Renewables
Ghana urges balance in African natural gas development
Ghana's energy minister has called for African nations to balance domestic gas use with export ambitions to boost energy security.
Key points
- Ghana advocates for linking gas production to domestic power generation.
- Regional infrastructure like the West African Gas Pipeline supports cross-border trade.
- Natural gas remains a core part of Ghana's green transition agenda alongside renewables.
Balancing domestic needs and exports
According to Modern Ghana, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, Ghana's Minister of Energy and Green Transition, has emphasized the need for African countries to strengthen local gas utilisation while maintaining export channels. Speaking at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum and African Energy Chamber Strategic Forum during African Energy Week 2026, he noted that tying gas output to industrial competitiveness and power generation helps maximise regional resources.
Strengthening energy security
Dr Jinapor pointed out that expanded gas availability has lowered Ghana's dependence on liquid fuels for thermal electricity generation. He argued that robust domestic energy systems protect African economies against external shocks and global market disruptions. Furthermore, he highlighted the West African Gas Pipeline as a vital tool for enhancing cross-border trade and market integration across the region, supporting shared economic growth and reliable supplies.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Renewables are the fastest-growing part of the world’s energy system. The COP28 goal is to triple capacity by 2030, and solar mini-grids are the fastest route to power for millions of people without electricity.
27.8% of electricity in the world was renewable in 2021Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
