‘Bear With Us As We Fix Power Transmission Issues’- NAPO
The Minister for Energy, Hon. Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has stated that the current intermittent power outages will soon be over as it is to enable the necessary works to be carried out on the transmission systems.
“We are on track to fixing our power transmission issues for the short to medium term. This will bring an end to the current transmission induced outages. These technical issues on our transmission lines are being addressed and in the coming days our lights will return to its stable days.” He noted.
He disclosed this when he took his turn to address a press briefing on the energy sector under the topic; ‘Delivery Reliable and Affordable Power’, as part of a series of presentations by government Ministers organized by the Ministry of Information on Sunday.
The sector Minister stressed that mechanisms have been put in place technically and financially to ensure that Ghana does not return to the ‘dark days of ‘dumsor’ where businesses and livelihoods were sadly truncated.
He says the transmission architecture are obsolete and therefore, fixing it once and for all is a recipe for Ghanaians to see the end of the tunnel. The lawmaker who represents the people of Manhyia North said transparency and accountability in the power sector is a priority for him and will at all times remain true and faithful to these principles. In his view, these are ways by which the NPP government under President Akufo-Addo would secure the support of the people.
The Minister says his briefs on the current projects to salvage the challenges points to steady progress and with the increased power demand, these projects will stand the test of time. These include the Pokuase Bulk Supply Point (BSP), which is 95% complete and expected to be done at the end of July 2021. The Kasoa BSP is 60% complete and is expected to be completed by end of August 2021. Further, the Tema to Achimota line rehabilitation is ongoing, whilst the gap in the transmission backbone between Kumasi and Kintampo is to be fixed to complete the transmission system between the coastal part of the country and Bolgatanga.
He continued, “We are working to upgrade the infrastructure to ensure that the systems are able to accommodate the load being transmitted.”On GRIDCO’s transmission development plan, he said the total transmission network CAPEX is valued at $533m which is made up of three priority categories. “It is our expectation that by the close of the year, all the projects aimed at resolving the challenges would have been completed” He added.
On energy conservation, the Minister said it is key in reducing the pressure on the load. In this regard, he mentions the distribution of 12 million LED bulbs across the country. The energy savings per annum according to the minister stands at 91.8Mwh with total savings per annum at GHs 64.5 million. Hon. Opoku Prempeh re-stated his empathy to affected Ghanaians and expressed appreciation for their patience. He further craved the understanding and co-operation of all as we go through this phased easing of the power challenges.
