Publications

Survey of Energy Resources 2007

Hydropower Country Notes

Ghana

There are 17 potential hydro sites, of which only Akosombo (upgraded in 2005 from 912 to 1 038 MW) and Kpong (160 MW) have so far been developed. Construction of the 400 MW Bui dam on the Black Volta river is expected to get under way shortly. In November 2006 the Minister of Energy was reported as saying that Ghana was close to finalising a deal with China's Sino Hydro Corporation to construct Bui, although negotiations were continuing with regard to financing. In April 2007 the two parties signed an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) agreement, with work on the combined hydro/irrigation project expected to be started during the year, with completion in about five years' time.

Electricity generation in Ghana is a responsibility of the Volta River Authority, established in 1961. The average annual output of its two existing hydro stations (6 100 GWh) is equivalent to about 58% of Ghana's technically exploitable hydro capability.