Adnan Adams Mohammed
A new energy report shows Ghana’s electricity consumption continuing its upward trajectory, with total usage reaching 13,098 GWh in 2024, a significant increase from 12,390 GWh in 2023.
The 2025 National Energy Statistical Bulletin compiled by the Energy Commission (EC) highlights a balanced growth across sectors, with industry and residential consumers driving the bulk of demand.
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has directed the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to deploy 200 new transformers across major urban centres to enhance power distribution and address recent supply challenges. The move follows weeks of intermittent power outages and aims to strengthen infrastructure to meet growing industrial and residential demand.
Despite recent concerns over load shedding, the Minister, while speaking at the opening of the 2025 West African Mining and Power Expo (WAMPEX) in Accra last week, assured that Ghana’s overall power supply remains stable, with the country continuing to export electricity to neighbouring states.
“I’m happy to note that despite the challenges we inherited, the recent report I got is that recent power generation has been stable, and we have even begun exporting some power. What we need to do is to continue to improve the transmission network and the distribution network,” he stated.
“In this regard, I have granted approval to the ECG to, as a matter of urgency, inject about 200 new transformers in our major capital cities in order to ensure that we do not just generate power, but we’re able to transmit power and distribute that to consumers in an effective and efficient manner,” Jinapor added.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring reliable energy delivery.
According to the Energy Commission’s report, the industrial sector consumed 4,666 GWh in 2024, representing 35.6% of total usage, followed closely by residential customers at 4,557 GWh (34.8%). The service sector maintained steady growth, accounting for 2,801 GWh or 21.4% of total consumption.
Also, mining operations recorded a modest rise to 610 GWh, while street lighting and water pumping consumed 308 GWh and 157 GWh respectively. The agriculture sector, though still a small share of total demand, consumed 25 GWh, a notable increase from 21 GWh in 2023.
This rising demand underscores Ghana’s ongoing industrialisation efforts and urban expansion, particularly as the country seeks to become a regional hub for energy supply and manufacturing.
The Energy Commission notes that increasing electrification, especially in underserved areas, and higher consumption by new industrial entrants contributed to the 5.7% year-on-year growth in electricity use.
However, the report also calls attention to the need for improving efficiency and reducing system losses, as distribution utilities continue to battle with technical and commercial losses, which in 2024 stood at nearly 32% of electricity purchased.
As energy demand surges, stakeholders are stressing the need for investing in grid reliability, renewable sources, and regulatory reforms to ensure sustainable growth and meet the country’s developmental ambitions.
