The Project Management Institute (PMI) Ghana Chapter recently conducted a noteworthy Project Site tour to the Kasoa Bulk Supply Point (BSP), managed by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), showcasing the success of the project which had previously received the prestigious Project of the Year award at the 2023 Project Management Excellence Awards organised by PMI Ghana Chapter to climax the 2023 National Project Management Conference.

This visit served as a testament to the project's achievements and the exemplary project management practices employed.

The Kasoa BSP project, a crucial initiative in Ghana's energy sector, aimed to enhance the capacity and reliability of electricity supply to Kasoa and its environs. Given Ghana's growing population and increasing demand for electricity, the project emerged as a pivotal step towards addressing these challenges and fostering socio-economic development in the region.

The Kasoa BSP is the second largest-capacity BSP in Ghana. The 435-megavolt ampere (MVA) gas-insulated power substation will serve 250,000 ECG customers. It will also reduce technical losses in the power transmission and distribution system, contributing to the financial viability of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) in the long term.

The ECG team, led by Ing. Bernard Danquah from the ECG PMO Office, comprised Engineer Felix Akpaglo, the project manager for the Kasoa BSP project, and Fredrick Attim, the SHE manager at ECG. They are among over 60 ECG staff members who are part of the PMI Ghana Chapter.

During the tour, guided by Frank Attoh-Owoo, Vice President Outreach of the PMI Ghana Chapter, along with other distinguished chapter members including Jalilu Isshaku, Vice President Membership, and Caroline Briandt-Coker, Vice President Events, participants had the opportunity to witness firsthand the project's achievements and learn from its success factors.

Key highlights of the visit:

1. Infrastructure Enhancement: The Kasoa BSP project significantly upgraded the infrastructure for electricity distribution, incorporating high-capacity transformers, modern switchgear, and advanced monitoring systems. These improvements enhanced the reliability and efficiency of electricity supply, resulting in improved service delivery and customer satisfaction.
2. Stakeholder Collaboration: Effective engagement with stakeholders proved crucial to the project's success. Close collaboration between ECG, local communities, government agencies, and regulatory bodies ensured alignment of objectives, timely decision-making, and proactive risk management. This inclusive approach facilitated smoother project execution and acceptance within the community.
3. Technological Integration: The project embraced technological innovations such as automation and control systems, smart grid technologies, and remote monitoring capabilities to optimize operational efficiency, minimize downtime, and facilitate predictive maintenance. These advancements streamlined operations and positioned the project for future scalability and sustainability.
4. Capacity Building: Human capital development was prioritized through training programs, knowledge transfer initiatives, and skill-building workshops. Investing in the professional development of staff and the local workforce not only enhanced job readiness but also fostered a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

The visit underscored the transformative power of effective project management in driving sustainable development. Through meticulous planning, strategic execution, and unwavering commitment to excellence, the Kasoa BSP project exemplified the principles of project management best practices.

Frank Attoh-Owoo also extended a warm invitation to all members, project management enthusiasts, and the general public to attend the prestigious 2024 National Project Management Conference and Project Management Excellence Awards. The event, scheduled from July 24th to 26th, 2024, at Rock City Kwahu, promises to be a gathering of industry leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts, offering invaluable insights and networking opportunities in the field of project management.