Ghana on Tuesday hosted ministers and senior energy leaders from across the sub-region at the 2025 West Africa Energy Cooperation Summit (WAECS) in Accra, where the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, called for deeper regional integration to bolster energy security and drive sustainable development.
Addressing the Ministers’ Roundtable at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Mr. Jinapor highlighted what he described as a landmark milestone in West Africa’s energy cooperation, the first full synchronisation of the West African power grid.
The test synchronisation, conducted in November 2025 at the Sakete Substation in Benin, linked the Ghana–Togo–Benin network with Nigeria’s grid for the first time.
“This historic synchronisation demonstrates the tangible benefits of regional cooperation and brings us a step closer to a unified West African electricity market,”
the Minister stated.
He emphasised that harmonising energy markets through the West African Power Pool (WAPP) remains central to reducing power costs, improving supply reliability, and extending electricity access to millions across the region.
Mr. Jinapor reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to aligning national energy policies with regional priorities, citing ongoing work to expand gas infrastructure, integrate digital technologies into upstream petroleum operations, and deepen private-sector participation in electricity distribution.
Calling for urgent action, he stressed the need for member states to accelerate collective efforts.
“The time to act is now. Let us finalise interconnection protocols, harmonise tariffs, and accelerate joint infrastructure planning. Together, we can power the dreams of our people.”
The summit brings renewed momentum to West Africa’s drive toward a fully interconnected, efficient, and resilient regional energy market.
