Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have taken a decisive step in regional energy integration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the 330 kV Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire Interconnection Reinforcement Project. The agreement, finalized during a ministerial meeting on June 27, 2025, in Accra, signifies a strong commitment to enhancing power grid stability and facilitating robust energy exchange across West Africa.
Richard Gyan-Mensah, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, hosted the critical bilateral meeting. Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana, he expressed pride in hosting a gathering that advances mutual goals in regional energy cooperation.
Gyan-Mensah elaborated on the strategic importance of the initiative, explaining it will not only strengthen the interconnection between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire but also significantly improve grid stability, boost operational reliability, and create a solid platform for power exchanges within the West African Power Pool (WAPP) regional market.
The meeting’s agenda included a review of updated technical findings from the feasibility study, discussions on the institutional framework for project implementation and governance, and an assessment of the environmental and social impacts, all crucial elements for ensuring sustainable development and community buy-in.
A key outcome was the formal adoption and signing of the MOU, which establishes two vital governance structures: the Joint Technical Steering Committee and the Interstate Committee. The Joint Technical Steering Committee, co-chaired by the Chief Executives of GRIDCo and CI-Energies, will oversee the project’s technical execution, while the Interstate Committee, composed of the Ministers, will provide strategic political direction.
These mechanisms, the Deputy Minister emphasized, are designed to ensure effective coordination, accountability, and transparency throughout the project’s implementation.
“This project underscores the deepening cooperation between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire and our governments’ shared vision for a resilient and integrated regional energy system,” stated Gyan-Mensah. He added that it also aligns with the broader objectives of ECOWAS energy policy and the WAPP Master Plan.
Assuring full governmental backing, the Deputy Minister affirmed Ghana’s commitment to providing the necessary expertise, resources, and institutional support for the project’s timely and successful completion.
He expressed sincere gratitude to the World Bank for its invaluable financial support, the WAPP Secretariat for its leadership in the feasibility studies, and the consultants for their high-quality work. He also commended the dedication and collaborative efforts of the entire project team from both Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
In his concluding remarks, Gyan-Mensah urged all stakeholders to actively contribute their insights and expertise. He stressed that collective efforts would be instrumental in shaping effective policies to ensure the long-term resilience and sustainability of the energy sectors in both countries and the wider region. He closed by reiterating a warm welcome and wishing for productive and forward-looking discussions.
Delegates in attendance included the Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy of Côte d’Ivoire, the WAPP Secretary General, and the CEOs of GRIDCo and CI-Energies.
Story By: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
