Accra: Mr. Kwame Kpekpena, the Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), has revealed that a significant portion of the company's distribution infrastructure is overloaded, exceeding its thermal limits. This issue has resulted in frequent supply interruptions across the network.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Kpekpena announced at a press conference in Accra that the ECG has launched a GHS 3.46 billion investment program to address these challenges. He explained that rapid urbanization and population growth have placed enormous demands on the network, which has not been upgraded at the same pace. "A significant portion of ECG's distribution network has exceeded its designed thermal limits," Mr. Kpekpena stated. He highlighted the widespread overloading, especially during peak periods, leading to frequent faults, low-voltage conditions, and supply interruptions.
The problem's scale is evident in the rising number of failed distribution transformers. Immediate interventions valued at GHS 278 million include the injection of 2,500 distribution transformers, replacement of deteriorating poles under Operation Keep the Lights On, and restoration of damaged substations. Mr. Kpekpena outlined that short-to-medium-term projects, estimated at GHS 1.2 billion, will involve constructing new substations, reinforcing regional systems, and upgrading undersized conductors.
The ECG experienced a loss of 834 transformers in 2023, which increased to 1,064 in 2024. However, only about 300 were replaced by 2025, forcing affected customers to be transferred to adjacent transformers, exacerbating the overload and reliability challenges. Mr. Kpekpena attributed the weakened network to years of underinvestment and poor planning in the distribution sector, despite improvements in generation and transmission. "Ageing infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, and limited investment in modern technologies have contributed to inefficiency, technical losses, and unreliable supply," he added.
The Managing Director assured the public of ECG's commitment to restoring reliability across all operational areas. He emphasized that ECG has a plan and schedule, with all resources committed to execution. Rigorous monitoring and reporting mechanisms will be implemented to ensure accountability. Mr. Kpekpena also apologized to customers for the inconvenience caused by outages and pledged to improve communication and response times.