Greater Kumasi gets power upgrade as ECG commissions 37 transformers

State power distributor, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), says it has commissioned 37 new transformers across the Greater Kumasi Metropolis in a bid to improve electricity supply and address recurring low-voltage challenges.

The installations, carried out under ECG’s Ashanti West operational zone, form part of a wider capital investment programme by the Ministry of Energy and the utility to upgrade ageing and overloaded distribution infrastructure.

ECG officials say the expansion is intended to ease pressure on existing transformers that have been operating near or above capacity due to rising demand in the rapidly growing commercial hub.

Regional General Manager for ECG Ashanti West, Ing. George Amoah said the upgrades were necessary to stabilise local supply and reduce outages linked to overloading.

“Every transformer has its capacity, and the maximum electricity load it can carry,” he said. “Once we identified transformers reaching full capacity or operating above 70 per cent, we upgraded some from 100kVA to 200kVA, 200kVA to 315kVA.”

Communities benefiting from the project include Ahinsan, Abuakwa, Adum, Danyame, Kokoben, Bibiani, Suame, and parts of Offinso, as well as several residential and commercial areas across Kumasi.

ECG said the intervention, which also involves extending high-tension and low-voltage lines, cost about GH¢10.94 million.

The utility added that the upgrades are expected to reduce system losses, improve voltage stability, and enhance reliability of supply in affected areas.

Regional Engineer Ing. Emmanuel Osei Amoako said the investments were critical in meeting rising demand driven by urban growth.

“Kumasi, and for that matter the Ashanti Region, is growing at a faster rate with increasing demand,” he said. “These new transformers will help meet the growing electricity demand in the areas where they were installed.”

He added that ECG had also installed 36 additional transformers to replace faulty units in locations including Twedie, Patasi Police Depot, Afia Kobi SHS and Denkyemuoso.

The company said it has approval for further installations as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen distribution networks and improve service reliability.

ECG has also warned against vandalism and illegal interference with its infrastructure, urging residents to report suspicious activities affecting the network.