Kumasi to Face More Outages After World Cup as ECG, GRIDCo Prepare Critical Power Projects

Parts of the Ashanti Region, particularly Kumasi, are expected to experience more power outages after the 2026 World Cup as the Electricity Company of Ghana (Electricity Company of Ghana) and Ghana Grid Company prepare to undertake major transmission reinforcement projects aimed at improving long-term electricity supply.

The planned intervention forms part of broader efforts to address growing pressure on transmission and distribution systems in the region, where rising energy demand has exposed weaknesses in the existing network.

Speaking at the government’s accountability series on the energy sector, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, said the upcoming works will include the upgrade of critical infrastructure, installation of new transformers, and strengthening of transmission lines across Kumasi.

According to him, one of the immediate projects will involve the complete replacement of the transformer at the Ridge primary distribution station in Kumasi with a larger unit to improve voltage levels and enhance supply reliability.

He added that GRIDCo will also complete a key transmission loop, which is expected to significantly strengthen the overall power system in the Ashanti Region.

Mr. Jinapor explained that the exercise will begin after the 2026 World Cup and may result in what he described as “minimum outages,” but insisted the temporary inconvenience is necessary.

He said delaying the projects would worsen the current challenges facing Kumasi’s power supply, stressing that difficult decisions must be taken now to secure stable electricity in the future.

The Minister assured residents that government officials will engage the people of Kumasi before the works begin to explain the reasons for the temporary outages and the long-term benefits expected from the projects.

He further disclosed that a critical component needed for the reinforcement works is currently being airlifted into Ghana by CENIT Energy Limited and will be transported from Accra to Kumasi to strengthen the generation network.

Meanwhile, Arvensis Energy Private Limited is expected to commence the Kumasi Line Upgrade Project, which will involve upgrading the 33kV transmission line from 265mm² conductors to 400mm² conductors.

The upgraded line will run from Boadi through Kaase to Ridge and is expected to increase the amount of power that can be transmitted to consumers in Kumasi and surrounding communities.

Mr. Jinapor noted that Kumasi has unique power challenges and described the city’s network as weak and in urgent need of reinforcement.

He revealed that some of the projects should have been completed in 2023 but were delayed, leading to investigations before government granted ECG approval to proceed.

The Minister also dismissed claims that recent leadership changes at ECG’s Ashanti Regional office were politically motivated, stating that the reshuffle was purely intended to improve operational efficiency.

Government says the interventions are part of a broader strategy to place priority on Kumasi and ensure the city enjoys a more stable and reliable power supply in the coming years.