ECG to install 300 transformers to improve power supply in Ashanti Region
Acting Managing Director, Julius Kwame Kpekpena, has announced that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is set to deploy 300 new distribution transformers in the Ashanti Region as part of efforts to stabilise power supply and ease persistent outages,
He acknowledged the ongoing challenges, including intermittent power cuts and low voltage, and assured residents that measures are underway to improve service delivery.
“To tell you the truth, we are aware of the challenges relating to power supply in the region, including intermittent power outages and low voltage. We are working on it to serve the residents better,” he said.
Mr Kpekpena explained that the company will replace damaged transformers that have not been fixed over time, a situation that has forced the redistribution of customers onto neighbouring transformers and contributed to supply instability.
He made the remarks during a courtesy call on the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, as part of a working visit to inspect ECG installations and ongoing projects in the region.
He indicated that while some interventions are expected to be completed within three months, others will take up to six months or a year, depending on the scale of work involved.
As part of the tour, the ECG team inspected key projects, including the Anwomaso–Boadi–Kaase sub-transmission line, rehabilitation works at the Ridge Bulk Supply Point, and a line from the Adoato substation through Barekese to Offinso.
Other projects underway include the upgrade of a GRIDCo transformer at the Ridge Bulk Supply Point with a 145MVA unit, the construction of substations at Agogo, Nsuta, and Kumawu, and the development of a sub-transmission line from Adoato to Barekese to improve supply to communities such as Suame, Atafua, Asuofua, Adankwame, Barekese, Offinso, Kodie, and Mowire, as well as the Barekese water treatment plant.
Additional works include a sub-transmission line from Anwomaso to the Airport Substation to enhance supply to the airport enclave and Greater Kumasi, a line from Fawoade to Agona, and the completion of substations at Afari and Sewuah hospitals.
Mr Kpekpena attributed some of the region’s power challenges to capacity constraints at substations and feeders, noting that ongoing upgrades are aimed at addressing these bottlenecks.
He disclosed that a new transformer will be installed at the Ridge Bulk Supply Point by the end of May, a move expected to significantly improve power stability in Kumasi and surrounding areas.
He added that priority attention is being given to the Barekese project to ensure reliable electricity supply for the water treatment plant and enhance water production for residents.
Dr Amoakohene, on his part, commended ECG for the steps being taken, describing them as timely interventions to improve power supply in the region.
“It is relieving to hear that you are taking immediate steps now to improve power supply. Also, we are glad to hear of the resumption of work on key projects aimed at ensuring power stability,” he said.