Insecurity, governance issues threaten regional energy transition efforts in ECOWAS

Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Collins Adomako-Mensah Monday said critical challenges are facing energy projects in West Africa, particularly the threats posed by insecurity and governance issues.

Speaking during the inaugural Investment Forum for the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) in Nairobi, Kenya, Adomako-Mensah stressed that while there is a region goal to advance renewable energy and foster integration, instability remains a significant barrier to progress.

He cited the threats to the West African Gas Pipeline, which runs from Nigeria through several countries, as an example of how regional energy projects are increasingly vulnerable to security threats.

“Even in Ghana, we’ve had cases where pipelines have been tampered with. Expanding the pipeline to Morocco introduces further risks, given the instability in parts of the region,” he warned.

He urged regional leaders to adopt advanced technologies, such as monitoring sensors, and enhance cross-border cooperation to secure critical infrastructure.

Adomako-Mensah also stressed that political stability is essential for regional integration, arguing that “peace and good governance are non-negotiable for attracting investments.”

He praised Ghana’s political environment for setting an example, citing smooth transitions of power as essential for building investor confidence.

“We need to foster democratic values across Africa, as we’ve seen in recent elections in Liberia, to reduce instability,” he added.

Addressing the economic challenges tied to energy development, Adomako-Mensah acknowledged that while renewable energy offers long-term savings, the high upfront costs remain a significant hurdle.

He explained that countries like Ghana have historically relied on hydropower but later incorporated thermal plants powered by liquid fuel and gas.

Although gas is more affordable than liquid fuel, he emphasized that solar energy holds greater potential—if countries can overcome the financial barriers to its adoption.

Adomako-Mensah also cautioned against a rushed transition away from fossil fuels.

“A sudden shift is neither realistic nor advisable,” he said, pointing to Ghana’s installed capacity, which still relies heavily on fossil resources. “Countries like Nigeria, whose economies depend on fossil fuel exports, need financial support from major emitters such as the U.S. to build renewable infrastructure gradually.” He argued that a balanced transition plan is necessary to ensure economic stability while pursuing sustainable energy goals.

Regional integration, Adomako-Mensah noted, is key to accelerating renewable energy adoption.

He cited Ghana’s ongoing nuclear energy program as an example, suggesting that neighbouring countries like Côte d’Ivoire could collaborate to share energy resources rather than building separate plants.

He also highlighted the importance of the West African Gas Pipeline, which benefits multiple countries but faces operational challenges whenever disruptions occur.

“We must focus on three critical areas: technology adoption, strengthening security, and promoting good governance,” he said.