Govt procures over 2,000 transformers to improve power distribution

The government has procured more than 2,000 transformers as part of efforts to improve electricity distribution, enhance power reliability and meet rising demand across the country, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, has announced.

He said the procurement forms part of wider interventions across the generation, transmission and distribution segments of the energy sector to strengthen the country’s power system.

Speaking at the 2026 Energy Sector Performance Review Retreat, Dr Jinapor disclosed that electricity access in Ghana had reached 89.13 per cent, while installed generation capacity stood at 5,854 megawatts (MW).

He added that the country’s renewable energy capacity had risen to 345MW, reflecting ongoing efforts to diversify the energy mix.

The Minister acknowledged that the power sector had faced significant challenges in 2026, particularly following the fire at the Akosombo Switchyard in April, which resulted in the loss of more than 1,000MW of generation capacity and put pressure on the national electricity system.

He commended the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) for their response to the incident.

“I commend VRA and GRIDCo for the technical expertise, resilience and coordination they demonstrated during that difficult period, and for their efforts to minimise the impact on the national system,” he said.

Dr Jinapor said the government was also pursuing several transmission projects to improve the capacity and reliability of the national grid.

He cited the commencement of the process towards constructing the Ho–Asiekpe transmission line as one of the interventions aimed at strengthening the transmission network.

“We were recently here to boost the transmission system and commence the process towards the construction of the Ho–Asiekpe transmission line. These investments are critical because generation alone is not enough,” he stated.

“We must have the transmission and distribution infrastructure to deliver reliable power to homes, businesses and industry,” he added.

On electricity generation, Dr Jinapor revealed that eight of the ten units at the Anwomaso Thermal Plant had been commissioned, with six currently in operation. The project is expected to generate 250MW by the end of 2026.

He also announced that Cabinet and Parliament had approved the renegotiation of agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), a move intended to improve the financial sustainability of the power sector.

Providing an update on the proposed Accra–Kumasi 330kV transmission line, the Minister said the consultant tender had been evaluated, while the scoping report and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) had been completed.

Despite these developments, he acknowledged that challenges remained in transmission infrastructure, distribution efficiency, project financing and the implementation of key energy programmes.

Looking ahead to 2027, Dr Jinapor said the government would prioritise translating its plans into measurable results, expanding electricity access and ensuring that new generation capacity keeps pace with demand.

He also called for faster implementation of renewable energy initiatives, including solar projects, the completion of 35 mini-grids, expansion of solar home systems and net-metering, clean cooking programmes and progress on the Ghana Nuclear Power Programme.

“Let us therefore use the lessons of 2026 to strengthen our institutions, deepen our resilience, improve our performance and deliver tangible results for the Ghanaian people,” he said.

Dr Jinapor said the government’s broader goal was to build an energy sector capable of providing reliable, affordable, sustainable and resilient power to support Ghana’s economic transformation.

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