Ghana receives € 9.7 million grant from EU to improve access to electricity in sub-region

The European Union (EU), through the French Development Agency, has approved a € 9.7 million grant for the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) to boost infrastructure works on the line of interconnection between Ghana and Burkina Faso.

A joint press release said the grant is expected to increase access to electricity in northern Ghana and the ability to export to the sub-region, particularly Burkina Faso.

The EU grant facility will be used to finance the modernization of an 18 km long 161 kV transmission line located between Ahodwo and the Anwomaso substation in Ghana’s second largest city, Kumasi.

It will also support the power transfer capacity from the south of the country to Burkina Faso, via the 330 kV line from Kumasi to Bolgatanga, as well as the reduction of transmission losses.

The 330kV line project was initially funded by a $ 174 million loan from AFD to GRIDCo and a technical assistance grant of € 4.8 million from the EU.

The € 9.7 million grant agreement was signed in Accra by AFD Country Director Christophe Cottet and GRIDCo Director General Jonathan Amoako-Baah.

The EU Ambassador to Ghana, HE Diana Acconcia and the French Ambassador to Ghana, Anne-Sophie Avé, were present at the ceremony.
Ms. Diana Acconcia underlined the project’s contribution to securing the entire Ghana-Burkina Faso interconnection line, which is a priority under the West African Power Pool (WAPP).

“This is a fine example of European partners coming together to support the integration of regional electricity markets”.

Ms. Anne Sophie Avé, Ambassador of France to Ghana said: “This new project supported by the EU and France will allow GRIDCo to complete one of France’s largest development investments in Ghana to improve and modernize transport electricity.

It is a testament to what the partnership between Ghana and France is all about: supporting a greener economy and job creation. This funding will translate into better and more reliable energy available to Ghanaian businesses and citizens, and generate more growth, well-being and income for all ”.

Jonathan Amoako-Baah, Managing Director of GRIDCo, said: “This financial support from the EU represents a significant investment in our quest to remain the leading emitter of electricity in the sub-region.

Our long-standing relationship with the EU, through AFD, continues to play a decisive role in providing quality access to electricity in West Africa, in accordance with objective 7 of the objectives sustainable development (SDGs).