Ghanaians should expect a nationwide power outage on Sunday, July 13, as gas suppliers carry out maintenance works to improve the country’s energy supply.
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, announced a ground-breaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the 161 kilovolt Anwomaso to Kumasi transmission line.
He explained that the shutdown is necessary to allow ENI, one of Ghana’s main gas producers, to temporarily close gas valves for rehabilitation works that will help increase gas output in the long term.
Mr Jinapor admitted the planned shutdown may cause some inconvenience but assured the public that it will ultimately strengthen the national grid.
“Because the plant will be turned off for a short period within the day for maintenance works, we are likely to experience some interruption of power. It is for a good purpose,” he said.
He added that the ministry has consulted experts and decided not to run thermal plants on liquid fuel during the brief shutdown, as this would not be technically or financially practical.
The Energy Minister also revealed that ENI has made a new oil discovery and that Tullow Oil is looking to expand its investment in Ghana’s petroleum sector.
Meanwhile, the new Anwomaso to Kumasi transmission line, funded by the European Union and the Government of France, is expected to help solve low voltage problems and boost power efficiency in Kumasi and nearby mining communities such as Dunkwa.
Mr Jinapor gave his word that all necessary steps are being taken to limit the impact of the power cut on homes and businesses, urging the public to bear with the temporary disruption for the long-term good of the nation’s energy security.
