Jinapor Assures Swift Power Restoration After Akosombo Substation Fire
Engineers adopt 24-hour shifts to restore disrupted electricity supply
The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has assured that engineers are working around the clock to restore power following a fire outbreak at the Ghana Grid Company substation at Akosombo.
The fire, triggered by an explosion on Thursday, April 23, caused significant damage to the facility and disrupted power transmission.
After inspecting the site, Mr Jinapor described the damage as serious but confirmed that restoration efforts are underway alongside investigations into the cause of the incident.
Engineers from GRIDCo and the Volta River Authority are collaborating to isolate the affected control station and reroute electricity through alternative arrangements.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, April 24, the Minister revealed that about 1,000 megawatts of power had been affected by the disruption.
“The immediate focus is restoration of power. Engineers have been working around the clock,” he said, noting that leadership from both GRIDCo and VRA have been actively involved on-site.
He added that engineers are working to restore at least one unit quickly, with plans to continue operations on a 24-hour shift basis until full recovery is achieved.
“Work will continue in shifts, 24/7, so that by the close of day one, the unit can be restored. Once successful, it will pave the way for the restoration of the remaining units,” he stated.
Mr Jinapor emphasised that while restoring power remains the top priority, investigations into the cause of the fire will also be pursued thoroughly.
He further indicated that ongoing transformer replacement and upgrade efforts in the power sector are progressing, as part of broader measures to strengthen electricity distribution in the country.
