The Deputy Minister for Energy, Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to comprehensive reforms and innovation within the energy sector, aimed at supporting the country’s industrialisation agenda and ensuring long-term energy security.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Energy at the Power Energy Ghana Expo and BuildExpo Ghana 2025, Hon. Gyan-Mensah highlighted a series of policy interventions and structural reforms designed to make Ghana’s energy system more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable.
“Here in Ghana, we recognise that energy is the backbone of industrialisation.
“Every factory that opens, every business that expands, and every home that lights up is powered by the silent force of electricity and infrastructure.”
Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, Deputy Minister for Energy
He stressed that energy access and affordability are critical to ensuring that the nation’s industrial and social aspirations are realised.
“That is why government continues to prioritise reforms, innovation, and private sector collaboration to build a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready energy economy.”
Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, Deputy Minister for Energy
Comprehensive Energy Sector Reforms
The Deputy Minister outlined several key initiatives being implemented by the Ministry of Energy to transform the energy landscape and enhance operational efficiency across the value chain.
According to him, reforms include the rationalisation of Independent Power Producer (IPP) tariffs to strike a balance between affordability for consumers and maintaining investor confidence, as well as competitive and transparent procurement frameworks for all new generation and infrastructure projects.
“We will strengthen the Cash Waterfall Mechanism to guarantee fair and predictable payments across the sector, while accelerating renewable energy adoption through the localisation of solar assembly lines and battery storage solutions, and the digitalisation of sector operations, from data-driven planning to smart distribution systems.
“Crucially, we will enhance local content participation so that Ghanaian enterprises become integral players in our green transition.”
Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, Deputy Minister for Energy
He emphasised that the Ministry’s approach integrates fiscal discipline, innovation, and sustainability to ensure long-term stability.
“Our goal is to create an energy ecosystem that is reliable, diversified, and financially viable, capable of supporting the rapid pace of industrial and technological expansion that Ghana is pursuing.”
Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, Deputy Minister for Energy
Businesses Demand Affordable Power for Industrial Growth
Meanwhile, the business community has welcomed the government’s renewed focus on energy reforms but continues to stress the need for affordability and reliability to sustain Ghana’s industrial drive.
President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Dr. Joseph Obeng, said high energy costs remain a major challenge for manufacturers and traders seeking to expand their operations and compete globally.
“In our quest to industrialize as a nation, it is very important we have affordable energy sources; otherwise, it will be in vain because of competition with the rest of the world.
“It is very important for us to access affordable energy sources rather than the old and obsolete ones that produce energy at a higher cost.”
Dr. Joseph Obeng, President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA)
Dr. Obeng noted that while government’s policies are laudable, consistent execution and cost management will be key to realising their intended benefits.
He called for greater efforts to scale up renewable energy adoption, arguing that clean energy solutions must be made more accessible to businesses across the country.
GUTA believes that renewable energy, particularly solar power, can offer small and medium enterprises (SMEs) a lifeline by reducing operational costs and improving efficiency.
“Making renewable energy affordable for local businesses will enhance productivity and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, which continue to strain our economy through import bills and foreign exchange pressures.”
Dr. Joseph Obeng, President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA)
Ghana’s ongoing energy reforms are a step in the right direction, particularly in addressing the financial sustainability challenges that have long plagued the power sector.
However, they caution that without careful implementation and strong governance, the reforms may not achieve their desired impact.
Mr. Gyan-Mensah acknowledged these challenges but expressed confidence in the Ministry’s roadmap.
He said the government remains focused on balancing affordability, sustainability, and reliability in its energy planning, with reforms designed to make Ghana a model for green industrialisation in Africa.
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