Jinapor Calls on ECOWAS States to Prioritise Regional Electricity Exchange Over National Systems

Ghana’s Minister for Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Jinapor), has called on member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to prioritise the exchange of electricity within the subregion rather than approaching energy supply primarily through their individual national systems. Speaking at the 16th Meeting of ECOWAS Ministers in Charge of Energy, where he delivered the opening remarks, Jinapor emphasised that regional cooperation and power pooling are essential to addressing the energy challenges facing West Africa.

The Minister’s call reflects a growing recognition that individual national approaches to energy supply are insufficient to meet the subregion’s growing demand for reliable and affordable electricity. Many ECOWAS countries face similar challenges, including inadequate generation capacity, aging infrastructure, and limited access to financing. By pooling resources and exchanging electricity across borders, member states can leverage their collective strengths, reduce costs, and improve the reliability of supply for their citizens.

Jinapor’s remarks come at a time when ECOWAS is working to deepen regional integration and strengthen its energy infrastructure. The ECOWAS Regional Electricity Market is a key initiative aimed at facilitating cross-border electricity trade and creating a more interconnected and resilient power system. The Minister’s call for prioritising electricity exchange aligns with the objectives of this initiative and signals Ghana’s commitment to regional energy cooperation.

The benefits of regional electricity exchange are well documented. Countries with surplus power can sell to those with deficits, reducing the need for expensive emergency generation and improving the overall efficiency of the regional grid. Cross-border power trade also promotes investment in generation and transmission infrastructure, creates economies of scale, and supports the transition to cleaner energy sources. For West Africa, where access to electricity remains a major constraint on economic development, regional cooperation is essential.

As the ECOWAS Ministers in Charge of Energy continue their deliberations, Jinapor’s call to action will be a key point of discussion. The meeting provides an opportunity for member states to reaffirm their commitment to regional energy integration and to agree on concrete steps to accelerate progress. For Ghana, the Minister’s leadership on this issue reinforces the country’s role as a champion of regional cooperation and a driving force behind West Africa’s energy transformation.