Minister for Energy and Green Transition Dr John Abdulai Jinapor delivered a stark warning to board chairpersons and chief executives of state‑owned energy institutions during the 2026 Energy Sector Performance Review Retreat at Volta Seren Hotel in Ho. He said that strained working relationships and internal conflicts could jeopardise their positions, even when they achieve results.
Jinapor stressed that effective teamwork, mutual respect and accountability are essential to improving institutional performance. He urged appointees to set aside personal differences and work together to meet the government’s energy sector objectives. The minister reminded officials that their appointments are temporary and that no one is above accountability.
“Anybody who thinks he’s untouchable, please, you are making a big mistake,” he warned, noting that executive authority rests with President John Dramani Mahama, who appoints ministers, board members and chief executives to implement government policies.
The minister highlighted that disagreements between board chairs and chief executives, as well as tensions between executives and their deputies, could undermine institutional performance. He urged chief executives to respect their boards and obtain necessary approvals before making major financial commitments, while board members must provide effective oversight. Deputies should support their superiors rather than undermine their authority.
Jinapor said he hoped the government would not have to dissolve any more boards during his tenure, calling on appointees to improve their working relationships and remain focused on delivering results. He said collaboration and accountability are necessary to ensure that state‑owned energy institutions fulfil their mandates.
He also outlined measures to address electricity distribution challenges, including the procurement of approximately 3,000 transformers to replace a shortage of about 600 at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). Some transformers have already been deployed to improve power distribution, while the government is working with the Ministry of Finance to mobilise US$500 million for investment in the transmission network.
Jinapor commended GRIDCo and the Volta River Authority (VRA) for restoring power in record time following the August 1 incident, which caused a loss of about 1,000 megawatts. He said the incident exposed weaknesses in the transmission system and underscored the need for modern infrastructure, including an interim containerised substation and a planned ultra‑modern transmission infrastructure and control centre.
On electricity generation, he cautioned against investments that could create unnecessary financial pressure, saying decisions must be guided by actual demand, available capacity and affordability. He added that the government is working with the VRA to restore idle power plants to service.
Jinapor urged ECG to improve its billing and revenue collection efficiency as the government works to strengthen the financial position of the electricity distribution company. He noted that most Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are now receiving nearly 100 percent of their bills, compared with about 40 percent when the current administration assumed office. He welcomed plans to engage private sector operators in meter reading and billing, with payments made electronically.
The minister argued that greater investment in locally owned power generation companies could help retain more revenue within Ghana and reduce pressure on the cedi. He said improving revenue mobilisation is important to sustaining the power sector and meeting its financial obligations.
He commended the management of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) for reviving the facility without seeking financial support from the government, describing its progress as an example of what effective leadership and teamwork can achieve.
Jinapor expressed optimism about Ghana’s petroleum sector, saying the decline in production recorded in previous years has been halted. He attributed the improved outlook to renewed investor interest and agreements with companies expected to undertake further exploration and drilling activities.
He urged leaders across the energy sector to sustain the progress and work collectively towards building a reliable, affordable, sustainable and resilient energy sector capable of supporting Ghana’s economic transformation.
