GRIDCo, ECG to upgrade transmission lines to boost power supply in Volta and Oti Regions

Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) and Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have announced a joint initiative to upgrade transmission lines and bulk supply points serving the Volta and Oti Regions. According to Kwame Kpekpena, Acting Managing Director of ECG, the project will upgrade the 69 kV transmission lines built in the 1980s to 161 kV between Ho and Tamale. He said the initiative is aimed at resolving challenges of an overloaded system, which has resulted in power tripping and low voltage in the Volta and Oti Regions.

Mr. Kpekpena explained that Phase One of the project targets resolving challenges in the Volta Region through the construction of a 45-kilometre 161 kV transmission line from Asiekpe to a new bulk supply point in Ho. He said, "As of now, the government has allocated some money to work on the first phase of the project. The first phase includes upgrading transmission lines from Asiekpe to Ho. When that is done, the voltage across the whole of the Volta Region will immediately improve." Frank Otchere, Acting Deputy Chief Executive of GRIDCo, said designs and other preparatory works are ongoing in collaboration with stakeholders towards executing the project.

Frank Otchere expressed optimism that Phase One, which includes the construction of a 161 kV transmission line between Ho and Asiekpe, will be completed by the end of 2026. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, lauded the initiative to address unreliable power supply. He assured effective collaboration with assemblies and traditional authorities to ensure its execution.