Find Electricity and Power expertise in Ghana

The greatest single source of power in Ghana is the Volta River Project, based on a hydroelectric installation. The electricity supply mix is undergoing a transition from a largely hydro-based system to a largely thermal-based one relying on natural gas as the main source of fuel. This transition has been made possible by the West African Gas Pipeline Project, prompted by population growth, rural electrification and expansion in industry. In response to this, the government, in collaboration with a private company, has completed the Takoradi thermal plant which supplies 650MW of power to the Volta River Project. Hydropower has traditionally been the cheapest form of electricity generation in Ghana because of the vast reserve in Lake Volta. Along with hydropower, oil-based generation is used in power supply. In recent years, investment has been made into gas-based generation to diversify the sector. 

The demand for power is growing at a rate of around 10% a year. In 2012 the demand was at 1400MW, which was expected to rise by 1500MW of new electricity capacity over the following five years. This will be aided by an expansion programme targeting state owned capacity, with a new dam – Bui Dam – set to come on line in 2013. The country exports power to neighbouring Togo and also has an agreement with Cote d’Ivoire to export or import power as the situation demands.

During 2003-08, 3.2% of the population gained access to power annually. In 2012 national access to electricity supply was estimated to be 43%, yet over 80% of the domestic electricity supply is consumed in cities and towns. In 2009 energy consumption stood at 265kWh per capita. In terms of renewable energy sources, Ghana’s target is to have 10% of all sources coming from renewable energy supplies (2009).

Ghana is ranked 114th in a quality of electricity supply study, according to the World Economic Forum’s ‘Global Competitiveness Report 2011-12’. It scores 3.0 which means the country’s electricity supply is mostly sufficient and reliable, although it is 1.5 below the world’s mean average of 4.5. 

The supply and regulation of electricity in the country is owned and operated by the state-owned Ghana Grid Company. Electricity is distributed by the Electricity Company of Ghana, a state-owned operation, and the Northern Electricity Department, a subsidiary of the Volta River Authority. The Electricity Company of Ghana is in charge of ensuring electricity is supplied and distributed correctly and purchasing electricity energy in bulk from the Volta River Authority or any other supplier. 

The Energy Commission is the regulatory body in charge of the energy sector and its environment. The Commission ensures there is fair competition in the energy service delivery. Additionally, it advises the Minister for Energy on matters relating to energy planning and policy. The Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission regulates the electricity supply industry and the cost of energy in the country.

The Ghana Electrical Contractors Association is the professional association for electrical practitioners. The Association regulates the conduct of its members and is actively involved in testing prospective practicing electrical technicians.