By Rachel Quartey & Rukayatu Musah
Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed the strategic value of Ghana–China cooperation in strengthening the country’s energy security, highlighting the critical role of the Sunon Asogli Power Ltd. in stabilising electricity supply during difficult periods.
Speaking at the 2026 Sunon Asogli Chinese New Year celebration held at Kpone on Monday, February 16, to mark the Spring Festival and the Year of the Horse, the Vice President said Ghana remains deeply appreciative of the contribution of the Sunon Asogli Thermal Power Station to the national grid, particularly at times when the country faced power constraints.
She stressed that energy security is central to Ghana’s industrialisation agenda and long-term economic resilience.
“Reliable power supply is a prerequisite for productivity, investment and sustainable growth,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stated.
The Vice President reflected on the longstanding diplomatic ties between Ghana and China, describing the relationship as one that has evolved beyond formal engagements into meaningful cooperation across education, trade, industry and technical exchange.
While acknowledging the infrastructure gains chalked up through bilateral collaboration, she cautioned that development must transcend physical projects.
“Development is not built by infrastructure alone, but also by people, cultures and mutual respect,” she said, adding that sustainable partnerships must be grounded in clarity of purpose, accountability and alignment with Ghana’s national development priorities.
As the country works to strengthen its industrial base and secure its energy future, the Vice President reiterated Ghana’s openness to partnerships that are transparent, fair and mutually beneficial.
She added that the Spring Festival celebration offered an opportunity for renewal and reflection, expressing confidence in Ghana’s direction in the new year and its commitment to building resilient institutions, sustainable infrastructure and shared prosperity.
Togbe Afede Outlines Expansion Plans
Co-founder of Sunon Asogli Power, Togbe Afede XIV, used the occasion to outline ambitious expansion plans aimed at positioning Ghana as a major power exporter within the sub-region.
He revealed that in addition to the 560 megawatts currently supplied to the national grid, the company is pursuing significant renewable and thermal projects to expand generation capacity.
“The vision that was planted in my mind in 2006 is still alive. That is why I keep urging Shenzhen Energy Group and Asogli Power to do more to make Ghana a major exporter of power in our sub-region,” he said.
According to him, the company has acquired four sites in northern Ghana for solar power projects with an initial target of 200 megawatts. It is also developing a 100 to 200 megawatt wind farm in the Ada West District, alongside plans for a third-phase thermal project at Kpone that will add 850 megawatts.
“What all this means is that in addition to the 560 megawatts Asogli Power delivers onto the grid, we are planning up to 400 megawatts in solar and wind, and another 850 megawatts under the third-phase thermal project,” he explained.
Togbe Afede commended the economic stability under President John Mahama’s administration, noting that renewed investor confidence has strengthened the country’s economic outlook. He cited recent visits by top officials from Guangdong Province — home of Shenzhen Energy Group — as well as Madam Liu, the first female Deputy CEO of Shenzhen Energy, as clear endorsements of Ghana’s positive trajectory.
“As resilience and growth come, there will be increased energy demand. We want to ask you to assist us as we strive to support Ghana in this ambition to grow the energy sector, especially in the transition towards renewables,” he appealed.
He added that just as Shenzhen Energy Group played a key role in transforming Shenzhen and Guangdong Province into global economic powerhouses, Sunon Asogli aims to be an integral part of Ghana’s economic success, supporting flagship initiatives such as the 24-hour economy policy.
The colourful celebration blended business and culture, reinforcing both the commercial partnership and people-to-people ties between Ghana and China, as participants ushered in the Lunar New Year with renewed optimism for expanded cooperation in the energy sector.
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Source:
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