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June 12, 2026
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Second control centre would not have prevented Akosombo fire – former TVET deputy director
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Policy
Key Points
- Ing Peter Antwi Boasiako argues that a proposed second control centre would not have prevented the recent Akosombo substation fire, attributing the fault to a cable failure outside control room intervention.
- He stated that Ghana's existing power system protections functioned effectively, preventing a nationwide blackout despite the loss of 800-900 megawatts from Akosombo.
- Antwi acknowledged that maintenance lapses, such as overheating due to loose contacts, likely contributed to the incident.
- He criticized claims of sabotage as politically motivated and unhelpful, emphasizing that the issue is a serious engineering matter.
- Antwi disputed recommendations for conventional water sprinklers in control rooms, advocating for gas-based suppression systems and early smoke detection, urging focus on proper engineering solutions.
Why This Matters
This analysis is significant for Ghana as it challenges official recommendations regarding critical power infrastructure, highlighting the importance of accurate technical diagnosis for energy security. Implementing effective, engineering-driven solutions for power transmission and fire safety is crucial to prevent future outages, ensure grid stability, and avoid misdirected public investments that could waste scarce resources.
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June 13, 2026
Health Minister launches Free Primary Healthcare initiative in Volta Region
- Ghana's Minister for Health has launched the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) initiative, starting in the Volta Region.
- The FPHC aims to shift Ghana's healthcare from a curative to a preventive, early detection, and community-based model, complementing the NHIS.
- All citizens with a valid national ID are eligible for FPHC services, though NHIS remains necessary for higher-level referrals.
- Implementation includes nationwide training for health workers, provision of logistics (motorbikes, kits), and regular home and community visits for preventive care.
- Successful rollout relies on strong cooperation from diverse stakeholders, including traditional authorities, local government, and community leaders.
June 12, 2026
The Akosombo substation fire incident should never have escalated: ASEC calls for stronger protection systems, fire response and redundancy
- The Akosombo Substation fire was caused by insulation failure due to ageing infrastructure, not sabotage, according to the investigation committee.
- The Africa Sustainable Energy Centre (ASEC) commends the investigation and the Ministry's commitment to implementing recommendations, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen Ghana's transmission infrastructure.
- ASEC identified critical technical deficiencies, including insufficient protection coordination, lack of redundancy, and a reactive maintenance culture.
- Key recommendations include mandatory Infrared (IR) thermographic inspections, improved fire detection and automatic suppression systems, and comprehensive reviews of protection coordination.
- ASEC strongly advocates for a shift from reactive to predictive maintenance strategies, leveraging modern technologies like AI and condition monitoring to prevent future incidents.
June 13, 2026
UK vows to phase out Russian diesel and jet fuel imports by new year
- The UK government has committed to banning imports of diesel and jet fuel made from Russian oil by January 1, 2027.
- This ban is part of the UK's package of sanctions against Moscow following the war in Ukraine.
- The prohibition extends to refined products made from Russian crude oil in third countries, with a temporary import licence under fortnightly review.
- The decision has drawn criticism for potentially providing billions in financing to Russia's war machine due to the delayed full implementation.
- Global oil prices have recently risen, with Brent crude increasing from around $70 to $87 per barrel, partly due to the US/Israel-Iran conflict impacting trade routes.