Recent storm-induced power outages and the disappearance of over 1,300 containers of essential electrical equipment belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have spotlighted critical vulnerabilities in the nation’s power infrastructure and procurement processes.
In response, the Africa Sustainable Energy Centre (ASEC) has issued an urgent call to the Government of Ghana to implement immediate and comprehensive reforms. Dr. Elvis Twumasi, Director of Research and Innovation at ASEC, expressed grave concerns during a press briefing.
“The current state of Ghana’s power infrastructure leaves us highly susceptible to disruptions caused by extreme weather.
“This situation is not only undermining national development but also placing millions of lives and businesses at risk.”
Dr. Elvis Twumasi, Director of Research and Innovation at ASEC
Intense storms have exposed weaknesses in Ghana’s electricity grid, including aging transformers and poorly maintained power lines.
These failures have led to widespread blackouts, disrupting businesses, hospitals, and daily life for countless residents.
The outages underscore the urgent need for infrastructure reinforcement to ensure resilience against extreme weather events.
“Our electricity infrastructure is not equipped to handle increasingly frequent and severe storms.
“Without immediate investment in grid modernization, Ghanaians will continue to suffer from unreliable power supply.”
Dr. Elvis Twumasi, Director of Research and Innovation at ASEC
ASEC urged the government to transition from overhead power lines to underground cabling where feasible. In areas where overhead lines must remain, ASEC recommended reinforcing poles and cross arms to withstand strong winds.
Many of Ghana’s substations and transformers are outdated, making them vulnerable to failures during peak demand. “Replacing these aging components is non-negotiable if we want a stable power supply,” Dr. Twumasi said.
ASEC is advocating for the deployment of real-time monitoring systems that can detect faults instantly and improve response times.
Ghana’s heavy reliance on aging thermal power plants is unsustainable. Expanding solar energy capacity will help diversify the country’s energy mix and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
ECG’s Containers Disappearance Raises Alarms
Adding to Ghana’s power sector woes is the loss of over 1,300 containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) at Tema Port.
The missing shipments reportedly contained vital electrical components, including cables, transformers, and other equipment meant for critical power projects.
Dr. Twumasi condemned the incident, describing it as “a blatant failure of accountability that could delay vital energy upgrades and further strain the power supply.”
“How do 1,300 containers of essential equipment vanish without a trace?
“This raises serious questions about corruption and inefficiencies within Ghana’s procurement and port operations.”
Dr. Elvis Twumasi, Director of Research and Innovation at ASEC
ASEC is demanding an independent forensic audit of ECG’s supply chain and Tema Port’s operations. The organization insisted that those responsible for the missing shipments must be held accountable.
ASEC is calling for the implementation of digital tracking systems, GPS-enabled container monitoring, and tamper-proof seals to prevent unauthorized clearance of ECG shipments.
The think tank has proposed the formation of a multi-agency task force comprising the Ministry of Energy, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, ECG, and law enforcement agencies to oversee the clearance and delivery of essential power infrastructure shipments.
To minimize fraud and mismanagement, ASEC is advocating for increased transparency in ECG’s procurement and port clearance processes. This includes public disclosure of shipping manifests, third-party audits, and the appointment of independent clearing agents.
Experts warn that failure to act on these recommendations could plunge Ghana deeper into an energy crisis, hindering economic growth and worsening living conditions for millions of citizens.
Dr. Twumasi warned, “If we don’t act now, Ghana risks widespread blackouts, stalled industrial growth, and increased electricity tariffs to cover losses from inefficiencies.”
He also called for private sector involvement to help finance and implement much-needed energy infrastructure projects.
“The government must create a conducive environment for private investment in the power sector.
“This is not just a state problem—it’s a national emergency that requires all hands-on deck.”
Dr. Elvis Twumasi, Director of Research and Innovation at ASEC
The recent outages and missing ECG containers have underscored systemic weaknesses that can no longer be ignored. ASEC’s recommendations provide a clear roadmap for reforms, but their success will depend on the government’s willingness to implement them swiftly and effectively.
For millions of Ghanaians, reliable electricity is not a luxury—it is a necessity. The coming months will reveal whether policymakers have the resolve to address these pressing challenges or if the country will continue to grapple with an unstable power supply.
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