The General Manager of Corporate Affairs at the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCO), Dr. Isaac Adjei Doku, has assured Ghanaians that gas supply to the power plant will resume shortly.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsnight on Thursday, December 12, Dr Doku explained that the delay was due to routine pipeline maintenance, which included an extensive cleaning exercise mandated by regulatory requirements.

Read also: WAPCo gas pipeline maintenance triggers power supply disruptions

“This cleaning process is carried out every five years to ensure the integrity of the pipeline. It involves clearing debris, liquid, and other build-ups that may accumulate over time,” he explained.

Dr. Doku emphasized that while the process is critical for safety and efficiency, unexpected volumes of liquid and debris had temporarily delayed operations.

The West African Gas Pipeline, which runs from Nigeria through Benin and Togo before reaching Ghana, consists of onshore and offshore segments.

According to Dr Doku, the onshore cleaning phase has been completed, and gas is now being pumped into the pipeline to build the required pressure for distribution to power plants.

“Currently, the system is stabilizing, and gas is being pumped into the pipeline. It takes time for the pressure to build up to a level suitable for delivery to power plants.

"Based on the latest update, it is very likely that gas will start flowing by 7 p.m. tonight,” he assured.

Dr. Doku also reiterated that safety is a top priority for WAPCO, and any temporary shutdowns during the maintenance process were necessary to avoid risks.

While acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the delays, Dr Doku highlighted the importance of the cleaning exercise, which not only maintains pipeline integrity but also ensures reliable gas delivery over the long term.