ECG injects GH¢3.46 billion into distribution network revamp

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced a GH¢3.46 billion investment project to address power supply challenges, following persistent outages and low voltage in parts of the country.

At a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the Acting Managing Director, Kwame Kpekpena, revealed that the initiative will focus on the distribution segment of the power chain, which he described as the most neglected link in Ghana’s electricity system.

“Electricity does not end its journey at power plants or along high-voltage lines. Its true value is realised only when it is reliably delivered to homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals,” he stated.

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The initiative includes the immediate deployment of 2,500 distribution transformers into the grid to ease pressure on overloaded systems.

“This situation did not arise overnight. It is the result of years, indeed decades, of underinvestment and poor planning in one of the most critical segments of our electricity supply chain,” Kpekpena noted.

He acknowledged the impact of the outages on households and businesses, offering an apology to affected customers.

“To every Ghanaian customer who has endured inconvenient and prolonged power outages, we sincerely apologise. We want you to know that we have heard your voice,” he said.

Kpekpena assured that ECG has developed a clear implementation schedule, backed by government support, including reforms to the Cash Waterfall Mechanism to enable the company retain part of its revenue for infrastructure investment.

“We have a plan, we have a schedule, and we are committing all our resources to execute it,” he added.

Data from ECG shows that transformer failures have been rising, with 834 units lost in 2023 and 1,064 in 2024, while only about 300 had been replaced by 2025, further straining the network and contributing to outages.

The programme will also address deteriorating poles, upgrade substations, expand feeder capacity, and deploy modern technologies, including drones for network inspection.

SO/MA

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