In a decisive move to bolster the resilience of Ghana’s energy sector, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister of Energy and Green Transition, has mandated an immediate audit of all strategic energy installations. This comprehensive review aims to assess the robustness of both power and downstream oil and gas infrastructures following a significant incident last week.
The directive comes in the wake of a major fire at the Akosombo Substation, a critical node in the country’s power distribution network. The blaze led to a substantial power loss, affecting approximately 1,000 megawatts and disrupting electricity supply across various regions.
Addressing the media at the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) Power Station, Dr. Jinapor characterized the damage as extensive, underscoring the urgency of restoring power. He assured the public that efforts were underway to resolve the situation while awaiting a detailed report on the incident’s cause.
Accompanied by officials from the Energy Ministry and other key stakeholders, including GRIDCo’s Board Chairman Kukuua Maurice-Ankrah and VRA Chief Executive Edward Obeng Kenzo, the Minister emphasized the importance of the audit. A seven-member committee, including experts from the Ghana National Fire Service and the Volta River Authority, has been formed to investigate the incident, with a report expected within three weeks.
The Minister highlighted the incident as a significant challenge for Ghana’s energy sector but noted that restoration efforts were in full swing. He expressed concerns about the building’s safety features and the emergency response systems in place at the time of the fire.
Dr. Jinapor reiterated that the primary focus remains on swiftly restoring power to minimize disruptions, as engineers work tirelessly to address the deficit. He emphasized the need for immediate action to ensure that similar incidents do not recur, given their potential impact on the nation’s electricity supply.
