- Ghana’s energy crisis persists, with the ageing national grid losing over 5% of generated power annually due to inefficiencies.
- Industry stakeholders advocate for a new approach to leveraging Ghana’s abundant solar, hydro, wind, and biomass resources while prioritising local expertise.
As power outages persist across the country, experts and industry leaders call for a shift in Ghana’s energy strategy—prioritising homegrown talent over costly foreign consultancy firms.
Critics argue that while the country boasts vast natural resources and skilled engineers, successive governments have outsourced key energy projects to international firms, often at inflated costs.
Ghana has long relied on foreign consultants to diagnose and resolve its energy issues. These firms conduct studies, produce reports, and offer recommendations, yet the country remains plagued by an erratic power supply, commonly referred to as Dumsor.
Analysts suggest that the real issue is not a lack of expertise but a failure to empower local engineers and researchers.
Dr Kwame Boateng, an energy economist, stated, “We have world-class energy professionals in Ghana. KNUST has developed solar systems tailored to our climate, Wilkins Engineering has proven off-grid solutions, and CEESD is pioneering waste-to-energy projects. Yet, government contracts still favour foreign firms over these capable local players.”
The government has defended its reliance on external consultants, citing the need for international experience and funding partnerships. However, critics argue that many of these contracts come with hidden costs, including inflated prices and unsustainable debt obligations.
Beyond consultancy fees, Ghana’s ageing electricity grid—built in the 1960s—remains a significant obstacle. According to GRIDCo, the national grid loses over 5% of generated power annually due to inefficiencies. The lack of investment in modernising transmission infrastructure has further strained energy delivery.
“The problem isn’t just generation; it’s distribution. We need smart grid technology and better energy storage solutions, but instead of prioritising these investments, we’re signing expensive power purchase agreements that don’t solve the core problem,” says energy analyst Ama Asante.
Political interests have also contributed to Ghana’s energy struggles. Some contracts awarded to foreign firms allegedly include kickbacks, making it more lucrative for officials to maintain the status quo rather than empower local engineers.
Industry stakeholders advocate for a new approach to leveraging Ghana’s abundant solar, hydro, wind, and biomass resources while prioritising local expertise. Proposed solutions include:
- Increased investment in local research institutions to develop scalable renewable energy projects
- More substantial support for Ghanaian energy firms to take on national projects instead of outsourcing
- Upgrading the national grid with modern technology to reduce power losses
- Transparent procurement processes to eliminate political interference in energy contracts
As businesses and citizens demand a stable power supply, the debate over Ghana’s energy future intensifies. Whether the country will break free from its reliance on external consultants and embrace homegrown solutions remains to be seen.
With elections on the horizon, energy policy is set to become a key campaign issue. Will Ghanaian engineers finally be allowed to drive the country’s energy transformation, or will political inertia keep the country in the dark?