UK government opens up Ghana’s energy sector to British investors

The UK government has opened up Ghana’s energy sector to potential investors particularly British nationals to take advantage of opportunities available in the sector.

According to the officials at the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), an agency of the British government, Ghana is looking at ways of boosting its national electricity production. The UKTI said demand for power is currently at 1400MW and is growing at 10% annually.

“Ghana, with an attractive emerging economy, is looking for more Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to boost national electricity production. Opportunities are also available in renewable energy,” the UKTI said on its website January 4, 2012.

The body said “There is potential for electricity generation from renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass and small hydro to connect communities off grid. These sources have not yet been exploited to any significant degree for electricity generation.”

Ghana currently gets about 70% of its electricity from hydro power stations, it aims to supply 10% of its domestic demand through modern renewable technologies by 2020.

The current national access to electricity supply is about 43% of the population yet over 80 % of the domestic electricity supply is consumed in cities and towns.

The UKTI provides expert trade advice and practical support to UK-based companies wishing to grow their businesses overseas.

By Ekow Quandzie