Ghana energy minister urges resilient power system as economists warn high electricity costs hurt cedi

Minister of Energy and Green Transition Dr John Abdulai Jinapor called for a more resilient Ghanaian energy sector at the Ghana International Petroleum Conference, stressing that resilience must be built before crises hit. He highlighted the need for stronger domestic refining capacity, strategic fuel reserves, improved storage and transport, diversified supply sources, and a stable policy environment to protect households, industry and the wider economy.

Economist Prof Festus Ebo Turkson warned that expensive electricity is weakening the Ghanaian cedi and undermining manufacturing competitiveness. He cited the recent restart of crude supplies to the Tema Oil Refinery as a structural reform that could reduce refined‑oil imports, lower currency pressure and boost export potential. Turkson urged immediate investment in productive infrastructure and energy costs reduction to protect the cedi and support industrial growth.