The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in the Ashanti West region is grappling with a series of power outages that have left some communities in and around Kumasi in darkness for extended periods, sparking concerns about the return of the dreaded “dumsor,” a term used to describe persistent, scheduled power cuts that plagued Ghana in the past. However, the ECG vehemently denies that these outages constitute a return to “dumsor,” attributing them instead to ongoing maintenance and upgrade works on aging power infrastructure.
Benjamin Obeng Antwi, the Public Relations Officer for ECG-Ashanti West, clarified that the recent power disruptions are not indicative of a systemic power deficit but are a consequence of necessary repairs and upgrades. He explained that a major underground cable fault necessitated extensive digging and testing, requiring power to be shut off in affected areas. This painstaking process, while disruptive, is essential for identifying and rectifying the fault, ensuring the long-term stability of the power supply. Furthermore, the ECG is undertaking a significant overhaul of its bulk supply points, the critical junctions where power is transferred from the national grid to the regional distribution network. These structures, according to Mr. Antwi, are outdated and require modernization to meet the growing energy demands of the region.
The ongoing upgrades involve not only replacing old cables but also increasing the capacity of the power lines. The ECG is transitioning from smaller 240 and 400-sized wires to larger 630-sized wires, significantly enhancing the system’s capacity and reliability. This proactive measure aims to mitigate future outages and provide a more stable power supply to consumers. Mr. Antwi acknowledged that while the original infrastructure design was adequate for its time, the increasing power demands necessitate continuous adaptation and improvement. He even hinted that the current 630-sized wires might eventually need to be upgraded further to cater to future growth.
The ECG acknowledges the inconvenience caused by these outages and extends its apologies to the affected customers in the Ashanti Region. Mr. Antwi emphasized that the disruptions are not intentional and are part of the company’s commitment to improving the power supply’s reliability and stability. The ECG understands the frustration caused by the unstable power supply since the beginning of the year and reassures the public that these measures are crucial for preventing a recurrence of the debilitating “dumsor” era. The company stresses its dedication to providing reliable electricity and reaffirms that these maintenance efforts are essential for achieving that goal.
In addition to addressing the technical issues, the ECG is also contending with power theft, which further exacerbates the challenges. Mr. Antwi revealed that the company has replaced numerous fuses in the Adum area due to repeated theft. These stolen fuses disrupt the power supply and pose a safety risk to the community. To combat this issue, the ECG urges the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity around their power infrastructure. Citizens are advised to identify legitimate ECG workers by their official uniforms, which include overall coats and reflectors. Crucially, ECG personnel always work in teams, never alone. Any individual seen tampering with ECG equipment, especially if working alone, should be reported to the police immediately.
The ECG’s proactive approach to infrastructure upgrades and its efforts to combat power theft underscore its commitment to providing reliable and stable electricity to the Ashanti Region. While the current outages are undoubtedly disruptive, the ECG maintains that they are necessary for long-term improvements. By investing in modernizing its infrastructure and actively engaging the public in combating theft, the ECG aims to ensure a more reliable and sustainable power supply for the region, preventing a return to the dark days of “dumsor.” The company’s ongoing communication with the public, coupled with its commitment to transparency, is crucial for maintaining public trust and understanding during this period of necessary upgrades and maintenance.
