The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have assured residents of Kumasi that the ongoing transmission and electricity network upgrade project in the city is on course for completion by the end of November 2026. The project, which is being funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), aims to address the persistent power supply challenges in Kumasi. The Chief Executive of GRIDCo, Mr Frank Asirifi Otchere, acknowledged earlier delays, including a rescheduling from July to accommodate the World Cup.
Kumasi's electricity supply network has relied heavily on the ageing K1–K2 transmission line, comprising two conductors stretching from Anwomaso to Ahodwo, for decades. However, the line has struggled to cope with growing demand, particularly during evening peak periods when the use of air conditioners and other electrical appliances increases. As of October 29, GRIDCo announced that the project was 70 per cent complete. The final phase, scheduled for October 30 to November 29, involves stringing new conductors between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.
To ensure the safety of workers, the existing live wires have to be de-energised, resulting in temporary daytime power interruptions. The authorities said the interruptions were necessary to address the persistent power supply challenges in Kumasi. The new 161kV double-circuit transmission line is expected to carry the city's full electricity load more reliably and improve the stability of supply by December. This will help alleviate the power woes that have plagued the city.
The Deputy Managing Director of ECG, Mr David Asamoah, noted that electricity demand in Greater Kumasi had increased to 572.1 MVA, exceeding the installed capacity of 547 MVA and placing the network under considerable pressure. He said the situation had resulted in an overloaded system operating at 105 per cent of its installed capacity. This has led to persistent low-voltage problems and frequent feeder trips.
To address these challenges, ECG has embarked on a series of network improvement projects involving investments of $46.7 million, £10.1 million and GH₵28 million across critical transmission and distribution corridors. One such project is the Offinso–Barekese corridor project, which has seen the capacity of the transformer at Offinso doubled from 10 MVA to 20 MVA. The displaced unit has been relocated to Barekese.
The upgrade project is expected to improve the reliability and stability of the power supply in Kumasi. The authorities have assured residents that the project will be completed by the end of November 2026, barring any unforeseen occurrences. The project is being carried out with the support of the AFD, which has provided funding for the upgrade.
Once completed, the new transmission line will help alleviate the power supply challenges in Kumasi, improving the overall quality of life for residents. The project is a significant investment in the city's infrastructure, and its completion is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy.
Key points
- The project is 70 per cent complete and is expected to be finished by the end of November 2026.
- The new 161kV double-circuit transmission line will carry the city's full electricity load more reliably and improve the stability of supply.
- ECG has invested $46.7 million, £10.1 million and GH₵28 million in network improvement projects across critical transmission and distribution corridors.
