National Security Investigates Akosombo Substation Fire as Power Restoration Advances
Energy Minister says findings will determine culpability as damaged units gradually return to service
The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Jinapor, has confirmed that national security agencies have launched investigations into the fire incident at the Akosombo substation to establish the cause and determine those responsible.
According to him, the outcome of the investigations will guide the next steps in addressing the incident. “The National Security is also conducting investigations into the matter to establish culpability,” he stated. He added that questions regarding whether the substation was insured would also be clarified through the ongoing probes.
Dr. Jinapor also provided an update on restoration efforts, announcing that two power generation units at Akosombo have been successfully brought back online, contributing about 280MW to the national grid.
He further indicated that a third unit is expected to be operational shortly, adding another 140MW. In all, he expressed optimism that all six affected units would be fully restored by the end of the week.
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Monday, April 17, he said: “I am determined to work with the team to overcome these challenges.”
He acknowledged the impact of the incident on national power supply, noting that although other generation plants remain operational, the loss from Akosombo created a significant shortfall. “I deeply empathize with you. We never saw it coming, we never anticipated it, but we will rise above this,” he added.
He further explained that restoration work is progressing steadily, with the first unit already installed and generating power, the second unit also back in operation, and the third currently under installation.
Meanwhile, over the weekend, the Minister directed the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), Mark Awuah Baah, to step aside pending investigations. The directive was communicated by Minister for Information, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, via his X account on Sunday, April 26.
The fire incident, which occurred on April 23, 2026, resulted in a loss of between 720MW and nearly 1,000MW from the national grid, leading to a temporary suspension of electricity exports and prompting a nationwide audit of Ghana’s energy infrastructure.
Additionally, leadership changes have been reported within the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in the Ashanti Region, following widespread power outages affecting homes, businesses, and industrial areas in the aftermath of the Akosombo incident.
