Global energy and construction giants converged at the Accra International Conference Centre last Friday for the 4th West Africa Power, Energy and Building Construction Expo, a high-level platform that spotlighted Ghana’s strategic role in advancing clean energy investment, sustainable infrastructure growth, and regional industrial cooperation across West Africa.
Organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and in partnership with CCFI France, Ghana and other international stakeholders, the two-day exhibition drew participants from India, China, the United Kingdom, South Africa, France, Turkey, Nigeria, Egypt, the United States of America, Ghana, and beyond.
The Expo provided a vibrant platform for manufacturers, exporters, suppliers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, contractors, and consultants to engage in business-to-business (B2B) discussions, explore investment opportunities, and showcase cutting-edge technologies in the power and construction sectors.
Addressing participants, His Excellency Shri Manish Gupta, High Commissioner of India to Ghana, lauded Ghana’s progress in the energy space and called for deeper collaboration between Ghana and India to boost renewable energy investments.
“Energy is the foundation of every nation’s progress. India, with its vast experience in renewable and clean technologies, stands ready to work hand-in-hand with Ghana to build a self-reliant and sustainable energy future,” he said.
He emphasised that Ghana’s energy policies and integration into industrial development remain commendable, noting that renewable energy, particularly solar and mini-grid systems, offers transformative potential for Ghana’s rural and northern regions.
“Our cooperation in solar irrigation and decentralised power solutions can redefine rural economies,” he added. “India is proud to support Ghana’s energy transition to ensure clean and affordable energy for all.”
Green energy transition
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, the Deputy Minister, Dr. Richard Gyan-Mensah, reaffirmed the government’s determination to reform and modernise Ghana’s energy sector through transparency, renewable adoption, and private sector participation.
“Energy is the backbone of industrialisation. Every factory that opens, every business that expands, and every home that lights up is powered by the strength of our energy infrastructure,” Dr. Gyan-Mensah declared.
He outlined a number of major policy reforms currently being pursued by the Ministry to strengthen Ghana’s energy sector and ensure long-term sustainability.
These include independent power producer (IPP) tariff rationalisation aimed at achieving affordable and competitive electricity pricing, and the establishment of transparent procurement frameworks to enhance accountability and efficiency in power generation.
He also highlighted efforts toward the localisation of solar assembly lines and battery storage systems to boost local industry participation and create jobs within the renewable energy value chain.
Additionally, he emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to digital transformation of energy operations, with a focus on developing smart, data-driven distribution systems that improve efficiency, reliability, and service delivery across the sector.
Dr. Gyan-Mensah stressed that these reforms are designed to make Ghana’s energy sector a catalyst for industrial transformation, job creation, and sustainable growth.
“This Expo reflects the power of collaboration,” he said. “We urge local and international businesses to build strong partnerships that will advance renewable energy and infrastructure development across Africa.”
Improved trade fair standards
Dr. Joseph Obeng, President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), urged government and event organisers to raise the bar for Ghana’s trade exhibitions to match international standards.
“I felt uncomfortable when this fair was described as the biggest in West Africa. If we are going to do it, we must do it well. When other nations organise fairs, people travel from around the world to witness groundbreaking innovations. We must strive for that level,” he remarked.
Dr. Obeng called for a revitalisation of the Ghana Trade Fair Centre to restore its legacy as a regional hub for innovation and industrial exhibitions.
“Growing up, the Trade Fair Centre inspired businesses through innovation. We must bring that spirit back, especially as the President redefines the national development agenda,” he said.
He further highlighted the relevance of such expos in promoting alternative energy solutions in the wake of rising electricity costs.
“These exhibitions give traders and entrepreneurs opportunities to explore solar, wind, and gas technologies locally, rather than travelling abroad,” he noted. “This will help strengthen Ghana’s emerging 24-hour economy and support industrialisation.”
Industrial cooperation
The Expo closed with strong calls for sustained collaboration between government, the private sector, and international partners to advance renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure across West Africa.
Participants expressed optimism that the partnerships forged during the event would drive innovation, enhance local manufacturing, and accelerate Ghana’s transition toward a cleaner, future-ready economy.
By PRINCE OPOKU DOGBEY, Accra
