Kumasi set for more power cuts after World Cup as Electricity Company of Ghana and Ghana Grid Company roll out major transmission upgrades.

Residents across the Ashanti Region should brace for intermittent power outages in the coming months as the Electricity Company of Ghana and the Ghana Grid Company gear up to roll out major transmission reinforcement works starting in June. The planned exercise forms part of wider efforts to stabilise electricity supply amid increasing demand that has stretched existing infrastructure.

Speaking at the government’s energy sector accountability series, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, explained that the project will focus on upgrading critical infrastructure and installing higher-capacity transformers. In Kumasi, particularly the Ridge area, an existing transformer at a primary distribution station will be replaced with a more powerful unit to improve voltage and overall system performance.

He noted that the work is scheduled to begin after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding that although the process will lead to some temporary outages, they will be minimal and necessary. According to him, postponing such upgrades has contributed to the current power challenges, making the intervention unavoidable despite the short-term inconvenience.

The Minister further revealed that a key component for the project is being airlifted into the country by CENIT Energy Limited and will arrive in Accra before being transported to Kumasi. Additionally, Arvensis Energy Private Limited is expected to upgrade the transmission line from Ridge BSP through Kaase Substation to the ECG Boadi Substation.

This Kumasi Line Upgrade Project will involve enhancing a 33kV transmission line by increasing conductor capacity from 265mm² to 400mm² along the Boadi–Kaase–Ridge stretch, enabling it to carry more power and improve reliability. Mr. Jinapor acknowledged that Kumasi’s power network has long-standing weaknesses, noting that delays in previous works required further review and a renewed implementation plan.

On concerns about recent leadership changes within ECG’s Ashanti Regional office, he dismissed suggestions of political motives, stating that the reshuffle was strictly aimed at boosting efficiency and improving service delivery.