Rising Power Demand Drives Urgent Calls for Grid Upgrades and Efficiency Reforms in Ghana

Ghana’s electricity consumption rose sharply in 2024, reaching 13,098 GWh, up from 12,390 GWh in 2023, according to the 2025 National Energy Statistical Bulletin by the Energy Commission. This growth reflects increased demand across key sectors, particularly industry and residential users, which together accounted for over 70% of total electricity consumption.

The industrial sector led usage with 4,666 GWh (35.6%), closely followed by residential consumers at 4,557 GWh (34.8%). The service sector also saw steady growth, using 2,801 GWh, while mining, street lighting, water pumping, and agriculture registered smaller but notable increases, illustrating a broad-based rise in electricity needs driven by industrialization and urban expansion.

The report attributes the 5.7% year-on-year increase in electricity use to enhanced electrification efforts in underserved regions and increased demand from new industrial players. Ghana’s ambition to become a regional energy and manufacturing hub is a key factor driving these consumption trends.

Despite the positive growth, the Energy Commission highlights significant challenges, including inefficiencies and losses within the power distribution system. Technical and commercial losses remain high, accounting for nearly 32% of electricity purchased in 2024, which threatens the sector’s sustainability.

In response to these challenges, industry stakeholders emphasize the urgency of investing in grid reliability, expanding renewable energy sources, and implementing regulatory reforms. Such measures are deemed essential to support Ghana’s economic growth, ensure energy security, and achieve sustainable development goals.

Source: Citi newsroom