GRIDCo to construct 5th feeder in Kumasi for improved power reliability

The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) is set to begin construction of a fifth feeder in Kumasi by the end of the year to enhance electricity supply and reliability. This significant project aims to alleviate pressure on the current network and meet the increasing power demands of over 1.5 million households and businesses in the Ashanti Region. A team from GRIDCo and the Electricity Company of Ghana, along with the Ashanti regional minister, recently inspected ongoing power upgrade projects in the region.

At the Ridge substation, work on installing a new, higher-capacity transformer is underway. The new transformer, with a capacity of 145 megavolt-amperes (mVA), will complement the construction of a new feeder, which will add approximately 80 megawatts (MW) of power supply to Kumasi. GRIDCo's CEO, Ing Frank Asirifi Otchere, stated that the company expects the construction to be completed by December.

Additionally, the upgrade of a 161kV transmission line from Anwomaso to Ahodwo is progressing steadily. The project involves the installation of sixty towers between the two substations. The new line will have a capacity of approximately 1000 mVA, up from the old line's 360 mVA capacity, allowing for greater power flow.

These improvements are part of a joint project between GRIDCo and the Electricity Company of Ghana. While the upgrades may cause a month-long intermittent and localized power outage, company officials assure consumers that the necessary measures will be taken to minimize disruption and align schedules with the region's power shortage.

Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene emphasized a collaborative effort between various stakeholders to ensure timely and effective communication of planned outages to affected communities.