MCC discusses possible new cooperation with Ghana — MyJoyOnline

The U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) held talks in New York with a delegation from Ghana’s Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) on a possible new stage of cooperation. The parties discussed the experience of implementing two previous MCC programs in Ghana, as well as prospects for partnership in energy and regional power-grid integration, MyJoyOnline reports.

The MiDA delegation was led by Chief Executive Officer Alexander Kofi-Mensah Mould and board chair Charles Abugre. MCC was represented by Acting Vice President for Program Operations Jason Small and Senior Policy Advisor Tariq Ahmed.

Assessment of previous programs

Small said that if a new agreement for Ghana is considered, MCC will take into account the results of previous investments, the completeness of project implementation, and the sustainability of reforms. According to him, the corporation also assesses prospects for U.S. investment and exports, as well as opportunities to develop supply chains for critical materials and minerals.

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The $498.2 million Ghana Power Compact energy program was signed in 2014 and entered into force in September 2016. After the ECG-PDS concession was terminated in 2019, MCC canceled its commitment to provide $190 million, the disbursement of which depended on that agreement. The remainder of the program was implemented through MiDA, and MCC and Ghana formally concluded the Ghana Power Compact in June 2022.

Energy and regional grids

Mould described the energy sector as a possible area for new cooperation. Among the potential areas, he highlighted strengthening Ghana’s power grid, improving the efficiency of distribution companies, and developing regional energy integration in West Africa. The parties also discussed opportunities for gas infrastructure between Ghana and Nigeria to support regional electricity generation.

Small recalled that MCC had previously considered power transmission line projects between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as between Ghana and Burkina Faso. He noted that the corporation needs to determine the current status of these initiatives and assess their viability. After reviewing the available data, the MCC board will make decisions on selecting countries to develop new agreements.