Ghana is set to gradually eliminate the use of crude oil in its power generation mix over the medium term, according to President John Dramani Mahama. The move is part of a broader plan to increase domestic gas supply, enhance energy efficiency, and promote cleaner, more sustainable fuel sources.
Speaking at the 2025 Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, President Mahama announced plans to construct a second gas processing train. This facility will handle additional gas output from Ghana’s existing fields, relieving pressure on the current Atuabo plant, which is operating at capacity.
“There was a bit of disinvestment in the energy sector, but new commitments are coming. We are going to build a second gas train to process more gas from our first field,” the President said. “Our current plant in Atuabo can’t handle the extra gas that’s expected to come on stream.”
Crude oil has long been a costly and volatile energy source for Ghana’s thermal plants. By shifting to natural gas, Mahama said the country hopes to reduce operational costs and the burden of mounting debts owed to independent power producers (IPPs).
“ENI is back and drilling again. Early signs suggest we may find significant quantities of oil and gas. If that happens, we could completely eliminate crude oil in power generation within three to five years,” he noted.
President Mahama also highlighted Ghana’s improving macroeconomic stability, and saying it’s positioning the country as an attractive destination for both upstream and midstream investment in the oil and gas sector.
“The sector was seen as toxic, perhaps because it wasn’t prioritized by previous governments. But I will roll out the red carpet for any investor willing to drill and pump in Ghana,” he added, inviting private sector players to partner with government in scaling up infrastructure for long-term growth.
