The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has outlined an ambitious nationwide intervention to address persistent electricity distribution challenges, citing years of underinvestment and surging demand as key causes of the current strain on Ghana’s power system.
Speaking as part of the government’s Accountability Series, the Minister acknowledged that many transformers across the country have become obsolete and overstretched.
He noted that electricity demand has more than doubled over the past decade, placing significant pressure on aging infrastructure and resulting in frequent outages, low voltage, and overloaded systems.
To address these challenges, the government has begun implementing a comprehensive transformer upgrade and replacement programme.
As an immediate step, nearly 200 transformers have already been installed across the country within the past month.
Plans are also underway to deploy an additional 140 transformers in the coming days.
“In total, we aim to install about 2,500 transformers nationwide to improve supply reliability and stabilize voltage levels,” Jinapor stated.
Beyond distribution upgrades, the government is also investing in higher-capacity infrastructure at key primary supply stations.
The Minister revealed that major installations have already been completed in Adenta, Lashibi, and Teshie-Nungua, with similar works set to commence in Kumasi primary substations before the end of the week.
He explained that the new systems represent a significant upgrade from the existing 20kV capacity to 30kV and above, signaling a long-term commitment to strengthening the power sector.
On transmission, the Ghana Grid Company is preparing to begin critical reinforcement works in Kumasi starting June.
Jinapor indicated that the timeline has been carefully structured to avoid disruptions during the upcoming World Cup period, after which full-scale work will begin.
Additionally, efforts are underway to upgrade distribution lines in Kumasi, with engineers expected to begin work this week.
A key component being supplied by Senate Energy Limited is also set to arrive and will be transported to Kumasi to further boost generation capacity in collaboration with GRIDCo.
The Minister emphasized that government interventions are targeting both immediate disruptions and long-standing structural weaknesses within operational units such as the Electricity Company of Ghana and Network Company (NetCo).
“We inherited significant challenges, but we are determined to fix them,” he said, adding that similar efforts have already stabilized fuel supply, generation, and issues involving Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
Jinapor assured Ghanaians that while current power supply difficulties may be frustrating, they are temporary.
“This experience is transient. We are working around the clock to restore stability, replace outdated systems, and build a more resilient electricity network for the future,” he affirmed.
The government, he stressed, remains committed to delivering reliable and consistent electricity to households, businesses, and industries across the country.
By 1960news.com
