Jinapor Emphasises Importance of Energy Security at 16th ECOWAS Energy Ministers Meeting

Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, has emphasised the importance of energy security in promoting economic growth, regional integration and sustainable development across West Africa.

He made the remarks while delivering the opening address at the 16th Meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Ministers in Charge of Energy, where ministers and other stakeholders gathered to discuss challenges and opportunities within the region’s energy sector.

According to a report by 3News on Friday, October 23, 2026, Dr Jinapor stressed the need for reliable, affordable, accessible and sustainable energy to support the development of countries across the sub-region.

He also called on his fellow ministers to strengthen electricity trade among ECOWAS member states, explaining that greater cooperation would help countries make better use of available energy resources.

The minister noted that stronger regional collaboration was necessary to improve electricity supply and ensure that countries could benefit from energy resources available across national borders.

“A more energy-secure West Africa is a stronger, more integrated, and more prosperous West Africa,” he stated.

The meeting comes at a time when several West African countries are seeking ways to improve electricity access, reduce supply challenges and expand the use of renewable energy.

One of the key issues under consideration at the gathering is the development of regional instruments to support battery energy storage systems and improve electricity market regulation.

Battery storage technology is expected to play an important role in helping countries integrate solar power into their electricity networks. It can also help store excess electricity for use during periods of high demand or when renewable energy generation is low.

Dr Jinapor has also highlighted Ghana’s efforts to improve the management of its electricity supply, including plans to use battery storage solutions to manage peak demand and make better use of existing generation capacity.

Beyond electricity, regional energy cooperation remains important in the petroleum sector. Before the meeting, the minister received a delegation from Burkina Faso led by the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Société Nationale Burkinabè d’Hydrocarbures, Forogo Patrice.

The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in petroleum transportation and supply. Burkina Faso currently transports approximately 40 per cent of its petroleum products through Ghana, compared with 15 per cent two years ago.

The engagement reflects the importance of cooperation between neighbouring countries in ensuring dependable energy supplies.

Dr Jinapor’s remarks reinforce calls for ECOWAS member states to work together to address shared energy challenges, strengthen cross-border electricity trade and promote sustainable energy development.

The broader objective is to build a more integrated regional energy market capable of supporting businesses, improving electricity access and creating better economic opportunities for people across West Africa.

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