Accra, April 21, – The Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Mr Kwame Kpekpena, has disclosed that significant parts of the company’s distribution system are overstretched and operating beyond their designed thermal capacity.
He explained that transformers, cables and substations across the network are increasingly overloaded, resulting in frequent power interruptions, low-voltage supply and system faults.
Mr Kpekpena said the situation is largely driven by rapid urban growth and rising electricity demand, which the existing infrastructure has not kept pace with.
He made the disclosure at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, where he also announced a major intervention plan aimed at stabilising the power distribution network.
According to him, ECG has rolled out a GHS 3.46 billion investment programme to upgrade and reinforce the system.
He noted that immediate interventions valued at GHS 278 million include the deployment of 2,500 distribution transformers, replacement of deteriorated poles under the “Operation Keep the Lights On” initiative, and rehabilitation of damaged substations.
He added that medium-term projects worth about GHS 1.2 billion will focus on constructing new substations, strengthening regional networks, and replacing undersized conductors.
Mr Kpekpena revealed that transformer failures have increased in recent years, with 834 units lost in 2023 and 1,064 in 2024, while only about 300 were replaced in 2025.
He said the shortfall has forced load transfers to neighbouring transformers, further compounding system overloads.
He attributed the challenges to years of underinvestment, ageing infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, and limited adoption of modern technologies in the distribution network.
Despite the difficulties, the ECG MD assured that steps are underway to restore reliability across the system, with strict monitoring and accountability measures to be implemented.
He apologised to customers for the persistent outages and pledged improved communication and faster response times to faults.
GHBUSS
21 April 2026
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