Ghana’s Energy Minister, John Jinapor, has assured residents of the Ashanti Region that efforts are underway to stabilize the power supply and address persistent challenges in electricity delivery.
Speaking during a working visit to the region, Jinapor highlighted ongoing interventions, including the installation of a new transformer, to improve power reliability.
Jinapor acknowledged the erratic power supply that has plagued the region in recent months, emphasizing that the aging infrastructure has contributed to frequent power fluctuations.
He noted that the newly installed transformer, which replaces an older 66 MVA unit, has more than double the capacity of the previous system. This upgrade, he stated, will significantly enhance power distribution in Kumasi and beyond.
“The demand for electricity has been increasing, and the existing infrastructure was unable to keep up. With the completion of this transformer, we expect a remarkable improvement in power delivery,” Jinapor said.
He also 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.
However, he reassured the public that the power supply situation has since stabilized, with Ghana even exporting excess electricity to neighboring countries.
Despite these improvements, the minister admitted that more work is required 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.
Jinapor commended the technical team for completing the new transformer installation, acknowledging that the transition between transformers caused some temporary disruptions. He assured residents that the situation has been resolved, and they can expect 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.
Looking ahead, 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 Energy Minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to addressing the country’s energy challenges and ensuring uninterrupted power supply for both residential and industrial users.
Source: www.starrfm.com.gh /Isaac Justice Bediako
