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June 12, 2026
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Ghana’s grid outdated, vulnerable to voltage losses – energy expert warns
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Key Points
- Ghana's 161 kilovolt (kV) electricity transmission system is outdated and inefficient for long-distance power delivery, causing significant voltage losses and reliability risks.
- This inefficiency leads to frequent load shedding, especially in distant regions like the Ashanti Region, and risks system failure during peak demand.
- An energy expert recommends Ghana transition to higher-voltage transmission systems (e.g., 400-500 kV), leveraging the existing 330 kV West African Power Pool infrastructure.
- Heavy reliance on Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for over 70% of electricity supply is flagged as a national security risk, with a call for the state to control at least 70% of generation capacity.
- Key policy recommendations include adding 2,000 megawatts of generation capacity over time and redesigning the transmission system into a resilient ring structure to improve fault isolation and prevent nationwide outages.
Why This Matters
This article highlights critical vulnerabilities in Ghana's energy infrastructure, directly impacting economic stability, industrial productivity, and the daily lives of citizens. Addressing the outdated transmission system, generation capacity shortfalls, and the over-reliance on IPPs is crucial for ensuring a reliable power supply, attracting foreign investment, and safeguarding national energy security. Modernizing the grid and rebalancing generation control are essential steps for Ghana's sustainable development and competitive standing in the region.
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