Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has warned that unpredictable regulatory policies, weak contractual arrangements and inconsistent investment rules could undermine efforts to attract financing for energy infrastructure development across West Africa.
Addressing the 16th Meeting of ECOWAS Ministers in Charge of Energy in Accra, Dr. Jinapor stressed that the region must establish transparent and predictable legal and commercial frameworks to encourage long-term private sector investment.
He explained that energy infrastructure projects require substantial capital and extended investment periods, making regulatory certainty essential to investor confidence.
According to the Minister, investors must have clear assurances regarding licensing procedures, electricity tariffs, grid access, contractual obligations and mechanisms for resolving disputes.
He cautioned that conflicting national regulations and uncertainty surrounding commercial agreements could increase project costs and discourage investment in the region’s electricity sector.
Dr. Jinapor therefore advocated greater harmonisation of energy regulations among ECOWAS member states while ensuring that national circumstances and consumer interests are adequately protected.
He further urged regional institutions to strengthen regulatory coordination and establish common standards capable of supporting a more competitive electricity market.
The Minister maintained that transparent regulations, credible institutions and consistent enforcement of contractual obligations would be critical to mobilising investment and expanding access to affordable and reliable electricity across West Africa.
