Nana Addo Commissions $1.2 billion 590MW Power Plant

Africa, Business

Over the years, Ghana relies heavily on hydropower (from dams like Akosombo, Kpong, and Bui) and thermal power (from gas and oil). However, the country’s energy infrastructure is ageing, and there have been issues with maintaining and upgrading it.

On Tuesday, the Ghanaian President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, commissioned the Ghana 590MW combined-cycle power plant project. The $1.2 billion Bridge Power plant is located in Tema, an important coastal city in Ghana in the Greater Accra Region and home to the largest seaport in the country and a hub for trade, commerce and industry.

Expected to transform the country’s power sector, the groundbreaking project, financed through a partnership with Early Power Ltd, is a giant leap toward Ghana’s quest to secure a reliable energy supply to drive economic growth and national development.

In a statement, Nana Addo noted that the project “represents a shift away from the energy crises of the past, particularly the difficult years of “dumsor” between 2012 and 2016, which disrupted lives and livelihoods.” Emphasising the timeliness of the project, he said: “Reliable electricity is the backbone of national development—it powers industries, illuminates classrooms, and supports hospitals.” Adding the project will boost the productivity of the manufacturing industries and improve healthcare services and learning conditions in schools.

Ghana has faced significant challenges with its electricity supply over the years. Periods of intermittent power supply has marked the situation, commonly referred to as “dumsor”. This term, which means “on and off” in the local language, describes the frequent power outages and load-shedding that have affected the country. The electricity crisis costs the country an estimated average of $2.1 million in lost production daily, affecting businesses and industries that rely on a stable power supply.

Over the years, Ghana relies heavily on hydropower (from dams like Akosombo, Kpong, and Bui) and thermal power (from gas and oil). However, the country’s energy infrastructure is ageing, and there have been issues with maintaining and upgrading it.