The American Chamber of Commerce Ghana’s Energy, Environment & Infrastructure (EEI) Committee held its quarterly meeting, chaired by the Committee Chairman, Mr. John Swatson of Baker Hughes, bringing together industry leaders and stakeholders from Ghana’s energy, extractives, infrastructure, and power sectors to discuss key operational challenges, investment opportunities, and policy priorities impacting the business environment.
The meeting was attended by representatives and leaders from Kosmos Energy, Halliburton, General Electric, Accra EV House, EDM Resources, Dutylex, Akwa Limited, as well as representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Ghana. Discussions focused on local content implementation, investment competitiveness, energy sector developments, infrastructure planning, taxation, and emerging opportunities in electric mobility.
Mining Sector Raises Local Content and Payment Concerns
Participants from the mining sector highlighted ongoing challenges associated with the transition from owner-mining to contract mining models, noting the impact on local suppliers and service providers. Concerns were raised regarding delayed payments within the mining supply chain, which continue to place financial pressure on local businesses.
Members also discussed growing concerns over the increasing participation of foreign entities in segments reserved for local content participation, stressing the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms and clearer regulatory standards. Suggestions included reviewing entry requirements and strengthening monitoring systems to ensure fair competition and genuine local participation.
Oil & Gas Industry Signals Renewed Optimism
Stakeholders in the upstream oil and gas sector expressed optimism about renewed investment activity following recent government interventions aimed at restoring investor confidence. Members noted that several international companies are reconsidering opportunities in Ghana, with significant new investments currently being discussed within the sector.
At the same time, concerns were raised regarding production sustainability, drilling activity, and the importance of maintaining gas supply commitments to support national energy security. Participants emphasized that Ghana’s oil and gas resources remain strategically important to the country’s economic growth and industrial development agenda.
Electric Vehicle Adoption Faces Policy Barriers
The Committee also discussed the growing interest in electric vehicles (EVs) and the opportunities for Ghana to participate in the global energy transition. Industry representatives identified high import duties and taxes on EVs as major barriers limiting market growth and investment.
Participants noted that reducing fiscal barriers could help stimulate EV adoption, support future local assembly initiatives, and position Ghana as a regional hub for electric mobility. The need for broader policy alignment between energy, transportation, and industrialization strategies was also emphasized.
Infrastructure and Power Sector Discussions
Members expressed concern over inconsistent national infrastructure planning and the impact of project discontinuity across political administrations. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) were identified as a potential pathway for accelerating infrastructure development, provided there is a stable regulatory and contractual framework.
Discussions also touched on challenges within the power sector, particularly around revenue leakages, delayed payments, and operational inefficiencies affecting the broader energy ecosystem.
Moving Forward
The Committee agreed on the importance of strengthening engagement with government agencies and regulators on issues relating to local content, taxation, infrastructure, and energy policy. Members are also committed to consolidating sector-specific concerns and recommendations into structured advocacy initiatives to support Ghana’s investment climate and long-term economic growth.