Ghana’s electricity generation declined by 3.99% month on month to 2,317.13 gigawatt hours (GWh) in July 2026, although total output remained 6.20% above the level recorded in the same month of 2025.
The figures are contained in the July electricity supply fact sheet released by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).
According to the regulator, the monthly reduction was largely linked to seasonal demand patterns, including lower electricity consumption resulting from improved weather conditions.
Thermal power continued to dominate Ghana’s generation mix, accounting for 74.33% of total electricity produced during the month. Hydropower and solar generation jointly contributed the remaining 25.67%.
PURC said the heavy reliance on thermal generation makes the availability of fuel and the operational performance of thermal plants important factors in maintaining the reliability of the national power supply.
Ghana’s national electricity system recorded a peak demand of 3,968 megawatts (MW) in July. Although this was lower than the annual peak demand recorded in April, it represented a 6.61% increase compared with peak demand in July 2025.
The year on year increase points to continued growth in underlying electricity demand.
As of the end of July, the country had an installed generation capacity of 5,818 MW, while dependable capacity stood at 4,968 MW.
The system recorded a reserve margin of 24.82% during the month, exceeding the 18% benchmark for system adequacy.
PURC said the margin indicated that dependable generation capacity was adequate to meet peak demand while also providing additional room to respond to unexpected disruptions or other system contingencies.
Ghana also strengthened its position as a net exporter of electricity in July, with exports increasing while electricity imports accounted for only a small share of supply.
On the gas supply side, Eni remained the country’s largest supplier during the month, delivering an average of 276.36 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD).
Takoradi and Tema recorded the highest levels of gas consumption, using 163.49 MMSCFD and 147.44 MMSCFD respectively. Together, the two locations accounted for a significant portion of the natural gas used for thermal power generation.
Despite the adequate reserve margin, PURC warned that Ghana’s continued dependence on thermal power exposes the electricity sector to several risks, including fluctuations in fuel prices, foreign exchange pressures, fuel supply uncertainties and rising generation costs.
The regulator therefore called for faster investment in renewable energy as a way of reducing the sector’s exposure to these challenges and strengthening the long term sustainability of electricity supply.
PURC also urged continued investment in dependable generation capacity and transmission infrastructure, alongside stronger demand side management measures, as electricity consumption continues to increase.
The Commission further pointed to Ghana’s reliance on heavy fuel oil for some thermal generation as a reason to expand access to natural gas, noting that liquid fuels generally result in higher electricity production costs.
According to PURC, increasing the availability of natural gas while expanding renewable generation would help improve the resilience, affordability and sustainability of Ghana’s electricity supply.