Otis Singleton
Ghana's electricity sector has a long history, with the first government-sponsored public electricity supply dating back to 1914 in Sekondi-Takoradi. Over the years, Ghana has expanded its electricity networks, with the Ghana Electricity Corporation aiming to extend the supply to all isolated centers in the country. While there are claims that Nigeria supplies electricity to Ghana, it is important to note that these claims are false. Ghana only purchases gas from Nigeria, which it then converts into electricity. However, in 2019, Nigeria agreed to supply 80 megawatts of electricity to Ghana to address its energy crisis. This agreement was made through the West Africa Power Pool, with Ghana, Nigeria, and Cote d'Ivoire pooling their electricity generation to support each other in times of shortfall.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does Nigeria supply electricity to Ghana? | No, Nigeria does not supply electricity to Ghana. Ghana purchases gas from Nigeria, which it converts into electricity. |
| Has Nigeria ever supplied electricity to Ghana? | Yes, in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, Ghana's energy needs were supplied by Nigeria. |
| Does Ghana supply electricity to Nigeria? | Yes, Ghana has disclosed plans to be a major exporter of electricity to Nigeria and other countries in the West African sub-region. |
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What You'll Learn
Ghana's electricity exports
While there have been claims that Nigeria supplies electricity to Ghana, these are false. However, Nigeria does play a role in Ghana's energy sector by providing gas, which accounts for 25% of Ghana's gas used for electricity generation. This gas is supplied through the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), a joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, Shell, and Chevron. Ghana purchases this gas and converts it into electricity.
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Nigeria's electricity exports
Despite grappling with a power supply problem, Nigeria has continued to export electricity to its neighbouring countries. In 2021, Nigeria generated a sum of $72 million (N29.95 billion) from electricity exports, which only accounted for 0.16% of its total export earnings. In the five years prior to 2022, the country earned $543.11 million from electricity exports to neighbouring countries, including Niger, Benin, and Togo.
Ghana, Nigeria's neighbour, is one of the countries that Nigerians believe receives electricity from Nigeria. This belief is fuelled by online videos and social media posts. However, the claim that Nigeria supplies electricity to Ghana is false. Ghana only purchases gas from Nigeria, which it then converts into electricity. This supply is contractual, and Ghana pays for the gas through the joint venture company N-Gaz, which is owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, Shell, and Chevron.
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Ghana's energy crisis
Ghana's electricity sector has historically depended on hydroelectric power, with the Akosombo dam generating nearly 25% of the country's electricity. However, the first power crisis in 1984 was caused by drought and reduced water levels, leading to shortfalls in generating capacity. A similar crisis occurred in 1998 due to low rainfalls and inflows into the Volta Lake, resulting in power rationing. More recently, Ghana has become heavily reliant on gas as its primary energy source for electricity generation, and limited gas supply has triggered nationwide power outages.
The country's push for universal access to electricity and industrialisation has also contributed to the energy crisis. Ghana's generating capacity in 1994 was about 1.187 GW, with the bulk of electricity consumed being generated by the Akosombo Hydroelectric Project. However, the increasing demand for electricity has outpaced the development of renewable energy sources and infrastructure. Ghana's current energy mix includes hydroelectric power, diesel, and thermal plants, with fossil-fuelled thermal plants currently contributing about 70% of the country's power. While private corporations have helped improve reliability, there are concerns about the country's overdependence on fossil fuels and minimal investment in renewables.
To address the energy crisis, Ghana has entered into agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and is focusing on institutional and human resource capacity strengthening. The government has also commenced power generation expansion programs, such as the Bui Power Authority and the Tema Thermal Plant, to increase generation capacity. Additionally, Ghana has become an exporter of crude oil, natural gas, and electricity, and there are plans to export electricity to neighbouring countries like Burkina-Faso. However, challenges remain, and Ghana continues to experience power supply issues, with the most recent nationwide power outage occurring in October 2023 due to limited gas supply.
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The West Africa Power Pool
The West African Power Pool (WAPP) is a specialised agency of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It covers 14 of the 15 countries of the regional economic community: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
The WAPP was created on 5 December 1999 at the 22nd summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. The organisation was then formally adopted on 18 January 2006 at the 29th summit, held in Niamey, Niger. The WAPP is an international organisation of public interest, made up of public and private generation, transmission and distribution companies involved in the operation of electricity in West Africa. It has 26 member companies and is headquartered in Cotonou, Benin.
The WAPP aims to promote power supply in the West African sub-region, by establishing a reliable power grid and a common market for electricity. This involves developing clear and measurable standards to harmonise electricity planning and operation of pooled electric systems in ECOWAS member states.
While Nigeria does not supply electricity to Ghana, it does play a role in Ghana's power supply. Ghana sources 25% of the gas used for electricity from Nigeria, which is delivered through the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP).
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$9.99
Ghana's energy sources
Ghana's energy sector is diverse, with the government playing a significant role in energy production, distribution, and trade. The country sources its energy from both renewable and non-renewable sources, including fossil fuels. In 2020, Ghana supplied over 12 million metric tons of oil-equivalent energy, a record high compared to previous years.
Energy Sources
Gas
Gas is the largest source of electricity production in Ghana, with natural gas accounting for 62.6% of the country's electricity mix in 2021. Ghana also sources gas from Nigeria, which is delivered through the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP). However, it is important to note that Ghana purchases this gas and uses it to generate electricity, rather than receiving electricity directly from Nigeria.
Hydropower
Hydropower is another significant source of electricity in Ghana, contributing 34.1% to the country's electricity mix in 2021. The Volta River Authority (VRA) and Bui Power Authority (BPA) manage the hydroelectricity component, with the VRA also involved in some aspects of thermal generation. The Akosombo Hydroelectric Project, with its six 127MW turbines, provided about 60% of Ghana's electricity in the 1990s.
Thermal Energy
Thermal generation, fueled by crude oil, natural gas, and diesel, is also an important part of Ghana's energy mix, representing 66% of its power generation. The country's first thermal power plant was established near Sekondi-Takoradi in 1997, contributing 300MW to the national grid.
Renewable Energy
Ghana has been focusing on increasing the share of renewable energy in its energy mix. The country has set a goal of having 10% of its energy mix come from renewable sources (excluding large-scale hydropower) by 2015 or 2020. Renewable energy sources include wind power, solar energy, geothermal energy, and biomass. Ghana has Class 4-6 wind resources in high wind areas, and the potential for wind power generation is estimated at 500-600 GWh/year. The country is also exploring the development of nuclear power generation capacity.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Nigeria does not supply electricity to Ghana. However, Ghana purchases gas from Nigeria, which it then converts into electricity.
Yes, Ghana has supplied electricity to Nigeria. In 2009, Ghana announced plans to become a major exporter of electricity to Nigeria and other countries in the West African sub-region.
Yes, in 2019, Nigeria agreed to supply 80 megawatts of electricity to Ghana to help the country address its energy crisis.
