By Bright Ntramah
President Akufo-Addo has inaugurated first phase of one point two billion dollar 200 mega Watts Bridge Power Plant at Kpone, in the Tema Haevy industrial area.
When completed in 2029, additional 315 megawatts of power will be added to the national grid, bringing the total to 515 MW.
President Akufo-Addo, who inaugurated the first phase, assured Independent Power Producers that government will address its financial obligations to the producers.
He said Ghana will not return to the dark days of intermittent power supply.
In a major advancement for Ghana’s energy infrastructure, President Akufo Addo on the 19 November 2024, inaugurated the Ghana Bridge Power Project. This modern facility represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s commitment to expanding its power generation capacity while improving fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability.
The project is to construct an up to 515MW power plant with a projected cost of one point two billion dollar at Kpone, in the Tema Heavy Industrial Area. It is owned and developed by Endeavor Energy, a leading US independent power producer focused on Africa, and Andaris Energy Limited, a wholly owned Ghanaian energy investment company.
The project will sell power to the Electricity Company of Ghana under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement backed by a Put Call Option Agreement with the Government of Ghana.
This is the first time this innovative financing arrangement was used in Ghana. The Bridge Power Plant is designed to integrate seamlessly into Ghana’s energy mix, providing efficient and environmentally sustainable electricity. Its cutting-edge technology ensures lower carbon emissions, aligning with the government’s commitment to a greener future.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the plant’s potential to drive industrial growth by supplying reliable power to factories, hospitals, schools, and households. The facility will also support rural electrification efforts, bringing electricity to remote areas and improving the quality of life for underserved communities.
The commissioning of the plant is a fulfillment of a vision set in April 2017 when the project broke ground. The facility represents Ghana’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology and innovative energy solutions to meet its growing electricity demands.
“Today, we celebrate a transformative step forward in our journey toward energy independence. Reliable power is the backbone of development, and this facility is proof that Ghana is ready to overcome the challenges of the past and embrace a brighter future,” President Akufo-Addo said during the ceremony.
The President recalled the challenging periods of “dumsor” (frequent power outages) under the previous administration, which disrupted lives and businesses across the country. He assured Ghanaians that the Bridge Power Plant would provide stable electricity, reducing the strain on the national grid and addressing the energy deficits that once hindered economic progress.
“This plant is more than a source of power; it is a beacon of hope and a testament to what we can achieve through strategic partnerships and a clear vision,” he remarked.
President Akufo-Addo later made a whistlestop at the Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company to get an insight into their operations. President Akufo-Addo commended the staff of the company for good work done.
General Manager of Early Power Ltd., Reggie France, appealed to the President to honour its obligation to the IPPs. He said Bridge Power is already connected to the National Grid and currently supplying some megawatts of power.
The Minister of Energy, Herbert Krapa, said the additional 200 MW will help improve power supply in the country. He thanked the President for the decisive leadership in stabilising the power sector.
