The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has assured residents of Kumasi in particular and the Ashanti Region in general of reliable and sustainable power supply, as the ministry embarks on a major upgrade of transformers and the installation of new ones in the region.
He appealed to residents of Kumasi to bear with any temporary challenges as work progresses, noting that by the end of the third quarter, a more resilient power supply is expected.
The minister made the announcement during a working visit to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and GRIDCo facilities in Kumasi.
He was joined by Engineer Julius Kpekpena, the Managing Director of ECG and the Acting Managing Director of GRIDCo for a meeting with Ashanti Regional management, district engineers and staff.
The team also inspected transformers and power supply centres to assess challenges at first-hand and find solutions to ensure power sustainability in the region.
Describing the meeting as crucial, Minister Jinapor said the goal was to address challenges, end power instability and eliminate load shedding.
The Minister noted that some transformers are overloaded and required additional units hence more transformers are being injected into the Ashanti Region.
He revealed that Kumasi, being an energy and industrial hub, the government was working on adding 380 megawatts of power in the Ashanti region to ensure the stabilization of power.
He threatened that he would crack the whip, since he takes all the blame when a district manager does not work well.
The Minister stressed that ECG loses revenue when power is not supplied consistently and urged staff to deliver results, urging them to give off their best.
Minister Jinapor commended the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, for his dedication, describing him as a hardworking and visionary leader.
He explained that several interventions are underway, including upgrades of transformers and the immediate installation of about 300 new transformers with a second phase targeting 700.
He said GRIDCo would also implement upgrades in July to improve system reliability.
He disclosed that the Ministry was working on the Cenit plant and the Aboadze combined cycle plant to strengthen supply to ensure power reaches almost every part of the country, with emphasis on Kumasi and the Ashanti Region, as directed by President Mahama.
The minister added that similar projects are ongoing in the Volta and Western regions, including a new line from Ho to Asiakpe and the installation of 18 transformers in the Western Region.
Dr. Frank Amoakohenen, on his part, said the expansion of rural electrification, power generation and transmission upgrades are vital for industrialising the Ashanti Region.
He commended power sector players for their efforts and expressed appreciation for the ongoing upgrade projects, which he said will improve supply by July.
He assured the Energy Minister of the region’s commitment to protecting ECG equipment from theft and vandalism.
Ing. John Asare, Ashanti Regional Manager of ECG, said the region runs three operational centres covering Dunkwa, Ashanti and parts of the Western Region.
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