President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Dr Kofi Nsiah-Poku, has called for a major rethink of Ghana’s energy architecture, warning that recurring power disruptions continue to threaten the country’s industrial transformation agenda.

Speaking at the Sustainable Energy B2B Expo 2026 under the theme “Powering Industry through Sustainable Energy,” Dr Nsiah-Poku said the recent energy challenges facing manufacturers underscore the urgent need for reliable, affordable and sustainable power systems.

He stated that energy has evolved beyond being just a production cost to becoming a major structural constraint on industrial growth, competitiveness and investment.

“Energy remains the lifeblood of industrial growth. Without reliable, affordable and sustainable power, industries cannot expand and businesses cannot compete effectively,” he stated.

He warned that Ghana’s manufacturing sector is increasingly under pressure from rising production costs, unstable power supply and growing global sustainability demands.

Dr Nsiah-Poku further stressed that Ghana’s ambitions of building a strong industrial economy and implementing a 24-hour economy policy could be undermined if the country fails to ensure stable electricity supply.

“Ghana’s ambition of building a strong industrial economy and sustaining a 24-hour economy cannot be achieved without stable and uninterrupted power supply,” he said.

The AGI President also argued that sustainable energy discussions must move from the periphery to the center of national industrial planning.

“Sustainable energy can no longer be treated as an alternative discussion on the sidelines of development. It must become central to our industrial strategy,” he added.

As part of efforts to support industries, Dr Nsiah-Poku highlighted the AGI Energy Service Centre, which provides efficiency solutions and renewable energy integration support to businesses.

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“It represents AGI’s commitment to helping industries transition into a future where sustainability and profitability work hand in hand,” he noted.

Also speaking at the event, Gunnar Wegner described the global energy transition as a competitiveness issue for businesses.

He compared renewable energy adoption to “moving into your own house,” arguing that it protects businesses from fuel price shocks and recurring energy costs.

The expo brought together stakeholders including GIZ, Swisscontact, UN Global Compact Network Ghana, ClimateWorks Foundation, Catalonia Trade & Investment, AHK Ghana and the Energy Commission.

Participants engaged in exhibitions, innovation discussions and networking sessions focused on sustainable energy solutions for Ghana’s industrial sector.

VPO