The Minister for Energy Minister and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, yesterday assured the Asantehene and residents of the Ashanti Region that efforts are underway to stabilise the power supply and address persistent challenges in the electricity supply.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Asantehene, H.M. Otumfour Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace, as part of his working visit to the Ashanti Region, John Abdulai Jinapor, highlighted ongoing interventions, including the installation of a new transformer, to improve power supply.

He informed Otumfour that the newly installed transformer, which replaces an older 66MVA unit, has more than double the capacity of the previous system.

This upgrade, he noted, will significantly enhance power distribution in Kumasi and beyond.

“The electricity demand has been increasing, and the existing infrastructure was unable to keep up. With the completion of this transformer new 145MVA, we expect a remarkable improvement in power delivery,” Jinapor said.

Me. Jinapor further addressed the power rationing (load shedding) issues that have affected businesses and households, revealing that at its peak in December, Ghana experienced up to 750 megawatts of load shedding. 

He, however, assured that the power supply situation has since stabilised, with Ghana, exporting excess electricity to neighboring countries.

According to the Minister, despite these improvements, more work needs to be done to achieve a fully stable energy supply.

He stressed the need for a comprehensive approach, including power generation, transmission, and distribution, to ensure long-term stability.

“We are working around the clock to resolve these challenges and guarantee a reliable power supply. Beyond generating enough power, we need to effectively transmit and distribute it to consumers,” he said.

Me. Jinapor commended the technical team for completing the new transformer installation, acknowledging that the transition between transformers caused some temporary disruptions. 

He assured Otumfour that the situation has been resolved, and the region will receive improved service moving forward.

Additionally, he urged power providers in the Ashanti Region to improve communication with consumers, particularly during scheduled maintenance or emergency power switches, to minimize panic and inconvenience.

Mr. Jinapor hinted at ambitious plans to make Kumasi a major power generation hub, with multiple plants expected to be operational in the coming years.  He indicated that these projects could contribute up to 500 megawatts of electricity from the region, further strengthening Ghana’s energy security.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the country’s energy challenges and ensuring uninterrupted power supply for both residential and industrial users.

On his part, H.M. the Asantehene expressed gratitude to the Minister and his team of engineers for the swift response to addressing the power challenges in the Ashanti Region. 

Otumfour Osei Tutu II assured the Minister of his support while he worked to improve the power situation in Kumasi and the Ashanti Region in general.

The Minister, as part of the visit inspected the newly commissioned GRIDCo’s 145MVA Transformer at Anwomaso, the Ameri Plant, the construction of the AKSA plant, the construction of the Cenit Plant, the ECG double circuit tower line from Anwomaso BSP to the Airport Junction.

The Minister was accompanied by officials from the Ministry, VRA, GRIDCo, and ECG.