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Ghana Moves to Avert Power Crisis with Planned 1,200MW Gas Plant

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Ghana is moving to strengthen its energy security with plans to construct a 1,200-megawatt gas-fired power plant, as rising electricity demand and recent disruptions expose vulnerabilities in the country’s power system.

President John Dramani Mahama announced the initiative during a town hall meeting in Koforidua, framing it as a critical step to prevent a potential power crisis and support long-term economic growth.

Rising Demand, Shrinking Buffer

Ghana’s electricity consumption has climbed sharply in recent years, narrowing the margin between supply and demand. According to the president, peak consumption has risen from about 3,500 megawatts in 2025 to roughly 4,300 megawatts today—matching the country’s current installed capacity.

“If you look at Ghana’s economic growth, our electricity consumption keeps increasing,” Mahama said, underscoring the urgency of expanding generation capacity.

The planned plant would raise total capacity to approximately 6,000 megawatts, creating a buffer to stabilize supply and potentially position Ghana as a net exporter of electricity within the West African sub-region.

Recent Disruptions Highlight Risk

The announcement comes in the wake of recent power interruptions triggered by infrastructure challenges, including transformer replacements and a fire that damaged the control room of Ghana Grid Company at Akosombo.

The incident temporarily knocked out about 1,000 megawatts—nearly a quarter of national capacity—raising concerns about system resilience.

Mahama praised local engineers for restoring power without external assistance, calling it a demonstration of domestic technical capability in managing critical infrastructure.

Billions in Energy Investment

To support the expansion, the government has engaged international energy partners, including ENI and Jubilee field stakeholders, who have signaled willingness to invest a combined $3.5 billion in gas infrastructure.

The investment is expected to secure fuel supply for the new plant and reinforce Ghana’s broader energy ecosystem.

“This means that for the next 10 to 15 years… we will have enough capacity to power our homes and industries,” Mahama said.

Strategic Shift Toward Energy Stability

Energy analysts view the move as part of a broader strategy to reduce the risk of recurring power shortages—commonly referred to locally as “dumsor”—which have historically disrupted businesses and economic activity.

By increasing generation capacity and building surplus, Ghana aims not only to meet domestic demand but also to expand electricity exports through regional power pools, generating additional foreign exchange.

Broader Development Agenda

The announcement was made as part of the president’s “Resetting Ghana” tour, which also included groundbreaking ceremonies for education and market infrastructure projects in the Eastern Region—signaling a wider push to align energy stability with national development goals.

As Ghana’s economy continues to grow, the success of the planned power expansion may prove pivotal—not just in keeping the lights on, but in sustaining industrial growth and regional competitiveness.

Ghana News

Fatal Fire on Accra-Tema Motorway, Private Awards for Ministers Trigger Backlash, Patients Stranded at KATH, and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today

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We have curated the most relevant stories in Ghana today, bringing you timely updates on key issues in the country wherever you may be. Stay tuned.

President Mahama Directs Appointees to Refrain from Awards by Doubtful Organizers
President John Dramani Mahama has directed all ministers of state, CEOs of state institutions, and other political appointees to refrain from participating in, sponsoring, endorsing, attending, or accepting awards from private organizations without express authorisation from the Office of the President. This follows concerns over the proliferation of awards from entities with unclear credentials, lacking transparent and verifiable criteria, which risk undermining public service integrity and exposing government to criticism. A recent example was the 6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards. The directive, issued via a letter dated June 8, 2026, by Secretary to the President Dr. Callistus Mahama, emphasizes performance assessment based on manifesto commitments, policy targets, and measurable outcomes rather than external recognitions. A comprehensive review of ministers and CEOs is planned to inform retention, reassignment, or restructuring. Public officials are urged to focus on service delivery and results for Ghanaians. Read the full story here

Patients Stranded at KATH as Doctors and Nurses Protest CEO Suspension
Hundreds of patients have been left stranded at the Out-Patient Department of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi as doctors and nurses refuse to attend new cases in protest against the two-week suspension of CEO Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo. The action stems from the Ministry of Health’s decision following the temporary closure of the Accident and Emergency Centre due to overcrowding. Health workers, backed by the Health Workers Union, argue the suspension was unjust as the decision was collective. The Ministry has appealed for staff to resume duties, warning of impacts on vulnerable patients, while investigations continue. Scenes of confusion and long waits have been reported at the facility. The standoff highlights ongoing operational pressures at Ghana’s major referral hospital, with calls for resolution to restore services. Read the full story here

Meet Edem Wosornu: Ghanaian Appointed UN Assistant High Commissioner for Protection
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Ghanaian Edem Wosornu as Assistant High Commissioner for Protection at the UNHCR, succeeding Ruvendrini Menikdiwela of Sri Lanka. Currently Director of OCHA’s Crisis Response Division (appointed April 2023) and Chair of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Emergency Directors Group, Wosornu brings over 21 years of humanitarian experience. She previously held leadership roles in OCHA’s Humanitarian Sector Division and worked with UNHCR and in private legal practice in London. She holds advanced legal qualifications from UK institutions and speaks English and French. Her appointment highlights Ghanaian expertise on the global stage in humanitarian affairs. Read the full story here

Fuel Tanker-Tipper Truck Crash Sparks Fatal Fire on Accra-Tema Motorway
A collision between a fuel tanker and a tipper truck on the Accra-Tema Motorway early on June 9, 2026, triggered a major fire outbreak. The Ghana National Fire Service confirmed the blaze has been fully extinguished, with recovery operations and investigations ongoing at the scene.

The incident was described as fatal, though specific casualty details were not immediately released. Emergency responders worked to contain the fire and secure the busy motorway. Authorities are investigating the cause as motorists and commuters expressed concerns over safety on the critical route. Read the full story here

Mahama to Assess Ministers Ahead of Possible Reshuffle
President John Dramani Mahama is set to conduct a comprehensive performance review of ministers and CEOs of state institutions, with findings to guide retention, reassignment, or Cabinet restructuring. This ties into a directive barring public officials from questionable private awards, urging focus on policy delivery and measurable results. The review aligns with the 2024 NDC Manifesto and government development agenda. The move signals emphasis on accountability and effective governance. Read the full story here

Cedi Weakens Further Amid Second Quarter FX Demand Pressures
The Ghana cedi has continued depreciating against major currencies due to rising foreign exchange demand and corporate repatriation needs. In the interbank market, it traded at GHS 11.85/USD (from GHS 11.63), with similar losses against the pound and euro. Retail rates also rose, reflecting broader pressures despite Bank of Ghana interventions. Analysts expect further strain from Q2 profit outflows, though a $1.2 billion monthly FX support is anticipated. Global factors like high oil prices contribute to the bearish outlook. Read the full story here

Unchecked Development Driving Recurring Accra Floods – Prof. Chris Gordon
Environmental scientist Prof. Chris Gordon has attributed recurring floods in areas like Oyarifa to buildings in natural waterways and drainage paths, destroying vegetation and creating impervious surfaces. He described the incidents as predictable outcomes of rapid, unchecked urban development replacing farmlands and forests. Stricter planning enforcement and land-use management are needed to mitigate risks. “You cannot cheat nature,” he emphasised, calling for science-based approaches to urban planning. Read the full story here

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Today’s Newspaper Headlines: Tuesday, June 9, 2026

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Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.

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Ghana News

‘Once You Have Life, There Is Hope’: Ghana Demands Compensation for Citizens Hit by South Africa Attacks

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Ghana’s government has launched a formal push for compensation on behalf of citizens evacuated from South Africa following deadly xenophobic attacks, with Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa urging returnees to meticulously document every lost property, business, and asset.

Addressing the second batch of evacuees on arrival in Accra on Saturday, June 6, 2026, Ablakwa made clear that the West African nation’s response would not end with evacuation.

“We are not only concerned about evacuating you, but we are concerned about your full integration,” he said. “The government of Ghana has decided that we are not going to sit back without any effort in attempting to secure compensation for those of you who have lost your properties, lost your assets, lost your businesses and your shops.”

The minister directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to begin assembling documentation and evidence to support a legal compensation case. He urged returnees to provide ownership documents, addresses, and any supporting records that could strengthen Ghana’s claim.

“Please make sure that you provide all the information that we require,” he said, noting that forms were already being circulated.

Ablakwa disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama had instructed him to petition the African Union over the matter and raise it at the next AU ministerial meeting.

“President Mahama is going to make a very strong case for you so that you will be compensated and justice will be done,” he stated.

While acknowledging the heavy losses suffered by some evacuees who had spent decades building businesses in South Africa, Ablakwa struck a tone of resilience:

“Yes, you have lost property, you have lost assets, you have left your businesses behind… but nothing comes anywhere near life. Once you have life, there is hope.”

Ghana acted swiftly to evacuate its citizens before the situation worsened, the minister said, adding that several other African countries had reported fatalities among their nationals during the unrest. Ghana’s evacuation strategy has since drawn interest from multiple African governments, with foreign ministers contacting Accra to learn from its operation.

Beyond compensation, Ablakwa announced that nearly 200 jobs had already been secured for returning Ghanaians through a government initiative involving local businesses. Companies including Engineers and Planners, AirtelTigo, and Telecel have responded positively, he said, with additional employers continuing to offer vacancies.

Reassuring evacuees of continued government support for reintegration, Ablakwa emphasized their value to Ghana’s economy, pointing to remittances from Ghanaians abroad, which reached a record US$7.8 billion last year, according to Bank of Ghana data.

“We value you because you have always contributed to this economy,” he said.

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