Kumasi 1 Thermal Power project to address voltage, power quality issues in Kumasi, Northern Ghana

The Commissioning of the Kumasi 1 Thermal Power Project on Wednesday, 17th April, 2024, by His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is poised to tackle voltage and power quality issues in Kumasi and the northern parts of Ghana, thereby enhancing system voltages and overall stability, as highlighted by the Volta River Authority (VRA).

Joining the President at the project site in Anwomaso Kumasi will be Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, and VRA CEO, Ing. Emmanuel Antwi Darkwa. The decision follows a grid impact study by the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), recommending a minimum of 250MW of power generation in the Ashanti Region to ensure grid reliability and stability.

The VRA underscores that siting a power plant in Kumasi will guarantee quality and reliable power for electricity consumers in the middle and northern regions of the country. Additionally, the project aims to optimize the use of national assets efficiently, utilize gas resources in the western part of the country, and create job opportunities in Kumasi and its environs.

Moreover, besides providing practical training opportunities for students from KNUST, Kumasi Technical University, and other technical institutions in thermal power operations, the project is projected to reduce system transmission losses by approximately 30MW.

Background:
The inception of the Kumasi 1 Thermal Power Project followed the conclusion of the BOOT agreement between Ameri Energy Limited and the Government of Ghana regarding the former Ameri power plant. Upon expiration, the plant was handed over to the Government of Ghana and subsequently transferred to the VRA in 2022.

Subsequently, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, the VRA decided to relocate the plant to Kumasi, thus renaming it the Kumasi 1 Thermal Power Project. The project is fully funded from VRA’s IGF.

The project is unfolding in two phases: the first phase, inaugurated on Wednesday, commenced in May 2023, involving the relocation of the initial six (6) TM2500 units with a total generation capacity of 150MW. The second phase, slated for completion in June 2024, will increase the plant's capacity from 150MW to 250MW.

Implemented by VRA's team of engineers, with support from selected service providers, the project underscores Ghanaian innovation and reflects the NPP government's confidence in Ghanaian capacity.