In a move poised to dramatically reshape West Africa’s energy landscape, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have officially kicked off a colossal 330 kV Double Circuit Interconnection Reinforcement Project.
This ambitious undertaking, spearheaded by Ghana Grid Company Ltd (GRIDCo) and Côte d’Ivoire Energies, is set to significantly boost electricity exchanges between the two nations and fortify the entire West African Power Pool (WAPP) network.
The project’s framework was cemented at a high-stakes meeting in Accra’s Lancaster hotel, where a Memorandum of Understanding was adopted and signed.
Organized by the WAPP Secretariat in collaboration with GRIDCo, the initiative aims to establish a robust regional electricity market across West Africa.
Crucially, the World Bank is footing the bill for the construction of vital transmission lines and substations in both countries, underscoring the project’s regional importance.
The scale of this endeavor is immense. Ghana will see the construction of a 123 km 330 kV double circuit transmission line stretching from Dunkwa to the border at Elubo, complemented by a brand-new substation at Dunkwa.
Not to be outdone, Côte d’Ivoire will build a 125 km 330 kV double circuit transmission line from Elubo to Bingerville, alongside an expansion of the Bingerville substation.
In an additional strategic move for Ghana, a 75 km 330 kV single circuit transmission line will be built from Dunkwa to Awodua, seamlessly connecting the project to the national grid.
Speaking on behalf of Energy Minister Hon. Abdulai Jinappr, Mr. Solomon Adjeitey Sowah, Chief Director at the Ministry of Energy, hailed the project as a “vital part of the WAPP Coastal Transmission Backbone.”
He emphasized its role in linking the electricity networks of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, with the unwavering support of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, ultimately aiming to amplify electricity trade.
Mr. Sowah revealed that initial pre-investment studies for the project began way back in 2011 but faced a temporary halt due to national prioritization issues.
However, with renewed backing from the World Bank, the project gained fresh momentum in 2022.
The task of updating these crucial studies was entrusted to the Italian firm Studio Pietrangeli (SP), working closely with experts from CI-ENERGIES under the guidance of the WAPP Secretariat.
Both GRIDCo’s CEO, Ing. Mark Baah, and CI-Energies’ Director General, Mr. Moumory SIDIBE, underscored the project’s significance.
Ing. Baah highlighted its role in improving power reliability and advancing WAPP’s goals of energy access and sustainable energy development.
Mr. SIDIBE, in turn, stressed the project’s critical contribution to reinforcing the regional power network for the collective benefit of all West African nations.
WAPP Secretary General, Mr. Abdoulaye Dia, emphasized the urgency of the Accra meeting, stating its purpose is to ensure the swift implementation of this vital project.
He confirmed that experts from both nations will meticulously review, sign, and finalize the institutional framework developed by the consultant, paving the way for the project’s official launch.
The ministerial meeting is set to be a pivotal moment, with presentations on the feasibility study, environmental and social impact study, and the institutional framework all on the agenda for review and approval by the Ministers.
Crucially, discussions will also delve into the next steps for project execution, including detailed preparations for synchronizing the regional network.
This collaborative effort between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, backed by regional and international partners, signals a new era for energy security and economic integration in West Africa.
By Philip Antoh