The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) has announced a series of scheduled safety and integrity tests on its gas transportation infrastructure across Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria.
In a statement, WAPCo said the maintenance activities will involve Emergency Shutdown (ESD) and High Integrity Pressure Protection System (HIPPS) tests at selected facilities within the four countries connected to the regional gas network.
“As part of its routine maintenance programme, the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited will conduct scheduled Emergency Shutdown (ESD) and High Integrity Pressure Protection System (HIPPS) tests at its facilities in Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria, between 18th and 31st January 2026.”
West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo)
The exercise forms part of the company’s routine maintenance programme and is aimed at safeguarding the long-term reliability and safety of the West African Gas Pipeline.
Mandatory Tests Under Regional Regulations
According to WAPCo, the tests are not discretionary but mandated under the regulatory framework governing the West African Gas Pipeline.
The company explained that the exercise is required by the West African Gas Pipeline Authority regulations and has been planned in close collaboration with stakeholders across the four participating countries.
“These tests are mandated under the West African Gas Pipeline Authority regulations and planned collaboratively with key stakeholders in the four countries.”
West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo)
WAPCo added that the testing regime is aligned with industry best practices designed to protect critical energy infrastructure.
The company stressed that the ESD and HIPPS systems are essential safety mechanisms that help prevent accidents by automatically shutting down gas flow or regulating pressure when abnormal conditions are detected.
WAPCo assured stakeholders that the testing programme has been carefully structured to minimise operational disruptions. Each test, the company noted, will last for a maximum duration of nine hours.
“Each test is scheduled to last for a maximum duration of nine (9) hours and WAPCo has ensured that all relevant stakeholders have been informed in advance and the schedule has been shared with them to ensure minimal disruption in their operations.”
West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo)
Industry observers say advance notice and coordination are critical in a regional gas system where supply interruptions can have cascading effects across power generation and industrial activity.
Temporary Gas Supply Interruption in Tema
In Ghana, the scheduled tests are expected to result in a temporary interruption of gas supply to thermal power plants located in Tema. The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition and the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) confirmed that they have been formally notified by WAPCo of the planned maintenance works.
The Ministry acknowledged that gas flow to the Tema enclave will be affected during the testing period. “As a result, there will be a temporary interruption in gas supply to thermal power plants located in Tema during this period,” the Ministry stated.
Tema hosts several key thermal generation facilities that rely on natural gas supplied through the West African Gas Pipeline, making coordination between gas and power sector institutions critical during such maintenance activities.
Despite the anticipated gas supply interruption, authorities have moved to reassure the public that electricity supply will remain stable throughout the maintenance period.
The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition said alternative fuel arrangements have been put in place to ensure continuity of power generation.
“The public is assured that this maintenance activity is essential to ensure the continued safety, reliability, and integrity of the gas supply infrastructure.
“Adequate alternative fuel arrangements have been put in place to guarantee the continuity of power generation and to maintain a stable electricity supply throughout the duration of the works.”
Ministry of Energy and Green Transition
GRIDCo, which oversees electricity transmission in Ghana, is expected to play a coordinating role in managing system operations during the period to prevent any supply shortfalls.
Stakeholders to Monitor the Exercise Closely
The Ministry further indicated that stakeholders across the energy value chain will remain actively engaged during the testing period.
“Stakeholders across the energy value chain will remain actively engaged and will closely monitor the exercise to ensure its successful completion.”
Ministry of Energy and Green Transition
Both WAPCo and government authorities acknowledged that the maintenance activities could cause some inconvenience, particularly for power producers that depend on gas supply. However, they emphasised that the long-term benefits of a safer and more reliable gas system outweigh the short-term disruptions.
The West African Gas Pipeline plays a strategic role in Ghana’s energy mix by supplying relatively cheaper and cleaner fuel for power generation.
Preventive maintenance, experts say, reduces the risk of unplanned outages, equipment failure and safety incidents that could have far more severe economic and social consequences.
As preparations for the maintenance exercise continue, both WAPCo and the Ministry of Energy have appealed for public understanding and cooperation.
“Any inconvenience that may arise during this period is deeply regretted, and the cooperation and understanding of the public are sincerely appreciated.”
Ministry of Energy and Green Transition
With the scheduled tests set to begin today January 18, authorities say they remain confident that Ghana’s power system will continue to operate smoothly while critical gas infrastructure is secured for the future.
