Ghana has made considerable progress in distributing power to its citizens, but talks are under way in order to make this process more sustainable.
Around 86% of Ghanaians have access to power. The National Electrification Scheme (NES) was launched in 1990, at a point when power access was estimated at 20%.
There are considerable resources. The Akosombo Dam project was completed in 1972 and generates around 900 MW. Hydropower accounts for about 64% of the country’s power generation.
Companies have made offshore gas finds in the last few years. These come in addition to the West Africa Gas Pipeline (WAGP), which brings gas from Nigeria.
There are challenges, though. “We are undertaking an ambitious reform programme to protect the future of the sector because, as it exists today, it is not financially sustainable. We are committed also to private sector participation in the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in the distribution of electricity,” a government representative close to the sector said, pleading anonymity.
At the heart of Ghana’s plans for reforms, under the Energy Sector Recovery Programme (ESRP), is the aim of securing power at affordable prices for the country. The World Bank-backed ESRP runs from 2019 to 2023.
Moving the country beyond aid, as the government intends, “can only be achieved with a sustainable and cost-effective energy sector”.
The government is under pressure to demonstrate progress on this front. A presidential election is due to be held in early December. This will see President Nana Akufo-Addo square off against former president John Dramani Mahama. The two have run against each other repeatedly.
Dumsor
Ghana’s power sector has not been free of difficulties. The phenomenon of “Dumsor” has seen sporadic power outages. This has been driven by low water levels and problems with paying bills to Nigeria for gas.
Take or pay contracts have put pressure on Ghana, with the country still on the hook for power it cannot absorb. Costs related to take-or-pay agreements, generation tariffs and financing are passed to consumers in capacity charges, the government source noted.
“The ESRP will tackle these problems by optimising the installed generation capacity in order to provide a more efficient and cost-effective sector for all involved,” the official said.
The bill for excess power is estimated at $500 million. Installed capacity in mid-2019 reached 5,082 MW, while peak demand is 2,700 MW.
Demand is rising but not quickly enough to absorb this excess. The aim is to renegotiate deals with independent power producers (IPPs).
“The ESRP steering committee, together with the relevant ministries, departments and agencies in the energy sector are exploring options and negotiating comprehensive and collaborative solutions with each IPP,” the government official said.
Progress should be coming in the near term.
The aim is to allow all parts to flourish. Where private investors can grow and help meet local needs. “These reforms will ensure funds are well spent on projects that will drive forward the…
Read More: Ghana seeks power cuts – News for the Oil and Gas Sector
