The Government of the Republic of Ghana, acting through the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Canadian clean energy company Portage Energy Group Inc. to develop a transformative national waste-to-energy and waste-to-value initiative. The initiative aims to address Ghana’s growing municipal waste challenges while strengthening the country’s renewable energy capacity.
The MOU, executed on 19 May 2026, designates Portage Energy Group Inc. as a Preferred Development Partner for the proposed project, which seeks to convert municipal solid waste (MSW) into bio-organic pellets, generate clean electricity, and subsequently refine those pellets into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Initial technical and environmental engineering studies will commence within the Tema Metropolitan Area, with a particular focus on the Kpone Landfill site.
Project Overview
The partnership brings together the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition and Portage Energy Group Inc. to deliver integrated facilities producing three core outputs: bio-organic pellets (refuse-derived fuel), clean electricity, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Each facility is expected to generate up to 25 megawatts (MW) of electricity, with approximately 5 MW allocated to operational requirements and the remaining capacity available to supply Ghana’s national grid. The initiative will be entirely financed by the private sector through Portage Energy, with no financial obligation on the Government of Ghana.
Strategic Benefits and Impact
This national initiative aligns directly with Ghana’s climate resilience objectives and circular economy commitments. By diverting organic waste from landfills, the facilities are projected to reduce methane emissions, extend the operational life of existing waste infrastructure, and generate local employment opportunities. The project is also expected to support Ghana’s renewable energy transition and position the country as a future hub for Sustainable Aviation Fuel production in Africa, with significant foreign exchange-earning potential through future SAF exports.
In a statement issued in connection with the signing, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, described the partnership as a major milestone in Ghana’s green transition agenda:
“This partnership aligns seamlessly with Ghana’s strategic commitment to sustainable waste management and our green transition. By turning municipal solid waste into reliable, clean electricity, we are not only addressing sanitation challenges but also strengthening our national energy security and driving local economic growth without drawing on public funds.”
— Hon. Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister of Energy and Green Transition
“Portage Energy is honored to be designated as a Preferred Development Partner for this transformative project. Our proven waste-to-value solutions will reduce landfill dependence, generate up to 25 megawatts of clean power, and lay the essential groundwork for future Sustainable Aviation Fuel production in West Africa.”
— Craig Latimer, Chief Executive Officer, Portage Energy Group Inc.
“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks another proud milestone in the strong bilateral relationship between Canada and Ghana. We are thrilled to see Canadian innovation and expertise supporting Ghana’s ambitious climate resilience and circular economy goals.”
— H.E. Myriam Montrat, Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana
Next Steps
Under the terms of the MOU, Portage Energy will immediately commence technical assessments and stakeholder engagements. Once these processes are complete, the parties intend to negotiate definitive operational and power purchase agreements for implementation.
This initiative forms part of Ghana’s broader efforts to promote renewable energy, climate resilience, sustainable urban management, and circular economy development, while positioning the country as a future leader in Sustainable Aviation Fuel production in Africa.
