Canada-Based Green Energy Company Seeks Otumfuo’s Blessings for Waste-to-Energy Project
Portage Energy Group, a Canada-based green energy company, has sought the blessings and counsel of the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for a project to transform waste into reliable power for Ghana.
During a courtesy call on May 20, 2026, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Craig Latimer, said Portage Energy intends to build Energy-from-Waste (EfW) facilities in four cities, including Kumasi, Accra, Tamale, and Takoradi.
He said the facilities would generate about 100 megawatts across the four sites, enough to power up to 20,000 homes and businesses.
“We will take the waste that you have and turn it into reliable green power. The power will be 24/7,” he told Otumfuo, while informing him about the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Ghana.
“Canada really wants to strengthen our relationship in West Africa, and part of this is execution and the ability to build sustainable relations in the country,” he added.
According to Latimer, the company enjoys the full backing of the federal government of Canada, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney. He said the government’s vision is to look for markets outside North America to bring Canadian technologies, experience, and world-class expertise.
“We’ve heard a lot about the King and his wisdom, and we are here to get his blessings for the projects we are trying to do in Ghana. We know that if you are trying to build infrastructure here, the King needs to impart his wisdom and support, so that’s why we are here today.”
Asantehene Visit
Latimer also informed the King of Canada’s preparedness to host him for the 2026 World Cup Business Summit, organised by the Canada-Ghana Chamber of Commerce in June.
The itinerary includes an address to 40,000 Ghanaian in the diaspora as well as around 10,000 to 15,000 people in Ontario at Sankofa Square.
“We aim to make his trip very fruitful,” he said.
Welcome
The Asantehene welcomed the delegation and its mission, noting that waste management remains a major problem for Ghana.
His Majesty expressed disappointment that a lasting solution had not been found over the years and said the situation requires a holistic approach.
The Monarch recommended a feasibility study to enhance the practicality of the project, while affirming his support for waste management solutions that would be mutually beneficial to the company and the country.
“When the High Commission spoke to me about it, I thought it was a welcoming initiative. I instructed that once you come to Kumasi, you should see some of the places with these issues. Doing a proper feasibility study, we should be able to determine the tonnes we produce every day, week, and year, and that will help us set up what will be appropriate for Kumasi and the environment. I look to your technical expertise to do this, and I believe strongly that the mayor will assemble his team to lead you around the city.”
On the trip to Canada, Otumfuo urged his hosts to gather all the necessary data for the project.
“This waste project should be one of the major topics I would like to talk about at the Canada-Ghana Chamber of Commerce event. By the time we meet, I want to know what data you have collected and what I can bring, so we can formulate a plan.”
The delegation from Portage Energy Group included CEO Craig Latimer, CFO Michael Southam, and CCO Stephen Akpakwu.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/
