Omanghana
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has launched a series of transmission and electrification projects aimed at resolving persistent low-voltage problems and expanding access to reliable electricity across the Volta Region.
The projects include a new high-voltage transmission line, a bulk supply point in Ho and a six-month rural electrification program expected to connect 206 underserved communities to the national grid.
New Transmission Line to Strengthen Power Supply
A 45-kilometre, 161-kilovolt transmission line will be constructed from Asiekpe to Ho, providing a dedicated supply route to the regional capital.
The line, together with a new 161/34.5kV Bulk Supply Point in Ho, is expected to reduce pressure on the existing network, improve voltage levels and create additional capacity along the Asiekpe–Ho–Kadjebi corridor.
The transmission project has a 12-month completion target. Tilt Energy Limited has been identified as the contractor for the transmission upgrade.
Dr. Jinapor also announced plans to strengthen transmission infrastructure along the Eastern Corridor from Kpando to Salaga. The longer-term intervention could involve expanding the existing 161kV network or constructing a new 330kV line supported by additional bulk supply points.
Electricity for 206 Volta Communities
The government has also launched a GH¢598 million turnkey electrification project under the Rural Electricity Acceleration and Urban Intensification Initiative and the Big Push program.
The project will connect 206 communities across all 18 municipal and district assemblies in the Volta Region. Byes and Ways Limited is expected to complete the work within six months.
Dr. Jinapor said the ministry would closely monitor implementation to ensure quality, value for money and adherence to the deadline. The program forms part of the government’s broader goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2030.
Nationwide Transformer Deployment
Beyond the Volta Region, the ministry is deploying more than 2,000 distribution transformers within the operational areas of the Electricity Company of Ghana and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company.
The intervention follows an assessment that reportedly identified about 600 transformers as damaged, obsolete or no longer suitable for service. The additional equipment is expected to improve distribution capacity and reduce local power-supply problems.
Plans are also underway to install solar-powered streetlights across Ho to improve visibility and security at night.
Independent Investigation into Billing Complaints
Addressing complaints about rapidly depleting prepaid credit and possible overbilling, Dr. Jinapor said the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission and the Energy Commission would conduct an independent investigation.
He maintained that ECG should not be solely responsible for investigating allegations made against its own systems. Customers found to have been wrongly billed or affected by defective meters would receive appropriate credits or compensation, while faulty meters would be replaced.
The government says the combined transmission, distribution and electrification projects will provide more reliable power for homes, schools, health facilities, businesses and agricultural enterprises while supporting the development of the proposed Volta Economic Corridor.
Source: Omanghana
