It was reported from Addis Ababa that Nigeria has committed to supplying 80mW of electricity to Ghana as part of a deal to help the country solve its current energy crisis. Moreover, Nigeria has accepted to take over from Ghana the supply of power to Benin and Togo. This commitment was made during the recent African Union ordinary session held in the Ethiopian capital.

 

Ghana’s President John Kufuor said Nigeria starting in February 2007 will be able to tap into the West Africa Power Pool, to increase its electricity supply to Ghana. With the Power Pool Agreement, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cote d’Ivoire would put their electricity production into a pool to which they could draw from in the event of a shortfall or a crisis.

 

Ghana, which is required to provide 2 000mW, currently manages only 1 200mW, 69% of which is from hydroelectric sources and 30.4% from fossil fuels. 99 % of the electricity consumption in Ghana is supplied by the Volta River Authority.

 

President Kufuor is hopeful that future measures will boost energy generation and address power problems such as plans to construct the 400mW capacity Bui Dam, the inauguration of the West Africa Gas Pipeline Project in March 07, and the exploration by Ghana of other alternative sources, including solar and bio-diesel.