In an innovative recourse to revamp the nation’s power sector, the Akufo-Addo administration in Ghana has launched an extensive renovation initiative, with the replacement of 1963 transformers and pylons, according to Deputy Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ernest Owusu-Bempah. The ambitious project aims to address critical issues within the power supply infrastructure, signaling short-term disruptions but dispelling concerns of a return to the infamous ‘Dumsor’ era.
Owusu-Bempah clarified that the renovation work is a comprehensive overhaul of the power sector value chain, targeting worn-out transformers and aged pylons across the country. Notably, in the Ashanti region, numerous pylons responsible for transmitting power from other regions are undergoing replacement.
Acknowledging the inevitable impact on the power supply, Owusu-Bempah reassured the public that this disruption is short-term and emphasized that there is no imminent power crisis.
“We are doing a total renovation of the power sector value chain. When you look at certain pylons, when you go to the Ashanti Region, a lot of the pylons bringing power from other parts of the country into the Ashanti Region are being changed.
“Most of the transformers in this country have major problems, 1963 transformers, and 1970 transformers are being changed. It is going to affect the power sector but there is nothing like dumsor happening in this country that Mahama wants to be capitalized so that he can get political advantage and use that against us.”
Ernest Owusu-Bempah
His statements were in response to former President John Dramani Mahama’s assertion that the government’s actions were leading the country back to the days of severe power crises.
Addressing Mahama’s concerns, Owusu-Bempah highlighted the success of major interventions implemented by the Akufo-Addo administration since assuming office in 2017. He refuted claims of a looming ‘Dumsor’ crisis, pointing to the significant increase in gas flow at the Atuabo Gas Plant from 98 million cubic feet during the Mahama administration to almost 150 million cubic feet under the current government.
Owusu-Bempah expressed surprise at the criticism from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and their flagbearer, noting that the Akufo-Addo government had effectively addressed the previous ‘Dumsor’ challenges. He questioned Mahama’s credibility, given his oversight of erratic power supply during his tenure.
“Building Ghana Tour” at Sogakope in the Volta Region, said, “Today ‘dumsor’, they’re treating it like a football because he wants to kick it over the 7th January 2025 line and hand the trouble over to somebody else, and yet we resolved it before they came into office.”
Ernest Owusu-Bempah
Specific Achievements Highlighted
The Deputy Director of Communications went on to highlight specific achievements in the gas sector, including the combination of Sankofa, Jubilee, and Tweneboa Enyenra Ntomme (TEN) oil fields, resulting in the Sanzule tie that now provides nearly 350 million cubic feet to Aboadze. Additionally, he emphasized the successful implementation of a reverse flow mechanism, enabling gas supply to the eastern enclave and contributing 250 to 300 megawatts of electricity.
Owusu-Bempah criticized the expensive gas contract signed by Mahama during his presidency, stating that the Akufo-Addo government had taken measures to rectify the situation. He also highlighted the positive impact of redirecting gas to the Kar Power plant, contributing nearly 400 megawatts of electricity to the national grid.
While the ongoing power sector renovation is causing short-term disruptions, the Akufo-Addo administration is confident in the long-term benefits it will bring to Ghana’s power infrastructure. The political back-and-forth between the ruling NPP and the opposition NDC continues, with both sides presenting contrasting narratives regarding the current state and prospects of the country’s power supply.
