Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire advance cross-border energy integration with 330kV project

Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have taken a major step towards regional energy integration by convening a technical workshop on the 330kV Double Circuit Interconnection Reinforcement Project, a flagship initiative aimed at bolstering electricity trade and infrastructure under the West African Power Pool (WAPP).

The joint venture, led by Ghana Grid Company Ltd (GRIDCo) and Côte d’Ivoire Energies (CI-ENERGIES), forms part of the broader WAPP Coastal Transmission Backbone, which interconnects the power grids of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria.

The three-day event, held from June 25–27 in Accra, brought together high-level officials including Energy Ministers from both countries. Organised by the WAPP Secretariat in collaboration with GRIDCo, the workshop aims to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise technical, institutional, and financial cooperation on the project.

Speaking at the opening session, Secretary General of WAPP, Abdoulaye Dia, emphasised the project’s strategic importance: “This priority project is part of the broader WAPP Coastal Transmission Backbone and enjoys the full support of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. It will become a fundamental pillar in strengthening electricity trade within the region.”

Representing the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Acting Chief Director of the Ministry, Solomon Adjetey-Sowah, hailed the project as a “crucial step” towards a fully integrated regional energy market.

He lauded the comprehensive feasibility studies conducted, noting that they lay the groundwork for informed, transparent, and collaborative decision-making. “We stand ready to contribute our expertise, our resources, and our institutional support to ensure the timely and, most importantly, the successful execution of this transformative project,” he affirmed.

The 330kV interconnection is expected to significantly improve grid reliability and operational efficiency across the WAPP network, while enhancing energy security and accelerating economic development across the sub-region.

The project further strengthens the longstanding energy cooperation between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire and reaffirms their joint commitment to a sustainable energy future for West Africa.