Mahama: Akosombo Fire Presents Opportunity to Modernise Power Infrastructure
President praises GRIDCo and VRA as restoration efforts progress, assures continued government support
President John Dramani Mahama has described the recent fire outbreak at the Akosombo Dam as an opportunity for Ghana to upgrade its critical power infrastructure.
Speaking to staff of the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) and the Volta River Authority (VRA) on Thursday, April 30, after touring the facility to assess the damage caused by the fire at a substation, the President said the incident creates room for the development of a more advanced control system to support long-term operations.
“So, they say an adversity is an opportunity. Because now that this adversity has happened, it gives us an opportunity to replace it with a more modern control room that will serve this Akosombo plant and let it work for more generations yet unborn,” he said.
Mr Mahama also commended GRIDCo and VRA for their efforts in restoring power generation following the incident, noting that significant progress has already been made.
He urged the teams to maintain momentum and complete work on the remaining turbines.
“And so, I told the minister I was coming here to see for myself the work you have done. He’s briefed me. You have four of the turbines back on. And he says that you’re working another miracle and that I’ll get good news soon with the remaining two turbines also coming back on.
“So, I want to thank you very much for what you’ve done, and we encourage you to continue to work,” he stated.
The President further assured both institutions of government’s support as they work to fully restore power supply across the country.
He emphasised the vital role GRIDCo and VRA play in Ghana’s energy sector, urging continued collaboration to ensure stable and reliable electricity for the nation.
