An Energy Committee Member of Parliament, Michael Kwasi Aidoo, has warned about the risks to Ghana’s electricity supply. He stated that the difference between installed power capacity and what is actually available is a significant problem. This follows an incident where a fire at the Akosombo Generating Station switchyard disrupted the national grid on April 23. Mr. Aidoo believes that recent positive developments in the energy sector do not fully fix the country’s core electricity issues. He said, “We have an issue at hand… and it needs to be solved.”
Ghana’s installed power generation capacity is approximately 5,800 megawatts. The peak electricity demand is around 4,300 megawatts. This gap suggests a surplus of over 1,000 megawatts. However, Mr. Aidoo argues that the system is not currently demonstrating this surplus. He explained that if the country is only just meeting demand, it implies a deficit exists. The MP cautioned that many power plants are not operating at their full potential. Some are idle, while others are undergoing maintenance. This situation leaves Ghana with few options in case of an emergency. He warned, “In case we should have any emergency at all, we do not have anything to fall on.”
The MP acknowledged past investments in Ghana's energy sector. He mentioned upgrades to transmission and distribution systems that have occurred under various governments. The deployment of GRIDCo’s SCADA system, which manages power flow, also benefits the grid. He pointed out that some generators used by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) were acquired by previous administrations. Mr. Aidoo believes the sector’s current stability is a result of decades of investment. However, he stressed that high installed capacity does not automatically mean reliable power. It is crucial to understand the difference between potential power and live power. This distinction is vital for economic planning and public confidence.
President John Dramani Mahama recently visited the Akosombo Generating Station. He commended engineers from the Volta River Authority (VRA) and GRIDCo. They successfully restored four out of six generating units within a week. This brought about 550 megawatts back to the national power system. This swift response helped mitigate the impact of the switchyard fire. The government has consistently assured the public of stable power supply. However, Mr. Aidoo’s concerns highlight a potential disconnect between official statements and the reality of the power infrastructure.
The implications of unreliable power are significant for Ghana's economy. Businesses rely on consistent electricity to operate and grow. Frequent or prolonged outages can disrupt production, increase costs, and deter investment. Consumers also suffer from the inconvenience and effects of power interruptions. This situation could impact Ghana’s economic growth targets. Investors will monitor the government’s response to these concerns closely. Addressing the gap between installed capacity and actual availability is crucial for future stability. It requires a clear plan to ensure consistent power generation and maintenance.