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Story by, Nsor Paul Mensah
Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire are set to strengthen regional energy cooperation through a strategic 330 kV transmission line project. The initiative, part of the West African Power Pool (WAPP) infrastructure development plan, will construct a 243-kilometer double-circuit transmission line connecting the two countries.
The project, valued at €154 million, aims to enhance electricity trade and improve regional power system connectivity.
Part of the West African Power Pool's infrastructure development plan, will construct a 243-kilometer double-circuit transmission line connecting the two countries.
Ing. Mark Awuah Baah, CEO of GRIDCo Ghana, highlighted the project's significance during a recent meeting, noting it was identified as a priority in the ECOWAS master plan adopted in 2018. The €154 million initiative is designed to eliminate existing interconnection bottlenecks and facilitate more efficient electricity exchanges.
The project, initially studied in 2011 and relaunched in 2022 with World Bank support, involves creating an interstate ministerial committee and a technical steering group to oversee implementation.
A ministerial meeting scheduled for June 27th will finalize project details and determine next steps.
The transmission line is expected to enhance regional power connectivity, supporting the broader goal of developing a more integrated West African electricity market.
Ing. Mark Baah said, the project’s objective is to strengthen energy exchanges between Ghana and Togo, and beyond. The estimated cost of the project is €154.4 million, including costs related to environmental and social impact management and construction supervision. The project has been deemed technically and financially viable.
To ensure the project’s implementation on time and cost-effectiveness, an institutional framework has been proposed. This framework includes the creation of an interstate Committee of Ministers in charge of energy, a Technical Steering Committee, and a project implementation unit in each country.
The following legal documents have been developed for execution: a Memorandum of Understanding on the interstate committee to be signed by the Honorable Ministers, a framework agreement for the Technical Steering Committee to be signed by the CEOs of the two utilities, and the procurement arrangement framework to be signed by the CEOs.
A ministerial meeting is scheduled for June 27th in Accra to review and approve the project’s outcomes and legal documents. This project is expected to enhance energy cooperation between Ghana and Togo, and contribute to the development of the regional energy market.
Solomon Adjetey Sowah, Chief Director of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, emphasized the project's importance during a recent high-level meeting, highlighting its potential to create a more integrated regional electricity market.
Key project components include:
- Construction of 121 km of transmission line from Dunkwa to the Ghana-Côte d'Ivoire border
- Development of a new 330/161kV substation at Dunkwa
- Implementation of environmental mitigation measures
Originally studied in 2011 and revived in 2022 with World Bank support, the project represents a critical step in ECOWAS's vision for regional energy integration. A ministerial meeting scheduled for June 27th is expected to finalize project details and approve implementation strategies.
The transmission line is anticipated to significantly improve electricity exchanges between Ghana and neighboring countries, supporting the region's growing energy needs.
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