COPEC supports government's 1,200MW power plan

The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has welcomed the government's plan to add 1,200 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Ghana's national grid, describing it as a major boost for the country's energy security.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Saturday, July 25, 2026, COPEC Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah said the project would help Ghana meet its growing electricity needs.

"1,200 is a lot. If they can realise that, what it means is that the foreseeable generation deficits that over time we develop because of development and expansion in our cities will be catered for," he said.

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Amoah, however, urged the government to accelerate the transition from thermal power to renewable energy.

"I have advocated for a time to come where we decelerate on thermal generation and rather go for solar because, for our part of the world, the sun is virtually out 11 months out of 12," he stated.

He explained that increasing investment in solar energy would reduce the country's dependence on costly fuel.

"You cannot continue to have your power plants consume heavy fuel oil and light crude oil. Every now and then you are burning a lot of money to be able to put your grid on. So if you diversify, you are taking off a bit of the pressure that the grid ordinarily would have had to sustain," he said.

Amoah also welcomed efforts by some banks to finance solar installations for households.

"I am also happy that some of the banks have now made it a policy that if you want solar installations, they are going to provide finance for you so that you pay over a period of time. I think all Ghanaian banks should be pushed in that direction," he noted.

He said more households should be encouraged to generate their own electricity through solar panels.

"At least for domestic use, you should be able to have some five or 10 panels, generate something, turn on your fan, keep your fridge on and be able to run as a normal household," he added.

Amoah pointed to China's investment in large-scale solar farms as an example for Ghana to follow.

"It tells you that as a country that is not going to be able to continue to pay for power from the thermal wing, you need to begin to diversify the mix. I am happy that that was captured," he said.

ANAS/EB

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