Government has announced a nationwide plan to achieve universal electricity access by 2029 through a new Rural Electricity Acceleration and Urban Intensification Initiative, beginning in 2026.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson disclosed the initiative in Parliament during the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement, noting that reliable power supply is the cornerstone of Ghana’s industrialisation and inclusive-growth vision.
“Energy is the engine of our transformation,” he said. “This initiative will connect every unserved community, energise small businesses, and power Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy.”
The programme will deploy a faster turnkey model to accelerate rural connections, with the first phase targeting the Volta, Oti, Savannah, and Central Regions.
It will later expand nationwide, combining on-grid and off-grid solutions such as mini-solar systems for remote settlements.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader energy reform package that includes the construction of a 1,200-megawatt state-owned power plant, completion of Ghana Gas Processing Plant 2, and continued payment of arrears owed to independent power producers to maintain financial stability in the sector.
Dr. Forson said the rural electrification Ghana 2026 agenda would transform livelihoods by powering agro-processing, cold-chain storage, and small-scale manufacturing.
“Every connection will translate into jobs, productivity, and better living standards,” he assured.
Universal access, he explained, will reduce regional inequality and support government’s commitment to sustainable development. With reliable electricity, schools can extend study hours, health facilities can preserve medicines, and microenterprises can operate longer.
The 2026 Budget allocates part of the GH¢57.5 billion capital expenditure to power projects, including grid extension, transformer upgrades, and renewable-energy installations.
The government will also mobilise concessional financing through the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and bilateral partners to support off-grid electrification.
Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) will spearhead grid expansion, while the Energy Commission and Renewable Energy Authority coordinate solar and hybrid systems.
The initiative complements Ghana’s Gas-to-Power Strategy, which shifts generation from expensive crude oil to cleaner natural gas, cutting power-production costs by up to 75 percent. It also aligns with the climate-resilient energy goals of the Mahama Reset Agenda.
To enhance transparency, Dr. Forson said project data and timelines would be published on an online dashboard, allowing citizens to track progress and ensure accountability.
Importantly, this is a step toward inclusive electrification and private-sector growth. It will reduce reliance on diesel generators, lower emissions, and attract green-energy investment into rural districts.
The rural electrification Ghana 2026 initiative is more than power lines, and also a catalyst for productivity, education, and dignity for millions of households.
Dr. Forson added that, “we are not just keeping the lights on; we are lighting the path to industrial transformation and prosperity for every Ghanaian.”
