Ghana has once again taken centre stage in the global conversation on energy governance and transparency.
Representing the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, Deputy Minister for Energy, Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, delivered a powerful address on Ghana’s reforms at the Energy for Growth Hub’s side event during the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Summit in Spain.
Hon. Gyan-Mensah underscored that transparency is no longer optional but an imperative for building trust and attracting investment in Africa’s power sector.
“Transparency is the cornerstone of Ghana’s energy reforms.
“By opening up the power procurement process, we are not only ensuring value for money but also securing affordable and reliable electricity for our citizens.”
Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, Deputy Minister for Energy
Speaking on the theme “Transparent Contracts for Climate and Growth: Making Power Deals Public,” the Deputy Minister outlined how Ghana’s recent regulatory initiatives have positioned the country as a model for open and accountable energy sector management.
The session, which brought together global policymakers, civil society leaders, and private sector representatives, explored how transparency in clean energy contracting can accelerate both climate goals and inclusive economic growth.
Transparent Power Procurement
The Deputy Minister highlighted the landmark Energy Commission (Planning and Competitive Procurement of Additional Electricity Generation Capacity) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2508), which he described as “a significant turning point” in Ghana’s energy governance.
The regulation mandates that all new power generation projects be procured through competitive bidding a departure from the direct negotiations that once dominated the sector.
“L.I. 2508 marks a new era in the way Ghana approaches energy infrastructure.
“It ensures transparency, enhances value for money, and strengthens public confidence in our power purchase agreements.”
Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, Deputy Minister for Energy
He noted that competitive procurement has become central to Ghana’s strategy to deliver sustainable energy while minimizing fiscal risks.
Hon. Gyan-Mensah also used the platform to highlight a unique feature of Ghana’s reform process, the direct involvement of civil society in renegotiating legacy Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
The government’s renegotiation team, he revealed, was chaired by a seasoned civil society leader, signaling a commitment to accountability and inclusiveness in decision-making.
“Having a respected civil society leader lead the PPA renegotiation process signaled our seriousness about transparency and fairness.
“It was not just a government exercise; it was a national one.”
Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, Deputy Minister for Energy
The Deputy Minister emphasized that the inclusion of civil society helped bridge the trust gap between the state, private investors, and citizens.
The renegotiations have already resulted in more balanced agreements, lowering the long-term cost of electricity generation while improving the financial sustainability of Ghana’s energy sector.
He called on development partners to provide sustained technical and financial support to reforming nations like Ghana, adding that transparent and accountable energy systems are essential to achieving climate resilience and equitable growth.
“We must ensure that our reforms are not short-lived.
“Global partners should support reforming countries with the tools, financing, and technical assistance needed to sustain transparency and climate action.”
Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, Deputy Minister for Energy
Global Recognition at the OGP Summit
The Ghanaian delegation’s presentation drew widespread praise from international participants, who commended the country’s leadership in integrating transparency into energy policy and governance.
The event reaffirmed Ghana’s role as a regional frontrunner in aligning energy sector reforms with global open governance standards.
Organized under the umbrella of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Summit 2025, the side event was attended by senior government officials, energy industry executives, and representatives from global organizations such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the Energy for Growth Hub.
Ghana’s proactive stance, as outlined by Hon. Gyan-Mensah, reflects a broader national agenda led by President John Dramani Mahama to modernize the power sector while ensuring that transparency remains at the heart of every policy.
Under this agenda, the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition continues to pursue reforms that balance affordability, sustainability, and efficiency.
Driving a Transparent Energy Future
The Deputy Minister’s remarks resonated strongly with the event’s overarching theme, transparency as a catalyst for growth.
As Ghana deepens its transition toward a green economy, energy sector governance has become a benchmark for other developing nations seeking to balance economic expansion with climate responsibility.
Hon. Gyan-Mensah reaffirmed Ghana’s unwavering commitment to open governance and sustainable energy development.
Ghana’s achievements in transparent energy procurement and stakeholder-led reform underscore a national vision that goes beyond power generation, it is about building a legacy of accountability, sustainability, and inclusiveness that will light the path for decades to come.
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