AREEN and CRE Strengthen Regional Regulatory Cooperation through Institutional Visit to Ghana’s Energy Institutions

Accra, Ghana | 23–26 June 2026

The Authority for Regulation of Water and Energy Sectors AREEN) and The French Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) successfully concluded a four-day institutional visit to the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA) and key Ghanaian energy institutions from 23 to 26 June 2026, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening regional electricity regulation, institutional cooperation, and the development of integrated electricity markets across Africa.

The high-level mission formed part of AREEN’s broader initiative to strengthen its regional positioning by deepening collaboration with strategic regulatory and power sector institutions while promoting the exchange of knowledge and best regulatory practices.

Throughout the visit, the delegation held extensive engagements with ERERA, Energy Commission of Ghana, GRIDCo, and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), focusing on regulatory governance, electricity market development, transmission system operations, regional integration, and emerging challenges facing the African power sector.

At ERERA Headquarters, discussions centred on the Authority’s mandate in regulating cross-border electricity exchanges within the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Market (REM). The delegation received detailed presentations on ERERA’s regulatory framework, market oversight responsibilities, regional tariff methodologies, market participation procedures, dispute resolution mechanisms, and ongoing initiatives supporting the operationalisation of the regional electricity market.

The delegation also exchanged views on strengthening cooperation among African electricity regulators, enhancing institutional capacity, promoting regulatory harmonisation, and supporting sustainable electricity market development across regional economic communities.

During engagements with the Energy Commission of Ghana, participants explored Ghana’s energy policy framework, licensing regime, renewable energy development, energy planning, and strategies to ensure a reliable, sustainable, and affordable electricity supply.

The visit to GRIDCo provided valuable insights into Ghana’s transmission infrastructure, power system operations, grid planning, regional interconnections, and the critical role of transmission operators in facilitating regional electricity trade. Discussions further highlighted operational experiences, grid reliability measures, and future infrastructure investments supporting increased regional power exchanges.

At the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), discussions focused on tariff regulation, consumer protection, service quality monitoring, performance-based regulation, and regulatory approaches that balance investment sustainability with consumer interests.

The institutional exchanges underscored the importance of collaboration among regulators, transmission operators, policymakers, and market institutions in achieving Africa’s energy integration ambitions. Participants recognised that stronger regulatory cooperation remains essential to attracting investment, enhancing electricity security, expanding regional power trade, and accelerating universal access to reliable electricity.

The mission concluded with a renewed commitment by AREEN, CRE, ERERA, and the Ghanaian institutions to deepen technical cooperation, facilitate continued knowledge sharing, and strengthen partnerships that support efficient, transparent, and resilient electricity markets across the African continent.

The visit represents another significant milestone in advancing regional regulatory excellence and reinforcing the collective efforts of African energy institutions towards an integrated, competitive, and sustainable electricity market.