Some parts of the Greater Accra Region are expected to experience temporary power interruptions this weekend as the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) undertakes restoration and maintenance works on the damaged Tema–Achimota 161kV transmission line.
Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, said the planned shutdown would last a few hours and was required to allow the repair works to be carried out safely.
The transmission line sustained damage near Ashaiman Middle East after a fuel tanker undergoing welding works beneath the line exploded.
The force of the explosion reportedly sent part of the tanker more than 300 metres into a transmission tower, compromising its structural integrity and necessitating urgent restoration works.
Dr Jinapor appealed to residents in affected areas to bear with the authorities during the temporary interruptions, explaining that the shutdown was necessary to protect both workers and the transmission network.
“These interruptions will be necessary to facilitate the works and ensure the safety and reliability of the transmission system,” he said.
The Energy Minister also urged the public to stay away from protected transmission corridors and desist from activities that could threaten high-voltage infrastructure.
He warned that encroachment and unauthorised activities along transmission corridors could result in loss of life, property damage and disruptions to the country’s power supply.
“We must protect these critical transmission corridors to safeguard lives, property and the reliability of Ghana’s power supply,” he added.
The planned works form part of efforts to restore the affected transmission infrastructure and strengthen the reliability and safety of power transmission within the Greater Accra Region.
