Ghana Government Secures 500 New Power Transformers

The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has procured 500 transformers for immediate deployment.

These units will primarily serve the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) operational areas. This move aims to stabilize power supply in Tamale and nearby communities. Older infrastructure could not meet rising demand, leading to frequent power cuts.

This initiative represents a significant investment in Ghana's energy infrastructure. It aligns with the government's broader strategy to enhance electricity reliability nationwide. Ghana's power grid has faced increasing strain from population growth and economic development. Previous efforts to address 'dumsor', a term for intermittent power outages, have highlighted the urgent need for modernization.

John Dramani Mahama, inspecting the equipment in Tamale, stated these outages are temporary disruptions. He added they stem from essential upgrades to an overburdened network. The former President expressed confidence that the transformers will significantly improve power reliability. This improvement will be felt across Tamale and other northern parts of the country in the coming months.

John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister of Energy and Green Transition, confirmed the procurement. This forms part of a national plan to install between 2,500 and 3,000 new transformers. The plan seeks to modernize Ghana’s electricity distribution network. It will also replace obsolete units across the country. Additionally, 30 upgraded transformers are currently being installed in Tamale. Areas like Kukuo, Hilltop, and Target will benefit from reduced low voltage and fewer outages. This directly impacts both domestic and commercial activities in the northern region.

Accra is also set to receive 11 transformers at primary substations. The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is upgrading over 2,000 units in Accra and Kumasi. These upgrades started in May and address long-standing distribution bottlenecks. A separate GHS 240 million project is underway for transformer upgrades across several substations. These include Adenta, La, Teshie-Nungua, Nmai-Dzor, Baatsonaa, and Lashibi. The upgrades will increase capacity from 50 MVA to 60 MVA and from 20/26 MVA to 30/39 MVA. Some phases of this project had already been completed ahead of schedule by May 2026.

The government is also pursuing upgrades to existing infrastructure. It is increasing reliance on domestic gas and renewable energy sources. This strategy aims to reduce the overall cost of power generation. Authorities have urged consumers to avoid illegal connections. They have also asked consumers to stop interference with the network. Such actions exacerbate supply challenges, hindering progress towards stable electricity.

The successful deployment and integration of these transformers will be crucial. It will address immediate power instability. It will also pave the way for a more resilient national grid. Investors and businesses will closely monitor the impact on energy supply. Stable power is essential for economic growth. The government’s commitment to energy security remains a key focus for national development.