The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has announced that residents of Kumasi and parts of the Ashanti Region should brace for intermittent power outages over the next three months as the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) undertakes a major rehabilitation of ageing power transmission infrastructure.

According to the minister, the project involves the replacement of transmission lines and towers that have been in operation for over 30 years.

He explained on Thursday, July 16, that the ageing infrastructure can no longer efficiently transmit the increasing volume of electricity required to meet the growing demand in Kumasi and its surrounding communities.

Mr. Jinapor said the rehabilitation project will significantly increase the transmission capacity from the current 364 megawatts (MW) to approximately 1,000 megawatts (MW), paving the way for a more reliable and stable electricity supply after the work is completed.

The minister made these remarks after inspecting ongoing works at the Anwomaso Bulk Supply Point alongside officials and engineers from GRIDCo.

“This project will ultimately guarantee a more stable power supply for Kumasi. However, for the safety of our engineers and technicians working on the transmission lines, there will be planned power interruptions during the construction period to prevent accidents and ensure the work is carried out safely,” he stated.

Mr. Jinapor appealed to residents and businesses to exercise patience and cooperate with GRIDCo throughout the three-month exercise, stressing that the rehabilitation is long overdue.

He noted that failure to replace the ageing transmission infrastructure could expose Kumasi to more frequent power supply challenges in the future.

“Whenever you experience a power outage during this period, remember that it is part of the ongoing rehabilitation works being carried out by GRIDCo. The temporary inconvenience will result in a stronger and more reliable electricity supply once the project is completed,” the minister added.

Chief Executive of the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), Ing. Frank Otchere, also underscored the importance of the project, describing it as critical to the long-term reliability of electricity supply in the Ashanti Region.

“As the Minister indicated, these transmission towers have been in service for more than three decades and have reached the end of their operational lifespan. Replacing them is essential to improving the reliability and efficiency of power transmission. Work has already commenced, and we are counting on the understanding and cooperation of the public,” he said.

Ing. Otchere assured residents that GRIDCo will provide regular updates throughout the project, including schedules of planned power interruptions, to enable consumers to make the necessary arrangements.