GRIDCo CEO asked to step aside, ECG Ashanti leadership reshuffled

The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has asked the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), Mark Awuah Baah, to step aside pending investigations into the fire incident at the Akosombo power control center.

The development was announced by the Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, on X on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

Energy Minister inspects Akosombo Substation fire, orders urgent power restoration

According to him, a major shake-up has also been undertaken by the Energy Minister at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in the Ashanti Region in the wake of recent intermittent power outages across the region.

“Minister for Energy and Green Transition has asked the CEO of GRIDCo to step aside pending investigations into the fire incident at Akosombo power control center.

"Also, there has been a major shake-up in the leadership of the ECG in the Ashanti Region,” Kwakye Ofosu said.

He added that John Jinapor will provide further updates on the developments and other issues affecting the sector on Monday, April 27, 2026.

"At 2pm tomorrow, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon John Jinapor, will hold a major briefing on recent developments in electricity distribution," he disclosed.

Background

A fire outbreak at a substation near the Akosombo Dam led to a shutdown, removing about 1,000 megawatts of power from Ghana’s national electricity supply.

Head of Communications at the Ministry, Richmond Rockson, explained that the incident has significantly affected power generation and could impact electricity supply across the country.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Friday, April 24, Rockson said Ghana’s peak power demand is about 4,400 megawatts, with the Akosombo facility contributing close to 1,000 megawatts.

“Our peak demand is about 4,400 megawatts. Akosombo gives us approximately 1,000 megawatts, and as we speak, we have lost close to that,” he said.

He noted that the impact has been severe because the country does not have enough reserve power to manage such a sudden disruption. According to him, an efficient power system should have about 20 percent of its generation capacity kept as a reserve for emergencies.

“Unfortunately, we do not have enough reserve margin,” he stated, adding that challenges in expanding power generation in recent years have contributed to the situation.

Despite the setback, Rockson assured the public that steps are being taken to stabilise supply and prevent future disruptions.

Akosombo substation fire cuts about 1,000MW from national supply - Energy Ministry

He said the government plans to add about 1,200 megawatts of new power to the national grid, along with 200 megawatts of solar energy supported by battery storage.

He added that additional projects are underway to secure between 200 and 400 megawatts as reserve capacity to improve the system’s resilience. Rockson admitted that the loss of power from Akosombo is a major challenge but expressed confidence that engineers are working to restore normal supply soon.

Minister for Energy and Green Transition has asked the CEO of GRIDCo to step aside pending investigations into fire incident at Akosombo power control center.

Also, there has been a major shake-up in the leadership of the ECG in the Ashanti Region.

At 2pm tomorrow, Minister…

— Felix Kwakye Ofosu (@FelixKwakyeOfo1) April 26, 2026