West African Gas Pipeline resumes supply ( Daily Graphic, Monday, March 3, 2025 Back Page)

 

The West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) has resumed natural gas transportation services from Nigeria to the Tema Regulating and Metering Station of the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo).

This follows the successful completion of maintenance activities, including cleaning the pipeline to remove any accumulated debris.

The maintenance project, which is carried out every five years, began on February 5, 2025, and was initially scheduled for completion on March 2, 2025. However, the team managed to complete the task last Thursday ahead of schedule, paving way for the resumption of the supply and transportation of gas to Tema.

This came to light last Friday, when the Director-General of the West African Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA), Chafari Kanya Hanawa, paid an assessment visit to the WAPCo Tema Regulating and Metering Station facilities.

Mrs Hanawa was accompanied by the authority’s Director, Technical, Sedjo Alain Houha; the Director of Administration and Legal, Peter Danladi; the Director of Market Surveillance and Development, Hamis Ussif; the Director of Environment Safety and External Relations, Yao Oniakitan Iroko, and the Chief Accountant, Botimi Ebiokobo.

Maintenance

The mandatory cleaning and inspection activities, which have been postponed three times since last year, were to ensure safe and reliable operations of the facility in conformity with industry best practices.

Works carried out included an offshore pipeline cleaning and inspection exercise known as pigging of the 20-inch mainline and laterals in Tema and Cotonou, as well as the replacement of subsea valves in Tema and Cotonou.

Explaining the reason for the visit, Mrs Hanawa said it was important for her team to be on the ground to learn first-hand the outcome of the maintenance programme and ensure that WAPCo met the regulatory requirements and had conformed to the safety and security standards, as required by the WAGP regulations.

She stated that the inspection was part of WAPCo’s routine schedule to ensure compliance with safety regulations, which included periodic inspections of the pipeline, and commended WAPCo for completing the maintenance works ahead of schedule as it would go a long way to ameliorate the power generation deficit and bring relief to the people of Ghana.

Mrs Hanawa emphasised that maintenance works were crucial to ensuring the efficiency and safety of the gas pipeline, which played a key role in Ghana’s energy supply.

The Operations Coordinator at WAPCo Tema Regulating and Metering Station, Samuel Buckman, welcomed the delegation and took them on a tour of the facility and a visit to the right of way at the beachside in Tema Manhean.

He confirmed that WAPCo was currently running at full capacity and receiving 150 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) of gas for supply to power generation plants to support a stable supply of electricity.

Writer’s email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh 

 

via: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-west-african-gas-pipeline-resumes-supply.html

Yaw Baah heads Kaizen Institute for Labour Economics -To lead advocacy on labour market policy ( Daily Graphic, Saturday March 1, 2025 Page 15)

 

An institute dedicated to offering advice on labour market policy, industrial relations and productivity improvement, the Kaizen Institute for Labour Economics, has been inaugurated.

It is headed by a former Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Dr Anthony Yaw Baah, who is the Executive Director.

The Kaizen concept is a Japanese management philosophy that enables the implementation of best workplace practices to yield higher productivity levels.

The inauguration took place at Tema Community 25, where the institute is located.

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The event attracted several dignitaries, including the Ambassador of Japan to Ghana, Yoshimoto Hiroshi,  Organised Labour leaders, including  Secretary-General of the TUC, Joshua Ansah; the acting Head of Labour Statistics Section, Ghana Statistical Service, Anthony Oduro-Denkyira; the Officer-in-Charge, International Labour Organisation, Ghana Office, David Marcos, and members of the TUC.

Also present was former TUC Secretary-General, Kwasi Adu-Amankwah, who chaired the function and the Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, Dr Nii Moi Thompson, who was a special guest.

Vision

Dr Baah explained that the establishment of the institute was to support social partners to collectively formulate and implement appropriate employment and wage policies, improve productivity and conduct peaceful industrial relations and social dialogue towards a sustainable socio-economic development based on the Kaizen principle of continuous development.

He said the rationale behind the establishment of the institute was to enhance the capabilities and competitiveness of government, employers’ organisations and trade by promoting the concept of Kaizen in labour market policy formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

He said the institute would, among others, offer advice to the government on social partnership and dialogue, as well as other labour-related issues, including ratification, application and reporting on International Labour Organisation Conventions and recommendations.

Efficiency

The Ambassador of Japan to Ghana, Yoshimoto Hiroshi, said the Kaizen philosophy, which was at the heart of the Kaizen Institute of Labour Economics’ vision, had played a very important role in Japan’s own development, driving innovation and efficiency, stressing that Kaizen was no longer a Japanese monopoly as it had now become a guiding force for many business and management philosophies worldwide.

Mr Hiroshi said as Ghana continued to grow and build its economy, it was essential to recognise that socio-economic development involved more than just the creation of jobs, adding that it also entailed ensuring that the work environment nurtured innovation, increased productivity and promoted the welfare of every individual, stressing that using the Kaizen concept as a foundation, institutions and governments could help establish conditions in promoting continuous and gradual improvement towards achieving Ghana’s development objectives.

“Japan’s own experience has shown that sustainable development and productivity growth are best achieved when public institutions, private enterprises and social partners work together towards a common vision,” he said.

The ambassador encouraged stakeholders to engage with the Kaizen Institute for Labour Economics as their mission could only be realised through collective effort.

Dr Thompson said productivity was a function of efficiency; hence, to improve productivity, one had to be efficient in the utilisation of the resources available, adding that that would form a key part of the new commission's research agenda.

Mr Adu-Amankwah said the Kaizen philosophy was clearly one that must be internalised to enable all to go beyond just the economic activities, adding that it must permeate every social relationship and how people relate to each other.

via: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-yaw-baah-heads-kaizen-institute-for-labour-economics-to-lead-advocacy-on-labour-market-policy.html

Remove COVID-19 Levy, VAT on transit cargo — Acting GPHA boss (Daily Graphic, Thursday, February 27, 2025 Page 2)

 

The acting Director-General (D-G) of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, has advocated the removal of Value Added Tax and COVID-19 levies on transit cargo.

He said such a move would significantly enhance Ghana's competitiveness as a premier transit hub in the West African sub-region, position the country to attract greater international businesses and strengthen its economic standing.

Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono made the call yesterday when the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, paid a familiarisation visit to the GPHA headquarters in Tema.

The minister was accompanied by the Chief Director of the Ministry of Transport, Mabel Sagoe, and other senior officials from the ministry

The acting D-G of GPHA argued that removing VAT on transit cargo would not only make Ghana's ports more attractive in global trade but also create substantial job opportunities, support the government's ongoing efforts to stimulate economic growth and align with its 24-hour economy policy.

He stressed that the transit trade market was highly competitive, with neighbouring ports such as Lome and Abidjan constantly vying for business.

Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono suggested that any disruption in Ghana’s port operations, particularly through the imposition of additional levies, could result in businesses shifting to alternative regional ports. 

“Since the cargo in question is not destined for Ghana, it stands to reason that removing these VAT levies would not only boost business, but also generate additional employment opportunities,” he stated.

Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono further revealed that a joint team, comprising personnel from the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and GPHA, had recently travelled to Lome to assess their port systems.

This followed a similar visit to Abidjan, where the team studied operational practices in an effort to enhance Ghana’s own port competitiveness and streamline its operations.

Vision

Outlining his strategic vision for the authority, Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono highlighted key areas of focus, including the digitalisation of operations, building organisational resilience and fostering a corporate culture grounded in discipline, fairness and teamwork.

He expressed optimism that these initiatives, coupled with support from government agencies, would propel GPHA to new heights of operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Stakeholders

In his response, Mr Nikpe expressed commitment to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to facilitate the removal of VAT and COVID-19 levies.

He emphasised that the government, under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership, remained dedicated to revitalising the country’s economy, with the maritime and port sectors identified as critical pillars in the strategic agenda.

He also commended Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono’s leadership, and urged GPHA staff and management to rally behind him to advance the authority’s mission.

The minister and his entourage visited Meridian Port Services (MPS) and the Tema Shipyard where he discussed efforts aimed at expanding port infrastructure, improving operational efficiencies and exploring necessary partnerships to strengthen the country’s maritime sector.

Writer's email; Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh

 

via: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-remove-covid-19-levy-vat-on-transit-cargo-acting-gpha-boss.html

GPHA boss encourages staff to work to enhance growth, efficiency (Daily Graphic, Thursday, February 27, 2025 Page 29)

 

The acting Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, has called on staff of the authority to sustain discipline, fairness and teamwork to enhance growth and efficiency.

Speaking at a staff durbar to officially welcome him, Brig. Gen. Tanye-Kulono stressed the need for punctuality, commitment and collaboration among employees.

"Let's be disciplined. We must be punctual at work, and we must all lead by example. The second principle is fairness. I will treat everyone here fairly. This is the time to build this institution so that in 50 years, you can return and be proud," he said.

The event, attended by management and staff, marked the beginning of his tenure, and provided an opportunity for him to engage with the workforce.

He was warmly received by the employees who expressed their support for his leadership.

Outgoing DG

The outgoing Director-General of GPHA, Michael Achagwe Luguje, expressed gratitude for the support received during his tenure, and urged staff to rally behind the new leadership for the continued growth of GPHA.

"I just want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the experiences we've shared at GPHA. I also urge you to give the new Director-General your best cooperation.

If you supported me, I encourage you to increase that support tenfold for him because at the end of the day, every single progress GPHA makes benefits us all," he stated.

Engagement

Earlier, Brig. Gen. Tanye-Kulono held a preliminary meeting with GPHA management and staff union leaders.

The engagement allowed both parties to familiarise themselves and reaffirm their shared commitment to advance the authority’s mandate.

Brig. Gen. Tanye-Kulono brings extensive leadership, defence and legal expertise to his new role. 

Prior to his appointment, he served as the Deputy Commandant of the National College of Defence Studies at Burma Camp, Accra.

Writer’s email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh

via: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-gpha-boss-encourages-staff-to-work-to-enhance-growth-efficiency.html

First green hydrogen system commissioned in Tema - Don Bosco Solar and Renewable Energy Centre pilots (Daily Graphic, Wednesday, February 26, 2025 Page 55)

 

A pilot green hydrogen facility has been installed in Tema, Ghana, at the Don Bosco Solar and Renewable Energy Centre, where it would produce hydrogen using solar power and store it for on-demand electricity generation through a fuel cell system.

The project, dubbed Green Hydrogen for Decentralised Energy Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa (GH2GH) essentially demonstrates decentralised green hydrogen technology in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This system, consisting of a 20 kW electrolyzer and a 10 kW fuel cell, will store excess solar energy as hydrogen. The system has an electrical storage capacity of 600 kWh.

The project, funded under the Export Initiative Environmental Protection of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection of Germany, is aimed at demonstrating the potential of green hydrogen for decentralised energy systems in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Sustainable Technologies Laboratory at Bochum University of Applied Sciences coordinated the research project, supporting the project together with the corporate partners, namely Green Power Brains, SFC Energy as well as the Don Bosco Solar and Renewable Energy Centre.

Exploring the potential

Giving an overview of the project at an event last Thursday, the Head of Sustainable Technologies Laboratory, Bochum University of Applied Sciences, Prof Semih Severengiz, said Green hydrogen, produced from solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, presents a promising solution in Ghana, where energy demands were increasing rapidly.

The green hydrogen production facility

He said the installation of the system at the pilot site at the Don Bosco Solar and Renewable Energy Centre would offer researchers the opportunity to explore the potential of producing green hydrogen which could be scaled up for sub-Saharan African countries.

“Our research work with the method of life cycle assessment has shown that we can save 90 per cent of emissions by avoiding the diesel generator through a hydrogen-based photovoltaic mini grid system.

So, it has a large impact on the greenhouse gas emission reduction strategy of Ghana in my view”

Infrastructure  

A Senior Manager, Renewable Energy Regulations, at the Energy Commission Ghana, Julius Nkansah –Nyarko, said the project was not just an infrastructure but a bold step towards redefining how to generate, store and utilise energy sustainably.

He said globally efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change had never been more urgent, with countries setting their long-term low-emission development strategies, adding that while these commitments were largely driven by the increased use of renewable energy resources, global decarbonisation objectives were incomplete without solutions to mitigate carbon emissions from hard-to-abate sectors such as industry and transportation.

Mr Nkansah –Nyarko said in Ghana the government's commitment to green hydrogen was a testament to its dedication to sustainable development and energy security, and that through international partnerships and investing in innovative technologies, Ghana was not only keeping pace with global trends but positioning itself as a champion in Africa’s emerging green hydrogen economy.

Relevant

The German Ambassador to Ghana, Daniel Krull, described the project as very relevant in the context of climate change and underscored the need for the Energy Commission to speed up the setting up of a regulatory framework in the green hydrogen sector as it was the best solution for Ghana.

He reaffirmed his country's commitment to supporting Ghana’s efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change through renewable energy initiatives.

Fr. Krzysztof Nizniak of the Don Bosco Solar and Renewable Energy Centre commended the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection of Germany and the consortium for choosing the institute for the pilot phase.

He was optimistic the facility would support the exchange of knowledge among the students and create valuable connections along the hydrogen value chain.

Writer’s email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh

 

via: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-first-green-hydrogen-system-commissioned-in-tema-don-bosco-solar-and-renewable-energy-centre-pilots.html

Govt committed to addressing power deficit -Minister(Daily Graphic, Tuesday, February 25, 2025 Back Page)

 

Govt won't sell ECG-Minister (Daily Graphic, Monday, February 24, 2025 Back Page )

 

The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has stated that the government has no intention of selling the electricity power distributor, Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

Rather, what the government wants to do is to make the power distribution company more efficient by bringing on board the private sector in the billing, collection and management of some aspects of the company.

Responding to concerns raised in the media and a section of the public during a tour of the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) Tema Regulating and Metering Station at Bankuman last Friday, Mr Jinapor dismissed any suggestion that the government intended to privatise ECG.

“The assertion that we are selling ECG is not true. ECG will not be sold, but we want some private sector participation to bring about a high level of efficiency, reduce the losses, increase the revenue base so that we can pay for some of these bills we are talking about,” Mr Jinapor said.

The minister explained the financial strain caused by inefficiencies in the energy sector and stressed that the Minister of Finance should not under normal circumstances use the taxpayers' resources meant for other developmental projects such as roads, schools and hospitals to settle debts owed to energy suppliers such as WAPCo and Nigerian Gas (N-Gas).

Mr Jinapor emphasised that shares of ECG would remain intact, and no shares would be diluted. 

PUWU opposes

In January, this year, the Public Utility Workers' Union (PUWU) of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) reiterated its opposition to any form of privatisation or diversification of the ECG.

PUWU's opposition to ECG’s privatisation was rooted in concerns about the potential consequences of private control over the electricity sector.

Workers from ECG have consistently opposed the privatisation process, submitting proposals to the government that demonstrated the value of maintaining public control.

The union's stance was also informed by its commitment to protecting the interests of its members and ensuring that the provision of essential services such as electricity remains a public responsibility.

As an entity representing utility sector workers, PUWU said it was resolute in its opposition to privatisation and diversification initiatives that might compromise the public interest.

Background

On assumption of office last month, the Energy Minister inaugurated a seven-member technical committee to spearhead consultations within the power distribution sector and devise a comprehensive plan for the privatisation of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) within a month.

The committee, composed of energy experts and key stakeholders, is charged with crafting strategies to transition ECG to private sector management, with the aim of improving operational efficiency and service delivery.  

“Let me assure the nation that we have not decided to sell ECG. Ours is to ensure that we get the private sector involved, and we also want to emphasise local participation,” he said at the inauguration of the committee.  

The Energy Minister underscored the importance of a transparent and inclusive approach in the privatisation process, tasking the committee to consult extensively with all relevant stakeholders.  

“We want this to be done in a transparent, effective and responsible way.

The committee is supposed to consult all stakeholders, including the workers, staff, unions, consumers, and those who matter,” Mr Jinapor explained.  

The committee’s findings and recommendations are expected to chart a new path for ECG’s management, aiming to address long-standing inefficiencies and ensure reliable power distribution across the country.

Writer’s email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh

 

via: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-govt-wont-sell-ecg-minister.html