The Electricity Company of Ghana under its Ashanti West operational zone has commissioned 37 new transformers across the Greater Kumasi Metropolis and surrounding communities as part of efforts to improve electricity supply and address persistent power challenges in the region.
The project forms part of a capital investment initiative by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition and ECG aimed at upgrading distribution transformers that had begun reaching full capacity earlier this year due to increasing electricity demand.
Beneficiary areas include communities within Ahinsan, Abuakwa, Adum, Danyame, Kokoben, Bibiani, Suame and parts of the Offinso District in the Ashanti Region.
Several other communities have also benefited from the installation and upgrading exercise, including Trede SHS area, Kodie Apagya, Kayera, Nkwaie Pakala, Hemang, Bantama Race Course Market, Ampabame No. 2 Cemetery, Ntiribuoho, Pakyi No. 1, Brofoyedru, Esaaso, Ehyen New Site, Agric Nzema, Otumfuo Last Stop, Bodwesango, Mpasatia, Buoho, Adiebeba, Bronikrom, Asubonteng and Edwenase near the Goil filling station.
The project, which included the installation of additional transformers and the extension of high-tension and low-voltage lines to reduce pressure on overloaded systems, is estimated to have cost GH₵10,944,456.02.
Regional General Manager for ECG Ashanti West, George Amoah, explained that overloaded transformers had contributed to recurring low-voltage situations and localised outages in some communities.
According to him, transformers operating beyond their recommended load capacity often experience operational stress, affecting power stability and reliability.
“Once we identified transformers reaching full capacity or operating above 70 per cent, we upgraded some from 100kVA to 200kVA, 200kVA to 315kVA, and in some locations commissioned two 315kVA transformers to meet the increasing demand,” he explained.
The newly installed equipment is expected to improve voltage levels, reduce system losses, strengthen operational flexibility, and improve overall reliability within the distribution network.
ECG says it has also intensified day and night inspections of transformers across the region to assess the condition of existing infrastructure and monitor electricity load levels.
Regional Engineer for ECG Ashanti West, Emmanuel Osei Amoako, described the upgrades as critical to supporting the rapid growth and rising electricity demand within Kumasi and the wider Ashanti Region.
“Kumasi and the Ashanti Region are expanding rapidly with increasing electricity demand. These transformers will help support growing consumption while ECG continues to invest heavily in power infrastructure to improve service delivery,” he said.
Ing. Osei Amoako further disclosed that ECG had installed 36 additional transformers to replace faulty and damaged ones in areas such as Twedie, Patasi Police Depot, Afia Kobi SHS, Denkyemuoso White House and Ampabame Hills.
He also revealed that approval has been secured for the installation of an additional 35 transformers in other communities where existing infrastructure is nearing full capacity.
Management of ECG has meanwhile cautioned residents against vandalism, illegal connections, and unlawful interference with electricity infrastructure, urging the public to report suspicious activities affecting the company’s network.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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