ECG targets December deadline for power upgrades in Bekwai, Offinso and Barekese

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is targeting the completion of critical power infrastructure upgrade projects in three communities in the Ashanti Region by December this year, in a move aimed at improving the reliability of electricity supply.

The beneficiary communities, Bekwai, Barekese and Offinso, have in recent months experienced persistent power outages, disrupting economic activities and affecting residents and businesses.

In Bekwai and its surrounding communities, the erratic power supply has sparked growing frustration, with some residents announcing plans to stage a protest to express their displeasure over the frequent and unannounced outages.

ECG has attributed the challenge largely to low voltage, assuring residents that efforts are underway to address the situation.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Ashanti Regional Minister, the Deputy Managing Director in charge of Technical Services at ECG, Ing. David Asamoah, disclosed that the company is working to complete a double-circuit distribution line to Bekwai by December to improve electricity supply.

“We want to use the Kaase line, which will pass through Sewua before reaching Kuntenase. Once we complete the double circuit, the area should be okay. The project is valued at GH¢2.4 million, and we expect to finish by December,” he said.

Ing. Asamoah added that ECG management intends to engage residents of the affected communities to explain the challenges confronting the power distribution network and outline measures being implemented to resolve the low-voltage problem.

At Offinso, he revealed that ECG has upgraded the existing transformer from 10MVA to 20MVA to enhance power supply capacity, efficiency and reliability.

The 10MVA transformer, which was decommissioned at Offinso following the upgrade, has subsequently been installed at Barekese to improve electricity supply in the area.

The installation forms part of broader infrastructure improvements aimed at providing a dedicated and more reliable power supply to Ghana Water Limited and other commercial establishments in Barekese.

Ghana Water Limited's Barekese facility has in recent weeks warned of possible operational shutdowns due to persistent power outages, which have affected water production and distribution.

Ing. Asamoah said construction works are ongoing to extend a new distribution line to the water production facility and surrounding areas.

“We are stringing a new line. Barekese used to have two dedicated lines. However, due to rapid development in the area, some factories were connected to the express line. Whenever any of those customers experiences a fault, the main line trips. We are constructing a new line to move those customers onto it while maintaining our express line. It is a dual line, so that if one goes off, the other will continue supplying power,” he explained.

The Barekese project is estimated to cost GH¢28 million, with completion also expected by December.

Ing. Asamoah further disclosed that ECG is working to connect transmission lines from Airport to Anwomaso to ensure a more stable power supply to the new airport.

ECG says it remains committed to strengthening electricity distribution infrastructure and improving power reliability across the Ashanti Region.