TIG Post

Tag: Herbert Krapa

  • GRIDCo implicates Akufo-Addo’s Energy Ministry in looming ‘dumsor’

    GRIDCo implicates Akufo-Addo’s Energy Ministry in looming ‘dumsor’

    The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has raised alarms over the imminent power crisis, commonly referred to as ‘dumsor,’ warning that the situation could worsen due to a looming fuel shortage.

    In a detailed report outlining the potential consequences of the scheduled pigging exercise on the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), GRIDCo has placed significant responsibility on the immediate past administration under President Akufo-Addo for the current state of affairs.

    According to GRIDCo, WAPCo’s upcoming pigging exercise, which involves mandatory maintenance from January 20 to February 16, 2025, will severely impact the country’s power generation capacity. “The exercise, originally planned for October 2024 but rescheduled at the Ministry of Energy’s request, will lead to a significant reduction in natural gas supply,” the company said.

    During the pigging exercise, gas offtake from WAPCo’s pipeline in Togo, Benin, and Tema will be halted, meaning that thermal plants in Tema that rely on gas will be forced to shut down unless they can switch to liquid fuel. “This will require the purchase of liquid fuel, amounting to US$89.90 million to ensure thermal plants in Tema can meet demand,” GRIDCo stated. The exercise also coincides with scheduled generator shutdowns in key plants, further exacerbating the situation.

    In terms of capacity, the report highlights that the closure of gas supply to Tema will affect thermal plants like Sunon Asogli, Cenpower, KTPP, and others. In Takoradi and Kumasi, while the available domestic gas production is expected to meet the demand, the excess natural gas from Nigeria via WAGP will result in a surplus. “To avoid an imbalance, gas production from ENI and Tullow will need to be reduced,” GRIDCo noted.

    Moreover, GRIDCo has pointed out that the country’s electricity supply in 2025 faces even more significant challenges. The power sector is expected to face a deficit of 129 mmscfd of natural gas, a shortfall that could require procurement of liquid fuels or additional gas supplies to meet demand. “There is an urgent need for at least 244.66 MW of dependable additional generation capacity by the end of 2025 to ensure sustained supply,” the report emphasized.

    These concerns come at a time when Member of Parliament for Yapei Kusawgu, John Jinapor, raised an urgent alarm over the dwindling fuel reserves in the country. Following the inauguration of President John Mahama on January 7, Jinapor disclosed that “Ghana’s fuel stock has dropped dangerously low, with only five hours of fuel remaining.” The alarming situation has already prompted an emergency meeting called by the Chief of Staff with key energy sector stakeholders to address the looming ‘dumsor’ crisis.

    With the energy sector under immense pressure, stakeholders are urging swift action to avert widespread power outages. The implications of the WAGP pigging exercise, compounded by the fuel shortage, have exposed vulnerabilities in the nation’s power infrastructure, especially after the tenure of former Energy Minister, Herbert Krapa, during President Akufo-Addo’s administration.

    In conclusion, the situation paints a grim picture for Ghana’s energy future, with experts calling for immediate solutions, including securing additional fuel supplies and accelerating the completion of energy projects to stabilize power generation and prevent another devastating power crisis.

  • Herbert Krapa takes over as substantive Minister for Energy

    Herbert Krapa takes over as substantive Minister for Energy

    President Akufo-Addo has appointed Mr. Herbert Krapa as the new substantive Minister for Energy, effective Tuesday, November 19, 2024.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 20, the President commended Mr. Mr Krapa for his exemplary performance since taking on the role of Minister of State at the Ministry of Energy on July 15, 2024.

    Akufo-Addo praised Mr Krapa for his dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to his responsibilities, which have played a significant role in advancing Ghana’s energy sector.

    The statement, from the Communications Directorate at the Jubilee House, also expressed the President’s confidence in Mr. Krapa’s ability to continue leading the sector.

    Akufo-Addo underscored that this appointment aims to drive further growth and transformation within Ghana’s energy sector, with the goal of benefiting the nation at large.

  • ECG receives GHS6.3m SCADA Facility from Energy Ministry

    ECG receives GHS6.3m SCADA Facility from Energy Ministry

    The Ministry of Energy officially handed over a cutting-edge Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Centre to the Eastern Regional Office of the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG) on Wednesday.

    This GH¢6.3 million facility is set to greatly enhance the operational efficiency of the ECG in the region. The SCADA Centre will facilitate improved fault detection, streamline switching processes, and expedite fault resolution, which are crucial for ensuring a reliable power supply.

    In a speech delivered by the Director of Power, Mr. Solomon Adjetey, on behalf of the Minister of State at the Ministry of Energy, Herbert Krapah, the government reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing power reliability nationwide.

    According to Mr. Krapah, the project, which began in 2020, is part of a larger initiative that also includes similar developments in ECG’s Western and Tema operational areas. He highlighted that the completion and handover of the SCADA project’s first phase in the Eastern Region represent a significant milestone and encouraged ECG to leverage the new facility to reduce power outages.

    John Gemegah, ECG’s General Manager of Supervisory Systems, shared that four primary substations in Koforidua, Mpraeso, Nkawkaw, and Akim Oda have already been integrated into the SCADA system.

    He noted that the Eastern Region is currently leading in system reliability and expressed confidence that the new SCADA Centre would further enhance their performance.

    Sariel Adobea Etwire, ECG’s General Manager for the Eastern Region, provided additional insights into the region’s power infrastructure, noting that the Eastern Region has 66 distribution and express feeders, along with nine primary substations. She expressed optimism that the new SCADA Centre would elevate power reliability in the region to new levels.

    Mrs. Etwire also extended her gratitude to the government and the Ministry of Energy for their support. She assured the public of ECG’s commitment to maintaining a stable power supply and urged customers to pay their bills promptly so the company can continue to improve its services.

    The project contractor, Prince John Abakah, expressed his appreciation to the Ministry and ECG staff for their cooperation throughout the project’s implementation.

    The event was attended by key officials, including ECG’s General Manager of Sub-Transmission, Francis Atsyatsya; Eastern Regional Engineer, Mr. Emmanuel Appoe, and other managers and staff from both the Head Office and the Eastern Region.

  • “Heads must roll” – Energy Minister tells ECG on dealing with inefficient staff members

    “Heads must roll” – Energy Minister tells ECG on dealing with inefficient staff members

    The Minister of State at the Ministry of Energy, Herbert Krapa, has called on the management of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to take strict action against inefficient staff whose conduct undermines the company’s efforts to deliver quality and timely services to customers.

    “Heads must roll when we find that persistently some people are just making it difficult for us [ECG] to provide quality, affordable, and efficient service to our customers and the Ghanaian people,” the Minister emphasized.

    He added that staff members who go the extra mile to deliver excellent service must also be rewarded to encourage others to follow suit.

    Mr. Krapa made these remarks during a visit to the ECG Customer Service Office in Accra East, where he sought to address the growing frustrations of customers.

    His visit was part of a broader initiative to help improve service delivery. Accompanying him were Deputy Minister Collins Adomako-Mensah, Chief Director Wilhelmina Asamoah, Director of Power Solomon Adjettey, and Director of PPBME Isaac Nsarko Biney.

    During the briefing, it emerged that ECG management was baffled by the activities of so-called ‘goro boys’ who manage to access customer information through the ECG’s online meter application process and use it to deceive unsuspecting applicants.

    As part of his visit, Mr. Krapa and his deputy randomly tested the ECG complaint center by placing a call, which was handled professionally.

    The Minister praised the operator’s response, remarking that “the gentleman deserves a pay rise,” and reiterated the need for recognizing and rewarding good performance while sanctioning inefficiency.

    Mr. Krapa, who previously served as Deputy Minister of Energy and Board Chairman of ECG, noted that the public’s trust in the service provider was “fast dissipating.” He stressed that ECG must address customer complaints more promptly, stating, “customers cannot accept ECG taking forever or too long in resolving their complaints and challenges.”

    To regain the trust of the Ghanaian people, the Minister advised ECG to focus on efficiency and timely resolution of issues. He also encouraged the company to better utilize both traditional and modern media, including town hall meetings and the Information Services Department, to engage with customers who may not be active on social media. This, he noted, would help curb the reliance on goro boys for services.

    On the persistent issue of meters, which he referred to as “the elephant in the room,” Mr. Krapa acknowledged the frustration of customers who are willing to pay for meters that are supposed to be free. He urged ECG to expedite efforts to clear the backlog of over one million meters due to new connections, faulty meters, and aging equipment.

    The Minister also called for the simplification of the meter acquisition process to eliminate duplication and make the process more accessible to customers, ensuring a smoother and more efficient service experience.

  • Herbert Krapa appeals to financial institutions for expansion of solar projects in Ghana

    Herbert Krapa appeals to financial institutions for expansion of solar projects in Ghana

    Herbert Krapa, Ghana‘s Minister of State for Energy, has called on the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to increase its support for solar energy projects in Ghana.

    He emphasized that additional funding for renewable energy, similar to what is available in other sectors, is crucial for advancing cleaner, greener energy solutions for the country’s industrial and manufacturing sectors.

    Mr. Krapa made this appeal during the inauguration of a significant rooftop photovoltaic solar project in the Tema Free Zone Enclave, which has a capacity of 16.82 megawatts peak (MWp) and is valued at one million US dollars.

    This project, developed by Helios Solar Company Limited a subsidiary of HML Holdings represents the largest solar installation in Africa and the second largest globally. It was completed in just eight months, supported by a US$17 million investment from the IFC.

    He pointed out that despite Africa’s vast potential in solar, wind, and hydro energy, the continent lags behind Europe in solar installations due to financing challenges.

    In Europe, solar installations typically cost less than two percent of a business’s capital, whereas in Africa, the cost averages around 20 percent or more.

    The Minister praised the IFC for its contribution to the solar rooftop project and urged the organization to continue expanding its investment in renewable energy.

    He highlighted that such projects could significantly reduce operational costs for businesses, leading to industry growth and job creation.

    Mr. Adlai Opoku-Boamah, Managing Director of LMI, revealed that in December 2023, the IFC Board approved a US$110 million facility for LMI Holding.

    This funding will be used to develop an additional 150 MWp of solar energy at Dawa. This solar park will serve two major projects: the Dawa City Project and the Dawa Industrial Zone.

    The Dawa City Project aims to be Ghana’s first smart and green city, while the 4,000-acre Industrial Zone will support various sectors, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, food, and technology.

    Businesses within the Dawa Industrial Zone will benefit from a reliable power supply and a 10 percent discount on electricity tariffs for five years, ensuring both operational efficiency and cost savings.

  • Largest African rooftop solar plant commissioned at Tema

    Largest African rooftop solar plant commissioned at Tema

    Minister of State at the Ministry of Energy, Herbert Krapa, has officially inaugurated Africa’s largest rooftop photovoltaic solar plant, located at the Tema Free Zones Enclave.

    This facility which generates 16.8 megawatts of electricity represents a major advancement in renewable energy.

    The $17 million project, developed by Helios Solar Energy—a subsidiary of LMI Holdings—spans 100,000 square meters. During the commissioning, Mr. Krapa inspected the installation atop the three-story building and activated the plant.

    He praised Helios Solar Energy for their contribution towards the government’s goal of enhancing the renewable energy sector. The project, funded by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), was entirely executed by Ghanaian engineers and technicians.

    Mr. Krapa emphasized the project’s role in supporting the government’s vision of integrating 10% renewable energy into the national energy mix by 2030.

    He highlighted the importance of private sector involvement in meeting these targets, stating that while government funding is available, the primary financial support should come from private enterprises.

    He also noted the project’s broader impact, including the creation of sustainable jobs, the reduction of CO2 emissions, and the introduction of advanced skills and technologies to young engineers.

    Additionally, he pointed out that it would contribute to lower energy costs for industries, thus enhancing the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector.

    Mr. Krapa underscored that the solar plant aligns with the government’s national energy transition framework, which aims for a net-zero pathway by 2060. This framework, recently launched by the president at the UN General Assembly, outlines numerous projects required to achieve the set goals.

    In conclusion, Mr. Krapa expressed pride in the achievement and encouraged further collaboration between the private sector and government to drive the nation’s renewable energy agenda forward.

  • Parliament approves Herbert Krapa as Minister of State at Energy Ministry

    Parliament approves Herbert Krapa as Minister of State at Energy Ministry

    Parliament has approved Herbert Krapa as the Minister of State-designate for the Energy Ministry.

    This approval follows a previous attempt by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to expedite his vetting and approval, which was blocked by the Minority.

    President Akufo-Addo nominated Herbert Krapa, the Deputy Energy Minister, to be Minister of State at the Energy Ministry after selecting the current Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, as the running mate for the NPP flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

    In response, the Majority Leader requested that Parliament fast-track the approval process to avoid a leadership vacuum at the ministry. However, the Minority in Parliament opposed this request.

    Deputy Minority Leader Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah argued that the incumbent Energy Minister was still in office, making the rush unnecessary.

    The issue resurfaced today, with the Appointments Committee recommending Herbert Krapa’s approval.

    Despite a walkout by the Minority in protest, the report was ultimately approved.

  • Delivery and reliable stable power supply to continue across the country – Energy Minister

    Delivery and reliable stable power supply to continue across the country – Energy Minister

    Herbert Krapa, the Minister of State-designate at the Energy Ministry, reassured Ghanaians during his appearance before the Parliament’s Appointments Committee on July 9th.

    He affirmed the Akufo-Addo government’s steadfast commitment to maintaining a consistent and reliable power supply nationwide.

    Krapa highlighted ongoing government investments aimed at bolstering energy infrastructure and capacity, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply.

    He also noted significant expansions in electricity access to previously underserved areas, underscoring the administration’s efforts to enhance nationwide reliability.

    Addressing concerns about power outages, Krapa assured that there is currently no ‘dumsor’, emphasizing the proactive measures taken by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Energy Ministry to manage any challenges effectively.

    “Mr chairman, the power situation as I believe every Ghanaian can attest to, we are delivering reliable and stable power supply to all our consumers across the country.”

    “The work of ECG is essentially to do that, and I can assure this committee and the Ghanaian people that the challenges that we saw for the last couple of months, the ECG and the Ministry has a firm hold of the situation now and will continue to perform the function of ensuring that our consumers and customers have reliable and dependable power supply across the country,” he said.

  • We will do everything possible to ensure the lights stay on – Herbert Krapah

    We will do everything possible to ensure the lights stay on – Herbert Krapah

    Minister of State-designate at the Energy Ministry, Herbert Krapah, has reassured Ghanaians of the Akufo-Addo administration’s dedication to maintaining a consistent and reliable power supply throughout the country.

    During his address to the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Tuesday, July 9, Mr. Krapa emphasized that the nation will continue to enjoy the stable electricity supply currently in place.

    He highlighted the government’s significant investments in the energy sector, which are focused on enhancing infrastructure and capacity to ensure uninterrupted power.

    Mr. Krapah pointed out that under the current administration, electricity access has been extended to previously unconnected areas, improving power accessibility across all regions of the country.

    Addressing the issue of power outages, commonly known as “dumsor,” Mr. Krapah assured the committee and the general public that there are no ongoing power outages.

    “The power situation is currently stable, and every Ghanaian can attest to it. We are delivering reliable power supply to the country and I can assure this committee that the government led by

    He emphasized that Ghanaians have experienced consistent electricity supply. Mr Krapah reiterated the government’s commitment to the energy sector, promising continued proactive measures to enhance the country’s electricity infrastructure.

  • ‘Dumsor’ will be over in the next few days – ECG Board Chair assures Ghanaians

    ‘Dumsor’ will be over in the next few days – ECG Board Chair assures Ghanaians

    Chairman of the governing board of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Herbert Krapa, has has given the assurance that the ongoing intermittent power outages currently experienced in major parts of the country by citizens will soon be a thing of the past.

    Mr Krapa, who doubles as the Deputy Energy Minister stated that the government has implemented adequate measures to ensure that consumers enjoy uninterrupted power supply.

    He emphasized that the government is aware of the challenges faced by Ghanaians and is committed to resolving them for the benefit of the people.

    In a Facebook post on Wednesday, April 24, Mr. Krapa expressed gratitude to the Ghanaian people for their patience and resilience during this crisis.

    “As I said earlier today at Kaleo, at the Commissioning of VRA’s 15MW Solar Plant, the Government has put in place immediate measures to ensure the return of uninterrupted supply of power to consumers. I can, therefore, state that the unfortunate power challenges Ghanaians are facing should be over in the next few days.”

    “We are fully confident that the measures being put in place should resolve the service interruptions. We empathise with all consumers and apologise unreservedly for the effects of the outages on our daily lives. Please bear with us. We are fixing it and we are nearly there,” Herbert Krapa’s post further read.

    For over a month, power consumers across the country have been grappling with intermittent power cuts, commonly known in Ghana as “Dumsor.”

    Amidst these challenges, there have been calls from a section of the Ghanaian public for the Ministry of Energy to publish an official timetable to keep consumers informed about power availability.

    In response to these concerns, the ECG board chair recently joined President Akufo-Addo in a significant ceremony held in Kaleo. The event marked the official inauguration of phase two of the Kaleo Solar Power Plant, representing another notable step in Ghana’s renewable energy journey.

    With a capacity of fifteen megawatts peak (15MWp), this addition highlights Ghana’s commitment to harnessing clean energy sources and building a sustainable future for generations to come.

  • Deputy Energy Minister, Herbert Krapa, appointed ECG Board Chair

    Deputy Energy Minister, Herbert Krapa, appointed ECG Board Chair

    President Akufo-Addo has appointed Herbert Krapa, the Deputy Minister of Energy, as the new Board Chair of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), following the resignation of Keli Gadzekpo on Tuesday, March 26, 2027, citing personal reasons.

    Mr Krapa is expected to lead the ECG Board in addressing the recent power supply disruptions in the country.

    The ECG has faced intense pressure and scrutiny from customers and businesses in recent weeks, demanding a load-shedding timetable as power outages increase.

    In response, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has directed ECG to submit and publish a comprehensive load-shedding timetable by April 2, 2024.

    However, the Ministry of Energy has denied claims that Ghana is currently experiencing a power crisis, also known as ‘dumsor.’

  • Herbert Krapa made ECG’s new Board Chair

    Herbert Krapa made ECG’s new Board Chair

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has designated the Deputy Minister of Energy, Herbert Krapa, as the new Board Chair of the Electricity Company Ghana (ECG).

    This is according a report by Citi

    This appointment follows the resignation of Keli Gadzekpo from his position on Tuesday, March 26, 2027, citing personal reasons.

    In his new capacity, Krapa is expected to lead the ECG Board in addressing recent disruptions in power supply across the country.

    In recent weeks, the ECG has faced mounting pressure and scrutiny from both customers and businesses, urging the power distribution company to release a load-shedding schedule as power outages continue to escalate.

    As a response to the power supply interruptions, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has directed the ECG to furnish and publish a comprehensive load-shedding timetable by April 2, 2024.

    However, the Ministry of Energy has refuted claims that the nation is currently experiencing a power crisis, commonly referred to as ‘dumsor’.

  • Ghana to host Africa Energy Technology Confab

    Ghana to host Africa Energy Technology Confab

    A conference focused on exploring cutting-edge innovations in technology and policies for the sustainable development and transformation of the energy sector in Africa has been initiated at a high-level.

    Dubbed the “Africa Energy Technology Conference”, it would converge, industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and innovators from across Africa to foster collaboration and innovation in the field of energy technology within the continent. 

    To be held on the theme: “Africa at the Forefront of Energy Technology and Policy Integration in a Just Energy Transition”, it would also serve as a platform for stakeholders to engage in insightful discussions, exchange ideas, and explore sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by the energy sector in Africa.

    Spearheaded by Africa Energy Technology Centre (AETC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, the three-day exhibition would take place in Accra from Tuesday, August 8 to Thursday, August 10, 2023. 

    The Special Guest of Honour for the event would be the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, with other guest speakers, including the wife of the Vice-President, Samira Bawumia and the Minister of Energy, Mathew Opoku Prempeh, among other dignitaries. 

    Addressing participants at the launch of the conference in Accra, last Wednesday (June 21), the Deputy Minister of Energy, Herbert Krapa, stated that Africa’s energy challenges were not unknown to us, as we lacked the industrial base required to drive large-scale energy consumption at the cheapest prices.

    Energy transition

    Concerning the energy transition, he said the country was on a pathway towards transforming the global energy sector from fossil-based fuel to zero carbon by 2070.

    However, we achieved a 2.4% Renewable Energy penetration and a 95 per cent conversion of thermal plants from liquid fuels to natural gas. 

    “In the midst of this, the demand for energy in Africa is rising, and will continue to rise, and if energy systems in Africa will grow to meet this rapidly growing demand, technology is the answer. Technology that is efficient, reliable, resilient and affordable is the answer,” he explained 

    Mr Krapa, thus, said that the conference was timely, as the continent could use it as an opportunity to open up new policy paradigms for the energy sectors. 

    “So as technology costs for renewables are going down and global investment is shifting, let us join forces to use technology for change,” he stated.

    Transition 

    The Board Chair of AETC, Dr Thomas Manu, said in recent years, many countries, especially developing countries, were in talks about energy transition and Africa, which had its challenges in terms of quality, was crying out for a just energy transition. 

    That, he said, was because Africa could not transition as the developed countries; hence, the need for the continent to look out for homegrown technologies and the adaptation of other technologies to transition in a way that would not affect the economies of the participating nations while taking into consideration energy security and how to address energy poverty to actively industrialise to promote economic growth. 

    In a speech read on his behalf by a representative of AETC, a Deputy Director of Renewable and Nuclear Energy at the Ministry of Energy, Dr Robert Sogbadji, said the conference was to engage stakeholders within the continent to address the pertinent issue of what was available for Africa to transition successfully on its own terms. 

    The Founder of AETC, Emelia Akumah, also added that the conference will provide a unique platform for stakeholders to come together, share knowledge, and explore innovative solutions that can propel Africa to the forefront of energy technology and policy integration.

    “Our aim is to facilitate a just and equitable energy transition that prioritises sustainability, inclusivity and economic growth for the African continent,” Ms Akumah added.

  • The government will create a special package for businesses looking to benefit from the AfCFTA

    The government will create a special package for businesses looking to benefit from the AfCFTA

    According to Herbert Krapa, deputy minister in charge of international trade, the Ministry of Trade and Industry is now gathering information that will allow it to create a unique package for businesses looking to benefit from the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    When the package was ready, he said it will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval before being approved by Parliament as well.

    Among other things, he said the package would look at areas such as cost of power, cost of credit, and cost of infrastructure.

    Speaking in an interview with the Graphic Business on the sidelines of the 1st Annual General Assembly Meeting of the African Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), Mr Krapa said the move is aimed at making Ghanaian companies more competitive on the continent.

    “We are paying attention to some of these things so that we will be able to take full advantage of the AfCFTA agreement,” he stated.

    At the closing ceremony of the recently held New Year School and Annual Conference which was held on AfCFTA, the organisers came out with a communique which was to be presented to the government.

    The communique contained policy recommendations that could help Ghana reap the full benefits of the agreement.

    On top of the recommendations was a plea to the government to develop a special interest rate regime for companies who seek to take advantage of AfCFTA.

    When fully operational, the AfCFTA agreement is expected to create a market size of 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP of $4 trillion.

  • Government inaugurates Export Development Strategy Steering committee

    The Steering Committee for the National Export Development Strategy (NEDS), comprised of top executives, was established by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI) to bring on board their expertise and gather resources to achieve a successful national export strategy.

    The Coordinating Committee and other agencies are above the Steering Committee, which is the second-highest body under the NEDS and is made up of the CEOs of some of the largest state agencies and businesses.

    The 13-member Steering Committee has the principal roles of providing overall oversight and direction for effective implementation of the Strategy; considering and streamlining projects implementation issues; making recommendations to the inter-ministerial oversight body; and undertaking advocacy and promotion for the NEDS to both external and internal organisations.

    The committee also has a mandate to provide quarterly and annual reports to the Inter-ministerial Committee on implementation progress, and make recommendations to the committee as well as mobilise financial resources.

    Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Herbert Krapa – speaking on sector minister’s behalf at the inaugural ceremony, mentioned that the NEDS provides an objective picture of Ghana’s current export environment and a clear vision of the desired evolution for Ghana’s non-traditional export sector from 2020 to 2029.

    “The NEDS is a national export development blueprint for significantly increasing Non-traditional Export (NTE) revenue within 10 years, with total NTE revenue of US$25.3billion by 2029,” he said.

    He emphasised that because membership of the Committee is a result of being CEO of their respective institution, a member’s tenure is tied to that of the position. Therefore, once a person resigns or is redeployed, their membership of the Committee comes to an end.

    The Committee is chaired by the Chief Director at the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

    The team comprises representatives from the following institutions: The Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ministry of Local Government Decentralisation and Rural Development, National Coordination Office of AfCFTA, National Development Planning Commission, Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Export-Import Bank, and Ghana Standards Board among others.

    The trade minister emphasised that AfCFTA provides a great opportunity for countries like Ghana to harness effective implementation of the National Export Development Strategy. The recently launched NTE statistics Report revealed a 17 percent increment, which reflects US$3.3billion in export revenue.

    Steering Committee Members

    Board members included Patrick Yaw Nimo, Chief Director-Ministry of Trade and Industry; Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, CEO-GEPA; Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, CEO-Ghana Enterprises Agency; Reginal Yofi Grant, CEO-Ghana Investment Promotion Centre; Seth Twum Akwaboah, CEO-Association of Ghanaian Industries; and Marjorie Abdin, Vice President-Federation of Association of Ghana Exporters.

    The others are Mark Badu Aboagye, CEO-Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Lawrence Agyinsam, CEO-Ghana Export-Import Bank; Mike Oquaye Jnr.-CEO, Ghana Free Zones Authority; Prof. Alexander Dodoo, Director-General – Ghana Standards Authority; Benonita Bismarck, CEO-Ghana Shippers’ Authority; and Delese Mimi Darko, CEO-Food and Drugs Authority; Eric Bentsil Quaye, Director-Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate.

    Activities under NEDS so far

    The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and its partners have been on the road to sensitise 261 districts across the country on the National Export Development Strategy and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    The sensitisation’s first phase covered 30 of the 74 clusters in the country’s 261 districts. There were 115 districts in the first 30 clusters covered. Three teams were composed – namely the Northern Team, the Middle Team and the Southern Team – to cover the northern zone, middle-belt and southern zone respectively.

    So far, 249 potential exporters have been identified through this exercise, and they will be guided as they develop their products to be exported.

  • We need strong concerted efforts to achieve the implementation of export strategy – Herbert Krapa

    According to Herbert Krapa, Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Ghana will succeed in implementing the National Export Development Strategy if all stakeholders put out a strongly coordinated effort.

    According to him, the Ministry was firmly in favor of putting the strategy into action and was looking forward to collaborating with key players to develop the capability required to fully benefit from the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.

    At the launch of the 13-member National Export Development Strategy Steering Committee, Mr. Krapa gave a speech.

    The members are Mr Patrick Yaw Nimo, Chief Director – Ministry of Trade and Industry, Dr Afua Asabea Asare, CEO of Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Mrs Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, CEO of Ghana Enterprises Agency, Mr Reginal Yofi Grant- CEO of Ghana Investment Promotion Center, Mr Seth Twum Akwaboah, CEO of Association of Ghanaian Industries, Ms Marjorie Abdin, Vice President of Federation of Association of Ghana Exporters and Mr Mark Badu Abongye, CEO, Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry

    The rest are Mr Lawrence Agyinsam, CEO of the Ghana Export-Import Bank, Mr. Mike Oquaye Jnr., CEO of Ghana Free Zones Authority, Professor Alexander Dodoo, CEO of Ghana Standards Authority, Ms. Benonita Bismarck, CEO of Ghana Shippers Authority, Mrs Delese Mimi Darko, CEO of Chief Executive Officer- Food and Drugs Authority and Mr Eric Bentsil Quaye, Director of Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate.

    The NEDS provides for the composition of a 13-member Steering Committee to ensure oversight for the effective implementation of the Strategy.

    The 10-year National Export Development Strategy (NEDS) seeks to grow Ghana’s Non-Traditional Export sector and will employ a private-sector-driven approach.

    It is expected to give a significant boost to Ghana’s export volumes by growing NTEs from US$2.8 billion in 2020 to US$25.3 billion by 2029.

    The Committee will be expected to provide the necessary guidance, advice, expertise, and concrete implementation actions for NEDS.

    The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) was tasked by the Ministry of Trade and Industry in 2019 to spearhead the formulation of NEDS, which provides an objective picture of Ghana’s current export environment and a clear vision of the desired evolution of Ghana’s Non-traditional Export sector from 2020 to 2029.

    He said GEPA and its partners were on the road to sensitising 261 districts across the country on the strategy and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

    Mr Krapa said the first phase of the sensitization covered 30 clusters out of the 74 clusters in the 261 districts in the country and there were 115 districts in the first 30 clusters covered.

    Three teams were composed, namely the Northern team, the Middle team, and the Southern team, to cover the northern zone, middle belt, and southern zone, respectively.

    He said so far, 249 potential exporters have been identified through this exercise, and they will be guided as they develop their products to be exported.

    The Minister said AfCFTA provided a great opportunity for countries like Ghana to harness effective implementation of the National Export Development Strategy.

    Mr Krapa commended the Chief Executive Officer of GEPA, Dr Asare, and her team for coordinating the rigorous process of establishing the steering committee.

    Mr Nimo, the Steering Committee Chairman, assured the Minister of their commitment to seeing the implementation of the strategy.

  • By 2030, Africa can produce 5 million new cars annually – Deputy Trade Minister

    Herbert Krapa, the deputy minister of trade and industry, has revealed that by 2030, Africa will be able to produce 5 million new cars annually.

    He believes that this will materialize once the African Continental Free Trade Area is established (AfCFTA).

    Herbet Krapa urged businesses on the continent to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Continental Free Trade Area while speaking at the Ghana-Denmark Business Forum.

    The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) tweeted, “By 2030, Africa can generate 5 million new vehicles every year, thanks to the AfCFTA,” which GhanaWeb was able to see.

    “We must create, build, develop and maintain long-lasting partnerships to leverage the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA,” part of the tweet read.

    AfCFTA was introduced in 2018 and aims at creating a single market for Africa, as well as, ensuring the free movement of goods and services on the continent.

    This free movement of goods and services will help expand Intra-African trade.

    This implies that goods will be sold at a relatively cheaper price because of the increase in production which will in turn create both direct and indirect jobs for the teeming unemployed youth.

    The free trade area also provides traders and/or importers an opportunity to stay competitive.

    Businesses when conducted in a free and safe environment will help reduce poverty in member states as well as create sustainable development.

  • AfCFTA: 8 countries including Ghana to commence trading – Deputy Trade Minister

    Herbert Krapa, the deputy minister of trade and industry, has revealed that Ghana will start trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area, along with seven other nations (AfCFTA).

    The Customs Union is one of 46 African nations who have already presented their tariff bids under the AfCFTA, which has been signed by 54 African nations thus far.

    In phase two negotiations on investment, intellectual property rights, competition policy, women and youth in trade, and digital trade, Herbert Krapa reported that 87.7% of tariff lines had been reached agreement on.

    Speaking at the Export Trading Company Seminar in Accra, the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry said, “Actual trading is starting between Cameroon, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Tanzania, Tunisia and Ghana. In the coming weeks, the dream of our forebears will be off the ground, and historic as the moment may be.”

    He further commended Afrexim Bank for setting up export trading companies across Africa to facilitate trade across the continent.

    AfCFTA was introduced in 2018 and it aims at creating a single market for Africa, as well as, ensuring the free movement of goods and services on the continent.

    This free movement of goods and services will help expand Intra-African trade.

    This implies that goods will be sold at a relatively cheaper price because of the increase in production which will, in turn, create both direct and indirect jobs for the teeming unemployed youth.

    The free trade area also allows traders and/or importers to stay competitive.

    Businesses when conducted in a free and safe environment will help reduce poverty in member states as well as create sustainable development.