Ghana is positioning itself as a major power supplier in West Africa, with the government announcing plans to expand its solar energy capacity by 30 percent. The update was delivered by Minister for Energy and Green Transition Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, during a panel session at the West African Energy Cooperation Summit (WA-ECS).
Speaking at the event, Hon. Jinapor noted that the government intends to deploy 1,200 megawatts of solar as new baseload generation, alongside an additional 500 megawatts to support national supply. He emphasized that this scale of progress cannot rely solely on private investment.
He explained that future power projects will be awarded through competitive procurement to secure the best value for the country. The minister said this approach will ensure transparency and reduce the risk of excess generation.
Hon. Jinapor expressed confidence that Ghana can push its solar mix to 30 percent, describing the goal as both achievable and sustainable. He highlighted recent regional developments, including Burkina Faso’s emergency request for 200 megawatts of power to stabilize its grid.
The minister revealed that Ghana is now working closely with neighboring countries Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire to align electricity development plans. He warned that uncoordinated expansion could lead to unnecessary surplus capacity across the region.
Through this collaborative and competitive strategy, Ghana hopes to strengthen its energy security while becoming a reliable power hub for West Africa.