to stabilize the utility's finances. These include the strict enforcement of the Cash Waterfall Mechanism to ensure transparent revenue distribution among stakeholders, a comprehensive review of legacy power purchase agreements to renegotiate burdensome financial obligations, and the implementation of automatic settlement systems for public-sector electricity bills. He noted that such measures would create a more accountable institution and protect consumers from paying for the utility's internal failures. While acknowledging recent improvements in ECG’s revenue growth, Afenyo-Markin cautioned that the reported reduction in losses was significantly influenced by accounting gains rather than fundamental operational changes. He highlighted that high electricity purchase costs and technical and commercial losses continue to threaten the sector. To address these issues, he advocated for the widespread adoption of digital payment systems, the installation of smart meters, and more stringent procurement controls to eliminate waste and improve overall collection efficiency. ECG management commended the Minority Leader for his insights and his previous impact during his short stay as Board Chair, where he prioritized financial accountability. The engagement concluded with a shared emphasis on moving beyond political debates and short-term financial bailouts. Afenyo-Markin stressed that true reform is critical to securing the financial health of Ghana's energy sector and building a robust, efficient infrastructure that serves the public interest.

Dr John Abdulai Jinapor — Minister of Energy and Green Transition
energy and infrastructure|

John Abdulai Jinapor warns energy sector heads of removal for poor performance

Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has issued a stern warning to leadership within the energy sector, stating that chief executive officers, managing directors, and board chairs will face removal if they fail to meet performance standards. Speaking at the 2026 Energy Sector Performance Review Retreat in Ho, Dr. Jinapor emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring accountability and transparency as it seeks to address the country's growing power demands and infrastructure gaps. The retreat serves as a critical evaluation of the previous year's performance while setting strategic targets for future power generation and distribution. The Minister revealed that the government is moving to secure $500 million to strengthen transmission infrastructure and improve electricity supply stability across Ghana. This investment follows the deployment of over 2,000 new transformers intended to modernize the distribution network and ensure that electricity services keep pace with national growth. Dr. Jinapor highlighted that the sector must shift toward greater efficiency and transparency in procurement to protect national financial interests, noting that current redundancy in power generation remains insufficient to guarantee a fully reliable supply. Addressing specific operational goals, the Minister outlined plans to restore idle plants under the Volta River Authority (VRA) and enhance the generation capacity of the Akosombo Hydroelectric Dam. He also pointed to the recent profitability turnaround of the Tema Oil Refinery as a positive benchmark for other state-owned agencies within the petroleum and energy sectors. Dr. Jinapor urged all stakeholders to collaborate on expanding renewable energy projects, which remains a central pillar of the government's green transition strategy. Dr. Jinapor concluded his address by reiterating that the era of complacency in energy management is over. He stressed that every investment made by the government must reflect in improved service delivery for Ghanaians. The ministry expects all heads of agencies to align their operations with the national interest or be replaced by individuals capable of delivering the required results to meet the country's industrial and domestic energy needs.

The official logo of the State Housing Company (SHC) of Ghana, featuring a dark blue house-roof icon above the company initials. Below a horizontal line, the slogan 'THE NATION'S NO. 1 BUILDER' is written in bold, uppercase blue lettering.
energy and infrastructure|

John Sheriff Bawah says Amrahia-Accra commute will drop to 30 minutes

John Sheriff Bawah, the Managing Director of the State Housing Company (SHC), has announced that travel times between Amrahia and central Accra are expected to decrease significantly. Residents of the SHC’s Surge Homes in Amrahia could see their commute to major hubs like East Legon and Accra Central reduced to approximately 30 minutes. This development is contingent upon the completion of strategic road enhancements currently being undertaken to improve the region's connectivity. The improvements are being executed under the government’s "Big Push" infrastructure program, which aims to modernize and expand the nation's road network. Bawah emphasized that the government and the SHC are prioritizing the integration of housing delivery with robust transport infrastructure. This strategy ensures that new residential developments are closely linked to major employment centers, addressing the challenge of long commutes and improving overall accessibility for the Ghanaian workforce. Beyond the project in Amrahia, the State Housing Company is actively expanding its portfolio with new developments in other cities across the country. By moving housing projects outside of traditional, congested urban centers, the SHC aims to decentralize residential growth and make quality housing more accessible. Bawah noted that these efforts are part of a broader mission to enhance the living standards of workers by providing affordable homes in well-connected communities.

Two fishermen are seen sitting inside a traditional wooden canoe, meticulously working on large blue fishing nets equipped with yellow and white floats. The background shows a dense collection of similar artisanal fishing boats docked at a harbor, representing a typical Ghanaian fishing community.
energy and infrastructure|

Nana Kwaku Dadzie says power outages threaten Upper Dixcove fishing

Nana Kwaku Dadzie, the Chief Fisherman of Upper Dixcove in the Western Region, has issued a stark warning regarding the impact of frequent power fluctuations, popularly known as "dumsor," on the local fishing industry. Speaking at a recent stakeholders' gathering, he highlighted that the inconsistent electricity supply is severely compromising the efficiency of cold storage facilities. This instability, he noted, poses a direct threat to the livelihoods of thousands who depend on the fishing value chain for their survival. The concerns were brought to the fore during a workshop organized under the "Protecting Our Zone, Securing Our Future" project. The initiative was designed to educate artisanal fishers on recent developments within the marine sector and to discuss sustainable practices. However, the discourse quickly shifted to the immediate infrastructure challenges facing the community. Dadzie pointed out that without reliable power, the essential task of preserving fish becomes impossible, leading to significant post-harvest losses and financial ruin for local operators. Local fishers who attended the session echoed the Chief Fisherman’s sentiments, sharing personal accounts of the hardships they face due to the erratic power supply. They noted that the resulting economic strain has made it increasingly difficult to meet basic household needs, including the payment of school fees for their children. The community is calling on the Ministry of Energy and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to prioritize the restoration of a stable power grid to Upper Dixcove to prevent the collapse of their primary economic activity. The situation in Upper Dixcove reflects a broader concern within Ghana’s coastal communities where energy reliability is inextricably linked to food security and economic stability. As the fishing industry remains a vital sector for the nation, the Chief Fisherman’s plea serves as a reminder of the urgent need for infrastructure investments that protect the artisanal fishing sector from external shocks, such as the persistent energy challenges facing various parts of the country.