By Patrick Biddah
Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have taken a significant step toward regional energy integration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the 330 kV Double Circuit Interconnection Project between the two countries.
The agreement, signed on June 27, 2025, in Accra, establishes two critical governance structures to oversee and guide the project’s implementation: a Joint Technical Steering Committee and an Interstate Ministerial Committee.
Speaking at the bilateral meeting of energy ministers and technical delegations, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, described the agreement as “a major milestone” in West Africa’s power sector cooperation.
“This project not only strengthens our national grids but lays the foundation for a truly integrated and resilient regional energy system,” Hon. Gyan-Mensah said.
“Through the MoU, we are putting in place transparent structures that will drive technical execution and ensure political commitment at the highest level.”
The interconnection project, which forms part of the West African Power Pool (WAPP) master plan, is expected to improve grid stability, enhance electricity trade, and increase energy access for citizens across the subregion.
Representing Côte d’Ivoire, Deputy Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Mr. Jean-Baptiste Aka K. Kadjo, praised the cooperation and highlighted the project’s direct impact on electricity consumers.
“This agreement marks a new chapter in cross-border power collaboration,” he stated.
“It will significantly enhance electricity availability and reliability for our citizens, fostering socio-economic development on both sides.”
Also present was Maame Tabuah Ankoh, Senior Energy Specialist with the World Bank, the main financier of the project. She commended the governments of both countries for their unity of purpose.
“It is not always easy to fund a dual-country project, but the structures Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have put in place are commendable,” she noted.
“We are pleased with the progress so far and fully committed to supporting the next phases of this initiative.”
The MoU formalizes the framework for collaboration between Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) and Côte d’Ivoire’s CI-Energies, who will jointly co-chair the technical committee. The initiative is part of a broader effort by ECOWAS to deepen energy cooperation and create a unified electricity market across West Africa.
As the project moves into its implementation phase, stakeholders expressed optimism that it will not only meet regional energy needs, but also serve as a model for future cross-border infrastructure development.
