John Jinapor interacting with keynote speakers at the Future of Energy Conference 2025
The Minister for Energy, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to address Africa’s energy challenges and unlock the continent’s economic potential.
Speaking at the Future of Energy Conference 2025, held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, Minister Jinapor highlighted the critical role energy plays in driving industrialization, digital transformation, and social development.
Among major concerns the Minister amplified in his speech are staggering statistics that over 600 million Africans lack access to electricity, and more than one billion rely on traditional biomass for cooking, hindering economic growth and perpetuating inequality. Thereby stressing on the importance of cooperation between governments, the private sector, and development institutions to transform Africa’s energy sector.
The Minister advised Africa’s path to a green transition must be carefully calibrated to ensure energy affordability, industrial growth, and job creation, with regional value chain development and local processing of critical minerals being crucial.
In the case of Ghana’s Energy Transition Framework, which aims to decarbonize the power and petroleum sectors while maintaining energy security, with initiatives such as scaling up renewables, clean cooking solutions, and green hydrogen studies.
Minister’s Call to Action:
Hon Jinapor in ending his speech made a critical call to participants to move beyond brainstorming ideas to commitment and actions. Setting the stage, he indicated that competitive and sustainable financing mechanisms, including bonds markets, carbon trading, and green funds, are essential for Africa’s energy future.
He noted that, sovereign guarantees, policy predictability, and transparent regulation can help mitigate risks associated with energy investments as well as scaling up innovation and research in clean technologies adapted to Africa’s realities is vital for a sustainable energy future.
The Minister urged governments, businesses, investors, and civil society to work together, make commitments, and act decisively to transform Africa’s energy sector.
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has reported a notable improvement in revenue collection by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
According to him, the company has accrued GHc1.6 billion in the first half of 2025, against a projected target of GHc2.5 billion
Responding to questions on the floor of Parliament last week, John Jinapor described the development as a significant improvement.
“At the end of the month [June 2025], ECG was able to raise about GHc1.6 billion, which is a remarkable improvement, even though the target ought to be GHc 2.5 billion. If you do a year-on-year comparison, this month [June] of 2025 as compared to the same month in 2024, there’s a remarkable improvement in terms of the revenue collection,” he said.
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition also announced plans to present a legislative instrument to Parliament aimed at introducing stricter punitive measures against individuals who illegally install electricity meters for consumers.
The Minister stated that although some offenders have already been arrested and prosecuted, the existing sanctions have not proven sufficiently deterrent.
He stressed the need for stronger penalties to curb the practice.
Ghana’s cocoa industry under pressure as production and competitiveness decline.
Adnan Adams Mohammed
Ghana’s cocoa sector may face major foreign exchange setbacks unless swift investments are made to boost large-scale production.
That is the warning from the Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana, Jeroen Verheul, who has called for an urgent reset of the country’s cocoa industry.
He warns that Ghana risks losing its global competitiveness to emerging producers like Ecuador and Brazil if long-standing structural issues in the sector are not urgently addressed.
The Dutch envoy was speaking to Channel One Business on the sidelines of a high-level public-private dialogue in Accra on Ghana’s readiness for the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.
The Ambassador stressed that compliance with EU sustainability directives and increased productivity through large-scale farming will be key to maintaining Ghana’s market share and safeguarding crucial forex earnings.
For him, any decline in Ghana’s global competitiveness could trigger broader macroeconomic consequences.
“If production is going down as it is going down right now, then that means there is less export of cocoa and less foreign exchange earned by farmers and less foreign exchange earned by the economy.
“So it’s a threat to the economy if production if going down so there is an imperative for the Ghana economy to maintain the cocoa sector, to invest in it, to make it more productive to make it more competitive,” Jeroen Verheul said.
As an intervention, the International Trade Centre (ITC) is also taking proactive steps to help Ghana align its cocoa production with international standards to avoid future market rejections.
Larry Attipoe National Coordinator for the Centre’s value chain initiatives in Ghana said this is expected to strengthen Ghana’s cocoa value chain and ensure long-term export viability.
“We bring information such as what it takes you to produce to meet international demands [and] meet all the specifications,” he mentioned.
Meanwhile, Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, is deeply concerned over the sharp decline in cocoa production and the rising debt burden within the sector.
Addressing the inauguration of an 11-member board of directors for COCOBOD, Jinapor highlighted that the sector’s debt has ballooned from GH₵400 million in 2017 to a staggering GH₵2.6 billion—a development he described as alarming and deserving of urgent attention.
“COCOBOD, just like the energy sector, has been in the news for some disturbing reasons. From a debt of 400 million in 2017, the debt is now projected at 2.6 billion, which is very worrying, and all of us ought to be very concerned about the state of COCOBOD,” he said.
He also lamented the drop in cocoa production, which, according to him, has declined from about one million metric tonnes in 2016/2017 to roughly 500,000 metric tonnes, and is continuing on a downward trajectory.
“Around 2016/2017, cocoa production hit around one million. Now it’s declined to around 500. That is quite worrying and is even going down further, just like oil production,” he noted.
Jinapor urged the new board to prioritise cost-cutting measures and operational efficiency, staying true to COCOBOD’s core mandate.
“A trim in costs, bringing about efficiency and deal particularly in what COCOBOD was established to do. That is to ensure that we increase cocoa production and add value to our cocoa,” he said.
He explained that the inclusion of key financial leaders, such as the Finance Minister and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, on the board is meant to enhance fiscal discipline.Ghanaian food recipes
“The presence of the finance minister and the Governor of BoG, Dr Johnson Asiama, is to check fiscal slippages, which can affect its monitoring side. So you ought to ensure that there is a high level of discipline,” he explained.
Expressing confidence in the newly constituted board, Jinapor said: “With the calibre of people on this board, I’m very confident that we will turn the sector around.”
The new COCOBOD board is chaired by Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Policy Advisor at the Office of the Vice President, and includes Dr. Johnson Asiama, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, and Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister for Finance.
Ghana’s energy sector is on the brink of transformation with the appointment of Hon. John
Abdulai Jinapor as Minister of Energy Designate.
His appointment is a fresh opportunity to revitalize an industry that has struggled with stagnation and inefficiencies for the past eight
years, benefiting only a select few while the broader economy has suffered.
As Ghana aims to fully harness its natural resources for national development, strong and visionary
leadership is essential.
For years, the extractive industry has faced persistent challenges, including an unreliable power supply, weak regulatory frameworks, and policies that have failed to unlock the nation’s full potential in oil, gas, and renewable energy.
Under Jinapor’s leadership, stakeholders are hopeful for a renewed focus on transparency, efficiency, and policies that
serve all Ghanaians rather than a privileged minority.
His appointment has the same response with widespread industry support, with key players expressing their commitment to backing his initiatives for meaningful progress.
With extensive experience in the energy sector—including his tenure as Deputy Minister and his role as a Member of Parliament—Jinapor is well-equipped to navigate the
complexities of Ghana’s energy landscape.
His leadership must prioritize addressing inefficiencies that have hampered progress while unlocking opportunities for investment,
job creation, and sustainable energy solutions.
One of the most urgent challenges he must tackle is Ghana’s energy generation and distribution system.
The country has experienced periods of power crises that have
disrupted businesses and slowed economic growth.
Stabilizing the electricity supply,
promoting renewable energy investments, and ensuring fair and transparent procurement
processes will be critical steps toward restoring confidence in the sector.
Additionally, Minister Jinapor has the opportunity to reshape the oil and gas industry to ensure more fair benefits for all Ghanaians.
Strengthening local content policies will be crucial in ensuring that Ghanaian businesses and professionals actively take part in the industry’s expansion.
Moreover, revenue from natural resources must be managed
efficiently to support national development rather than benefiting only a select few.
His leadership will be a test of accountability and action. With Ghana’s energy future at
stake, he must work collaboratively with stakeholders to implement reforms that promote
sustainability, affordability, and innovation in the sector.
The industry is ready to support
this transformation but achieving it will require bold leadership and a strong commitment to change.
As John Abdulai Jinapor steps into this critical role, expectations are high, and the responsibility is immense.
His success will not only shape his legacy but also decide
Ghana’s energy security and economic trajectory.
The nation stands ready to support his efforts, urging him to prioritize the interests of the people, industry growth, and sustainable
development.
The Minister-Designate for Energy, John Jinapor, has directed the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to immediately suspend all payments for supplies as part of a broader strategy to address inefficiencies and stabilize the power sector.
Jinapor emphasized that this directive is backed by the Chief of Staff and aims to halt financial leakages within the company.
Highlighting ECG’s financial struggles, Jinapor revealed that the company is grappling with significant revenue losses, with over 40% of generated power unaccounted for. He warned ECG staff, particularly those in the finance directorate, that ignoring the directive would lead to severe consequences.
“The challenge of money emanates from inefficiencies,” Jinapor said in an interview last week after his nomination. “If ECG loses over 40% of its power generated, no matter what you do, you cannot find a solution.”
He is worried that, while other countries are doing just about 2-4% losses. In Ghana, for each US$100 worth of power, ECG collects only 60%.
“On top of that, there are numerous deductions for contracts, quality assurance, IT, and other provisions” he added.
Jinapor also pointed out that ECG operates over 70 accounts, making effective monitoring and control nearly impossible.
As part of his reform agenda, he pledged to streamline the company’s operations by consolidating its accounts and implementing measures to ensure financial discipline.
“All those numerous accounts will be closed. We need some serious buffers to anchor the system. This sector needs reform, and we will reform it,” Jinapor stressed.
The Minister-Designate assured the public that these measures are necessary to stabilize the power sector and improve service delivery, promising significant reforms to enhance the efficiency of ECG’s operations.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has signalled the potential privatisation of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) as part of efforts to tackle longstanding inefficiencies in the country’s power distribution system. Speaking during a meeting with a World Bank delegation at his private office in Accra last week, President Mahama expressed confidence that private sector involvement could help resolve critical challenges such as operational inefficiencies, financial mismanagement, and poor service delivery within ECG.
“If we don’t fix the Electricity Company of Ghana, we will continue to face major problems across the entire power value chain,” President Mahama said, underscoring the urgency of reforms. He asserted that privatising ECG’s distribution operations could introduce the efficiency required to modernise the energy sector and meet Ghana’s increasing energy demands.
Reflecting on Ghana’s earlier engagement with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact during his tenure as Vice President, Mahama emphasised the pivotal role of an efficient energy distribution system in driving national development goals.
The President reassured stakeholders that any decision to privatise ECG would be approached cautiously, with extensive consultations to balance public interest and the sector’s need for improved performance.
“We want to engage with the World Bank to leverage their expertise in implementing this initiative,” he stated.
Mahama further explained that privatisation would form part of a broader strategy to modernise Ghana’s energy infrastructure, ensuring sustainability, reliability, and enhanced service delivery
for citizens and businesses.
Also, further to solving the dire, critical situation of ECG’s management, the Member of Parliament for Evalue-Ajomoro-Gwira, Arko Nokoe, has advocated for strategic reforms in Ghana’s power sector to minimize losses and enhance efficiency. The legislator, in an interview last week, expressed frustration over the bureaucratic processes in the retail chain, which he believes foster inefficiencies, wastage, and theft.
“Why can’t ECG privatize the retail aspect of our power sector?” he questioned. “It’s incredible how customers struggle to acquire a new meter. This system needs a shake-up.”
The MP emphasized the importance of introducing private sector players to the retail side of electricity distribution. He proposed reforms that would allow private entities to handle critical
areas like the supply of transformers, metering, and the sale and purchase of electricity.
“It’s about time we had other players within the retail aspect of our energy sector,” he stated, adding that competition and innovation would drive efficiency and improve customer satisfaction. “Government remains ECG’s largest debtor, accounting for over 80% of the company’s debt. This is unacceptable,” he lamented. “We cannot expect the ECG to function efficiently when its largest client fails to honor its obligations. It’s time for the government to lead by example and settle its debts promptly. If we want to see real progress, this must change.”
The MP stressed that addressing the government’s debt and privatizing the retail aspect of the power sector could create the financial stability and operational efficiency needed to stabilize and transform Ghana’s electricity distribution framework.
Nokoe’s call comes at a time when the new NDC government is faced with a looming “dumsor” challenge. His proposal adds to the ongoing discussions on how best to revamp the country’s energy sector for sustainable growth and development.
The Finance Minister designated, Dr Casiel Ato Forson, has assured Ghanaians to expect the first budget of the current administration to abolish E-levy, betting tax and COVID-19 levy.
He made this revelation during his vetting in Parliament today.
The Minister designate, insisted that those taxes are nuisance taxes which he cannot easily identify their nature as either they are direct or indirect taxes.
“The betting tax brings in less than GHC50 million annually”, Dr Ato Forson posited. “Such tax if scrapped cannot affect the country.”
Also, he explained that, the introduction of the E-levy fights the cashless economy agenda successive government have intended to pursue.
“Elevy will be abolished in first budget within the 120days as promised”, he said.
The Minister-Designate for Energy, John Jinapor, has directed the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to immediately suspend all payments for supplies as part of a broader strategy to address inefficiencies and stabilize the power sector.
Jinapor emphasized that this directive is backed by the Chief of Staff and aims to halt financial leakages within the company.
Highlighting ECG’s financial struggles, Jinapor revealed that the company is grappling with significant revenue losses, with over 40% of generated power unaccounted for. He warned ECG staff, particularly those in the finance directorate, that ignoring the directive would lead to severe consequences.
“The challenge of money emanates from inefficiencies,” Jinapor said in an interview last week after his nomination. “If ECG loses over 40% of its power generated, no matter what you do, you cannot find a solution.”
He is worried that, while other countries are doing just about 2-4% losses. In Ghana, for each US$100 worth of power, ECG collects only 60%.
“On top of that, there are numerous deductions for contracts, quality assurance, IT, and other provisions” he added.
Jinapor also pointed out that ECG operates over 70 accounts, making effective monitoring and control nearly impossible.
As part of his reform agenda, he pledged to streamline the company’s operations by consolidating its accounts and implementing measures to ensure financial discipline.
“All those numerous accounts will be closed. We need some serious buffers to anchor the system. This sector needs reform, and we will reform it,” Jinapor stressed.
The Minister-Designate assured the public that these measures are necessary to stabilize the power sector and improve service delivery, promising significant reforms to enhance the efficiency of ECG’s operations.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has signalled the potential privatisation of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) as part of efforts to tackle longstanding inefficiencies in the country’s power distribution system. Speaking during a meeting with a World Bank delegation at his private office in Accra last week, President Mahama expressed confidence that private sector involvement could help resolve critical challenges such as operational inefficiencies, financial mismanagement, and poor service delivery within ECG.
“If we don’t fix the Electricity Company of Ghana, we will continue to face major problems across the entire power value chain,” President Mahama said, underscoring the urgency of reforms. He asserted that privatising ECG’s distribution operations could introduce the efficiency required to modernise the energy sector and meet Ghana’s increasing energy demands.
Reflecting on Ghana’s earlier engagement with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact during his tenure as Vice President, Mahama emphasised the pivotal role of an efficient energy distribution system in driving national development goals.
The President reassured stakeholders that any decision to privatise ECG would be approached cautiously, with extensive consultations to balance public interest and the sector’s need for improved performance.
“We want to engage with the World Bank to leverage their expertise in implementing this initiative,” he stated.
Mahama further explained that privatisation would form part of a broader strategy to modernise Ghana’s energy infrastructure, ensuring sustainability, reliability, and enhanced service delivery
for citizens and businesses.
Also, further to solving the dire, critical situation of ECG’s management, the Member of Parliament for Evalue-Ajomoro-Gwira, Arko Nokoe, has advocated for strategic reforms in Ghana’s power sector to minimize losses and enhance efficiency. The legislator, in an interview last week, expressed frustration over the bureaucratic processes in the retail chain, which he believes foster inefficiencies, wastage, and theft.
“Why can’t ECG privatize the retail aspect of our power sector?” he questioned. “It’s incredible how customers struggle to acquire a new meter. This system needs a shake-up.”
The MP emphasized the importance of introducing private sector players to the retail side of electricity distribution. He proposed reforms that would allow private entities to handle critical
areas like the supply of transformers, metering, and the sale and purchase of electricity.
“It’s about time we had other players within the retail aspect of our energy sector,” he stated, adding that competition and innovation would drive efficiency and improve customer satisfaction. “Government remains ECG’s largest debtor, accounting for over 80% of the company’s debt. This is unacceptable,” he lamented. “We cannot expect the ECG to function efficiently when its largest client fails to honor its obligations. It’s time for the government to lead by example and settle its debts promptly. If we want to see real progress, this must change.”
The MP stressed that addressing the government’s debt and privatizing the retail aspect of the power sector could create the financial stability and operational efficiency needed to stabilize and transform Ghana’s electricity distribution framework.
Nokoe’s call comes at a time when the new NDC government is faced with a looming “dumsor” challenge. His proposal adds to the ongoing discussions on how best to revamp the country’s energy sector for sustainable growth and development.
