Excerpt
The Ministry of Energy (MoE) in Ghana is pivotal in formulating, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating energy policies to ensure a reliable and sustainable energy supply for the nation’s socio-economic development. Established in 1957, the Ministry has undergone several restructurings to align with evolving energy sector demands. Notably, in 2012, it was renamed the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, later split into the Ministries of Petroleum and Power in 2014, and subsequently merged back into the Ministry of Energy in 2017.
Constitutional Mandates
The MoE’s mandates are derived from national development frameworks, including the National Medium-Term Development Plan Framework (NMTDPF) 2022-2025. Key policy objectives encompass achieving cost-competitive electricity generation, developing an efficient grid transmission system, and accelerating universal access to electricity across Ghana.
Leadership and Organizational Structure
The Ministry is headed by the Minister of Energy, a political appointee accountable to the President and approved by Parliament. Supporting the Minister is the Chief Director, who oversees various directorates and departments. The organizational structure includes Civil Service Directorates such as Finance, General Administration, Policy, Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPBME), Human Resources Management and Development (HRMD), and Research, Statistics, and Information Management. Technical Directorates comprise the Power Directorate and Petroleum Directorate.
Departments and Units
The Ministry comprises several departments and units, including:
Finance Directorate:
- Manages the financial resources of the Ministry.
General Administration:
- Oversees administrative functions and ensures efficient operations.
Policy, Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring, and Evaluation (PPBME):
- Responsible for policy formulation, strategic planning, budgeting, and performance monitoring.
Human Resources Management and Development (HRMD):
- Handles staff recruitment, training, and development.
Research, Statistics, and Information Management:
- Conducts research and manages data pertinent to the energy sector.
Power Directorate:
- Focuses on electricity generation, transmission, and distribution policies.
Petroleum Directorate:
- Oversees policies related to the exploration, production, and management of petroleum resources.
Appointment and Recruitment
Appointments within the Ministry are guided by the Public Services Commission’s regulations. The Minister is appointed by the President and approved by Parliament. Civil service positions are filled through competitive recruitment processes, ensuring merit-based selections.
Oversight and Affiliations
The MoE exercises oversight over several agencies in the power and petroleum sectors, including:
Power Sector Agencies:
- Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo)
- Bui Power Authority (BPA)
- Energy Commission (EC)
- Volta River Authority (VRA)
- Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG)
- Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo)
Petroleum Sector Agencies:
- Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST)
- Petroleum Commission (PC)
- Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company (GCMC)
- Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC)
- National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
- Tema Oil Refinery (TOR)
- Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC)
Partners and Stakeholders
The Ministry collaborates with various stakeholders, including international development partners, private sector entities, and civil society organizations, to enhance energy infrastructure and service delivery.
Operations and Roles
The Ministry’s core functions include:
- Formulating and implementing energy policies.
- Monitoring and evaluating energy sector activities.
- Coordinating with energy sector agencies to ensure efficient service delivery.
- Promoting private sector participation in energy infrastructure development.
- Ensuring the availability of clean, affordable, and accessible energy.
Historical Reforms
- In a significant move reflecting Ghana’s commitment to sustainability and climate action, President John Dramani Mahama officially renamed the Ministry of Energy to the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition in January 2025. This change underscores the nation’s dedication to integrating green initiatives within the energy sector.
References
- https://www.purc.com.gh/attachment/446637-20201201121214.pdf
- https://www.ecg.com.gh/index.php/en/about/management
- https://www.innovation-africa-bavaria.org/institutions/ministy-of-energy-ghana/
- https://www.businessghana.com/site/directory/ministries/2317/Ministry-of-Energy
- https://www.mofep.gov.gh/sites/default/files/pbb-estimates/2017/2017-PBB-MoEn.pdf
- https://www.mofep.gov.gh/sites/default/files/pbb-estimates/2022/2022-PBB-MoEn.pdf
- https://www.mofep.gov.gh/sites/default/files/pbb-estimates/2024/2024-PBB-MoEn_.pdf
- https://www.mofep.gov.gh/sites/default/files/pbb-estimates/2020/2020-PBB-MoEn.pdf
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Energy_and_Petroleum_%28Ghana%29
- https://www.energymin.gov.gh/sites/default/files/2023-09/2021%20ENERGY%20POLICY.pdf
- https://www.energymin.gov.gh/director-general-administration
- https://energymin.gov.gh/sites/default/files/2023-06/2023%20RTI%20INFORMATION%20MANUAL.docx
- https://energymin.gov.gh/index.php/our-management
- https://energymin.gov.gh/about
- https://energymin.gov.gh/sector-overview
- https://www.energymin.gov.gh/index.php/our-departments
- https://www.energymin.gov.gh/
- https://news.ghheadlines.com/agency/3news/20250111/167458367/complete-list-of-all-government-ministries-in-2025-under-mahama-administration
- https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/features/Renaming-the-Ministry-of-Energy-to-the-Ministry-of-Energy-and-Green-Transition-What-does-this-mean-for-Ghana-1967531?utm_source=chatgpt.com