By Dominic Hlordzi
Ghana’s pursuit of energy (electricity) security has often been told through the addition of megawatts, policy reforms and emergency interventions.
But increasingly, it is also being shaped by a quieter force, the media, whose access, scrutiny and storytelling are helping to bridge the gap between complex power generation systems and public understanding of the issues in the sector.
That role came into sharp focus during a recent media tour aboard the Karadeniz Powership Osman Khan, operated by Karpowership.
Journalists were given rare, first-hand access to the floating power plant, stepping into the heart of a system that has, over the past decade, become a stabilising force in Ghana’s electricity supply chain.
Karpowership signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Electricity Company of Ghana in 2014 to supply a total of 450MW of power through two powerships.
In December 2015, a 235MW powership began commercial operation, helping to ease Ghana’s power crisis, known as “dumsor”.
By 2016, the agreement was consolidated into a single 450MW powership arrangement.
In August 2017, Karpowership deployed a 470MW vessel, the largest powership in the world, to Ghana, which began operations a month later, in September 2017.
In August 2019, the 470MW powership was relocated 250 kilometres in a single day to Ghana’s western enclave to utilise indigenous natural gas resources.
Since beginning operations in 2015, Karpowership has supplied about 23% of Ghana’s total electricity demand, making it a significant contributor to the national grid’s stability.
Inside the gargantuan vessel, journalists heard the hum of synchronised engines, felt the heat, experienced the soothing sea breeze, and saw the control panels and real-time load management systems, which offered more than just visuals, they provided context.
Accommodation, a clinic, a cafeteria, a swimming pool and other facilities are on board the electricity-producing ship, which is quietly berthed at the Sekondi Naval Base.
The journalists engaged directly with engineers and technical staff, gaining insight into how thermal generation aboard the powership is dispatched onto the national grid to support baseload stability and peak demand management.
The visit underscored the importance of informed reporting in a sector where public confidence is closely tied to consistent power delivery.
The media’s engagement also highlighted the operational resilience of Karpowership.
At a time when Ghana grappled with the debilitating effects of “dumsor”, a period of persistent power outages that disrupted industry and livelihoods, the company’s entry into the market provided critical relief.
Its floating generation assets, rapidly deployable and fuel-flexible, helped close supply gaps and stabilise voltage levels across the grid.
Beyond technology, the story is also one of endurance.
Even during periods when payment challenges emerged, particularly involving ECG, Karpowership maintained operations, signalling long-term confidence in Ghana’s energy sector.
That decision, industry observers note, was not merely commercial; it reflected a strategic commitment to maintaining grid reliability at critical junctures, when system failure would have had cascading economic consequences. The company tapped into its reserves to continue operating.
Today, as discussions advance between Karpowership and the Government of Ghana over the extension of its Power Purchase Agreement beyond 2027, the company’s role remains central.
The negotiations, described as progressing positively, are expected to determine how floating power continues to complement Ghana’s generation mix, particularly as the country balances thermal, hydro and renewable sources.
Based on discussions with journalists, it is clear that Ghana’s importance to Karpowership extends beyond its borders.
The country served as the company’s entry point into West Africa, effectively becoming a launchpad for regional expansion.
From Ghana, Karpowership has extended operations to countries including Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, supporting power stability across the subregion through modular and rapidly deployable generation solutions.
Communications Manager at Karpowership Ghana, Sandra Amarquaye, said giving journalists access to the vessel aims to strengthen public trust through openness.
“We believe that opening our doors to the media is essential in building public trust and deepening understanding of the critical role we play in Ghana’s power sector. By giving journalists direct access to our operations, we are ensuring accurate reporting and fostering informed conversations around energy reliability and sustainability,” she said.
Safety measures are also a top priority for Karpowership Ghana.
Assistant Health and Safety Manager Kalim Tanko said strict international safety standards are adhered to at all times, explaining that the vessel is equipped with advanced fire detection systems and emergency shutdown mechanisms to ensure operational safety.
Project Manager Michelle Hazel emphasised the company’s commitment to operational excellence, stating that the team works continuously to ensure consistent power production without hitches.
She highlighted the company’s role in keeping homes and businesses powered across the country.
Looking to the future, staff of Karpowership are hopeful of receiving “good news” from the Government of Ghana to enable them to continue supporting the country’s efforts to expand electricity access and ensure reliable and affordable power for all.
As Ghana looks to the future of its energy mix, the role of reliable, flexible power solutions like Karpowership remains a critical part of the conversation.
The outcome of ongoing discussions with the Government of Ghana will not only shape the company’s continued presence but also influence the country’s broader energy security strategy.
By stepping aboard installations like the Osman Khan, journalists were not just observers, they became interpreters of complex energy systems, translating technical processes into narratives that inform public discourse and policy accountability.
It was an immersion into the realities of power generation, resilience and a nation’s efforts to ensure energy stability.
In the end, Ghana’s energy story is not just about keeping the lights on.
It is about trust, visibility and the collective effort to build a system that is not only reliable but understood.
And in that equation, the role of the media may prove to be just as indispensable as the electricity itself.
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