Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Awuah Baah has been asked to step aside. Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu announced the decision on April 26 following an investigation into a substation fire. This incident contributed to significant nationwide power outages.
A major fire at an electricity substation within the Akosombo Dam complex on April 23 caused widespread disruptions. The fire reportedly knocked out 720 to 1,000 megawatts from the national supply. This created an immediate deficit of about 1,000 MW, approximately one-fifth of Ghana's average peak demand. The current power crisis has been attributed to this fire, alongside new transformer deployments and faults in underground cables.
Ghana's energy sector has faced chronic challenges, including 'dumsor' – a term for intermittent power supply – for many years. Recent outages strain an economy already navigating high inflation and currency depreciation. Reliable power is essential for businesses and households, and consistent disruptions hamper productivity and investor confidence. Past governments have struggled to implement lasting solutions to ensure a stable power supply.
Misinformation spread on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok regarding Baah's appointment and political ties. These claims suggested he was an Akufo-Addo appointee retained by the current government to sabotage the power sector. Richmond Rockson, Head of Communication at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, clarified, “It’s false. He’s an appointee of this government.”
Ing. Mark Awuah Baah was appointed Acting CEO in February 2025 by the current John Mahama administration. This was an extended contract, as he was previously scheduled to retire in June 2025. He did not serve as NPP National Organiser for eight years or hold any other NPP national position. His first appointment as Acting CEO was in July 2021, but Mr. Ebenezer Essienyi was confirmed as CEO in August 2021 and remained in that role until January 2025. These facts debunk claims of his continuous retention from the previous administration. The suspension signals a concerted effort by the government to address the power crisis and public concerns. All eyes will be on the ongoing investigation and its potential impact on GRIDCo’s and ECG's leadership. Power sector stability remains a critical concern for economic growth and public trust.