The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has apologised to customers affected by recent power outages following the fire outbreak at the Akosombo GRIDCo substation, assuring the public that efforts are underway to fully restore electricity supply.
Speaking in an interview on Sunday, April 26, ECG’s General Manager for External Relations, Dr Charles Nii Ayiku, said the fire disrupted approximately 1,000 megawatts of power from the national grid.
Despite the significant loss, he noted that power supply has remained stable in several parts of the country.
“After Akosombo, the fact is that it blocked about 1000 megawatts, but I am sure you also understand that even after losing 1000 megawatts, we have still been consistent with power supply within some parts of the country,” he said.
Restoration Works Ongoing
Dr Ayiku explained that engineers are actively working to resolve the situation, adding that some faults have already been fixed and supply has been restored to parts of the country.
“The current situation at the Akosombo GRIDCo substation is work in progress. As I speak to you, there is a resolution, there are some of the issues that have been resolved, some parts of the country are back on full supply pending other lines that will be restored,” he stated.
He said additional transmission lines are expected to come back online soon, which will improve electricity supply nationwide.
ECG Says Load Shedding Timetable Premature
Responding to growing public calls for a load-shedding timetable, Dr Ayiku said it would be too early to introduce one while restoration efforts are ongoing.
“So if we start talking about a load shedding timetable right now, don’t you think it is too early to call for a load shedding timetable,” he said.
He urged the public to remain calm and assured customers that the situation is under control.
“The engineers have assured us that very soon we are getting back on supply. I would once again urge the general public and our customers to remain calm and be assured that the situation is under control,” he added.
ECG Apologises to Customers
Dr. Ayiku offered an apology to customers for the inconvenience caused by the outages, describing the fire as a major and unexpected incident.
“I sincerely apologise for the inconvenience our cherished customers are facing. The incident wasn’t expected. It was a major incident which has rendered an entire control room affected and down and we sincerely apologise to our customers,” he said.
He added that ECG is working closely with GRIDCo and the Volta River Authority (VRA) to restore full and stable power supply across the country.
Energy Minister Orders GRIDCo CEO to Step Aside
Meanwhile, the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has directed the Chief Executive Officer of GRIDCo to step aside pending investigations into the fire outbreak at the Akosombo Power Control Centre.
The investigation is expected to determine the cause of the incident and assess responsibility.
By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang
