Kumasi to experience planned power outages as major transmission upgrade begins

Residents and businesses in Kumasi and some parts of the Ashanti Region will experience temporary, scheduled power outages from July 20, 2026, as work begins on the final phase of the Kumasi–Anwomaso Transmission Line Upgrade and the replacement of a transformer at the Kumasi (Ahodwo) Substation.

The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) announced the development in a joint statement issued on July 16, 2026, describing the projects as critical investments aimed at improving the reliability and capacity of electricity supply in the region.

According to the statement, Kumasi has long depended on a 19-kilometre single-circuit transmission line connecting the Anwomaso (K2) and Kumasi (Ahodwo) (K1) substations. While the infrastructure has served the city for many years, it has become overstretched due to rapid population growth, urbanisation and increasing commercial activity.

“Although the line has served the city reliably over the years, it has become increasingly overloaded and is no longer sufficient to meet the growing electricity demand of Kumasi and its surrounding communities,” the statement said.

As part of the upgrade, the existing 364MVA single-circuit transmission line will be replaced with a double-circuit line capable of transmitting 978MVA (2 × 488MVA), more than doubling the current capacity between the two substations.

The Ministry said the enhanced infrastructure will improve the stability, efficiency and resilience of power supply across Kumasi and the Ashanti Region while creating additional capacity to support future residential, commercial and industrial development.

The project has now entered its final and most important stage. As of July 16, approximately 90% of the foundation works and 67% of tower assembly had been completed.

The remaining activities include dismantling the existing transmission line, installing new transmission towers and stringing new conductors.

To facilitate these works safely, the current transmission line will be temporarily taken out of service, resulting in planned electricity interruptions for customers supplied by the Kumasi (K1) and Anwomaso (K2) substations.

The Ministry said GRIDCo and ECG will notify the public in advance before each planned outage and will work to restore electricity supply before the evening peak demand period whenever possible.

Alongside the transmission line project, GRIDCo will also replace one of the existing 66MVA transformers at the Kumasi (Ahodwo) Substation with a larger 145MVA transformer.

The replacement is expected to increase transmission capacity, improve operational efficiency, reduce pressure on existing equipment and further strengthen the reliability of electricity supply to Kumasi and neighbouring communities.

The Ministry urged residents to comply with all safety measures throughout the construction period and to avoid restricted work areas.

“Safety remains our highest priority. We urge all residents to stay away from designated construction areas and comply fully with all safety instructions issued by project personnel throughout the construction period,” the statement said.

The final phase of the project is expected to be completed within three months.

While acknowledging the inconvenience the temporary outages may cause, the Ministry said the works are necessary to build a stronger, more reliable and higher-capacity electricity network capable of supporting the long-term growth and development of Kumasi, the Ashanti Region and the country as a whole.

Prince Antwi

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