In a detailed address regarding former President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to revitalize Ghana’s energy sector, Hon. Edward Abambire Bawa, Member of Parliament for Bongo, outlined bold initiatives targeting the three critical zones of the power sector: generation, transmission, and distribution.
According to the co-spokesperson for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Manifesto on Energy, former President John Mahama’s administration plans to revive Ghana’s ambition to become a net exporter of power within the West African sub-region, leveraging this strategy to boost foreign exchange earnings.
He pointed out that the Volta River Authority (VRA) already exports power to neighbouring countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire, and Mahama intends to expand this model significantly.
“So His Excellency Mahama has indicated that, one, we would, in line with the projections that will be given by the Energy Commission in terms of our energy growth, continuously increase our generation.
“By doing that, we will ensure that our generation mix complies with the sustainability efforts that he envisages during his tenure. And in so doing, existing power plants that are not efficient enough will be replaced”.
Hon. Edward Abambire Bawa, Member of Parliament for Bongo Constituency
In this vein, he noted that former President Mahama plans to deploy advanced technology that will only utilize combined-cycle thermal plants, moving away from single-cycle plants.
Hon. Bawa elaborated on the combined-cycle model, explaining its dual benefits: it not only increases efficiency by generating extra power from steam created by excess heat but also reduces the overall cost of electricity.
“For a single cycle, the fuel generates the power. In a combined cycle, the heat that would otherwise go to waste is used to generate additional power, saving costs and contributing to sustainability efforts”
Hon. Edward Abambire Bawa, Member of Parliament for Bongo Constituency
Further advancing the push for renewable energy, Hon. Bawa noted that former President Mahama has committed to ensuring that non-hydro renewables account for at least 10% of Ghana’s energy generation.
He indicated that beyond grid-scale solar projects like the Navrongo Solar Power Plant, former President Mahama aims to promote rooftop solar panels for households and businesses, helping to decentralize power generation.
Under former President Mahama’s leadership, Hon. Bawa assured that the Renewable Energy Act’s feed-in tariff would become operational, allowing individuals and businesses to sell excess solar power to the national grid and receive credits for future electricity consumption.
Provision of Solar Panels to SMEs
In addition, the Member of Parliament for Bongo Constituency indicated that former President Mahama’s administration will revive a 2016 initiative providing small businesses, such as barbers and seamstresses, with solar panels to reduce their dependency on grid electricity.
This program, which benefited over 200,000 individuals during the erstwhile Mahama’s administration according to Hon. Edward Bawa will enable small enterprises to operate independently of costly electricity tariffs.
Hon. Bawa underscored this plan, saying, “Solar panels with capacities up to 5,000 watts will allow businesses like barbershops to operate without worrying about monthly electricity bills.”
Moreover, the National Democratic Congress Presidential Candidate’s vision according to Hon. Edward Bawa includes the development of mini-hydro sites across the country.
He noted that the next NDC administration will particularly be focusing on completing the long-delayed Kpalugu Dam, which would generate 50 megawatts of hydropower while supporting irrigation for agricultural communities.
“Other potential sites such as Tuari and Herman have also been identified for hydro projects to supplement national energy supply”, Hon. Edward Bawa emphasized
Power Transmission and Distribution: Modernizing Infrastructure
While much of the focus has been on generation, the co-spokesperson for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Manifesto on Energy highlighted Mahama’s commitment to improving Ghana’s power transmission and distribution infrastructure.
He stated that former President Mahama’s previous administration made significant strides in strengthening transmission networks, and these efforts will continue, ensuring that power generated is efficiently transmitted across the country with minimal losses.
In terms of distribution, he noted that former President Mahama’s vision prioritizes accessibility and affordability, adding that special attention will be given to rural electrification and ensuring that underserved communities are connected to the grid.
The former president’s plans also include supporting the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and other key institutions to modernize their operations and expand service delivery.
A Holistic Approach to Energy Sector Revival
In conclusion, Hon. Edward Alambire Bawa affirmed that former President Mahama’s vision for the energy sector is underpinned by a clear strategy to balance energy generation with sustainability, economic growth, and affordability.
According to him, former President Mahama’s focus on combined-cycle gas technology, expanding renewable energy penetration, and reviving small-scale hydro projects demonstrates a commitment to innovative and sustainable energy solutions.
Additionally, his vision for the distribution and transmission networks reflects a broader understanding of the need for reliable, affordable, and accessible energy for all Ghanaians.
He emphasized that through these comprehensive plans, former President Mahama aims to create a resilient energy sector capable of not only meeting Ghana’s internal demands but also establishing the country as a major energy exporter within West Africa.
Hon. Edward Bawa concluded, “John Mahama is not only looking to generate more power; he is focused on generating sustainable, affordable power for the future of Ghana.”
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