We’ll build the largest thermal capacity in Ghana – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama says his government is preparing to build the largest thermal power generation capacity in Ghana, with agreements for 1,200 megawatts of gas-fired thermal power expected to be signed before the end of 2026.

Speaking at a town hall meeting with the Ghanaian community in New York last Friday, President Mahama said the planned investment would be undertaken with the government’s own resources rather than through additional borrowing.

“We’re going to build the biggest thermal capacity in Ghana. Before the end of this year, we’re going to sign 1,200 megawatts of gas thermal power,” President Mahama said.

He said the government had rejected offers from independent power producers (IPPs) to add another 500 megawatts to the country’s generation capacity, choosing instead to pursue its own thermal power expansion.

“IPPs, who yesterday were threatening me to switch off the lights, coming and saying, Oh, President, we can invest and give you another 500 megawatts of power. And I say, no, you keep your power,” he said.

President Mahama stressed that the government would not borrow to finance the planned projects.

The announcement forms part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen Ghana’s power generation capacity and ensure a reliable electricity supply.

Ghana relies on a combination of hydroelectric and thermal power generation to meet its electricity needs, with thermal power playing a significant role in the country’s generation mix.

The power sector has faced challenges involving generation costs, fuel supply and payments to independent power producers.

The proposed 1,200MW gas-fired capacity would significantly expand Ghana’s thermal generation base if the agreements are signed and the projects are implemented as announced.