Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has disclosed that approximately 1,000 electricity transformers across the country are currently experiencing overload, prompting efforts to upgrade and expand power infrastructure.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on March 16, the minister said the situation was part of challenges inherited by the current administration, noting that steps are already underway to address them.
He indicated that a second phase of a nationwide transformer replacement and upgrade programme will begin before the end of the month, following a competitive procurement process being undertaken by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
According to Mr. Jinapor, some communities, including those in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem constituency, are experiencing strain on existing transformers, with several operating beyond their capacity. However, he clarified that there is currently no damaged transformer awaiting replacement in Nsuem.
He explained that the government’s focus is not only on replacing faulty equipment but also on installing higher-capacity transformers to improve reliability and meet growing electricity demand.
The minister further revealed that the only faulty transformer within the affected district is located at Nkwanta, adding that customers have been temporarily transferred to nearby functioning transformers to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
Mr. Jinapor also disclosed that 33 kilovolt (33kV) transformers are being procured to help ease the overload situation nationwide, with priority to be given to areas facing the most severe challenges once they are delivered.
He noted that ECG’s decision to adopt an open and competitive procurement process is aimed at ensuring transparency and establishing benchmark pricing for future acquisitions.