Back to Latest Briefings
June 12, 2026
AI-Enhanced
Second control centre would not have prevented Akosombo fire – former TVET deputy director
Money
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.
Read Full Article
View original sourceRelated Articles
October 29, 2026
Asene farmers demand compensation for farms destroyed by Accra-Kumasi expressway
- Over 200 farmers at Akyem Asene in the Eastern Region are appealing to the government for adequate compensation for farms destroyed for the new Accra-Kumasi expressway.
- Affected properties include cocoa, food crop, and oil palm farms, which were their main sources of livelihood.
- The farmers staged a demonstration, detailing economic hardships, including difficulty meeting daily needs and paying school fees, since their farms were destroyed over eight months ago.
- Leaders highlighted significant financial losses, with one farmer, Da Costa Asamoah, losing an estimated GH¢40,000 annual income from his 8-acre cocoa farm.
- The Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) confirmed that some farms have not yet been measured, explaining the delay by an increase in the expressway's width from 120 metres to 150 metres, affecting additional farmers.
October 29, 2026
NAIMOS begins community engagements in galamsey-prone areas
- The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has launched community engagements in galamsey-prone areas.
- The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration, build public confidence, address local concerns, and improve intelligence sharing.
- Engagements will involve traditional authorities, local government officials, and opinion leaders to tackle environmental and livelihood challenges.
- This strategy complements existing enforcement operations rather than replacing them, as part of a broader coordinated effort.
- The program aligns with the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources' strategy and President John Dramani Mahama's vision to intensify the fight against illegal mining.
October 29, 2026
‘We tend to be open-minded and liberal, but that’s not how we’ve lived so far’ – Kufuor
- Former President Kufuor advocates for a Ghana where individual enterprise thrives, supported by strong leadership and inclusive governance.
- He emphasizes leveraging Ghana's natural resources and human talent, cautioning against stifling initiative with excessive taxation.
- Kufuor envisions a state framework that empowers the private sector to mature, attract investment, and allow citizens to build legitimate wealth.
- His vision balances private enterprise with robust social protection, calling for quality education, healthcare, and a safety net against poverty.
- He highlights Ghana's potential through its mineral resources (gold, lithium, bauxite, manganese) and the character of its people to achieve shared prosperity.