Ghana will not be plunged into perpetual darkness again. – Amewu assures

Minister of Energy John Peter Amewu says the Akufo-Addo led NPP administration is not keen in sending Ghanaians back to the era of ‘dumsor’ but rather ensure that Ghanaians benefit from uninterrupted electricity supply.

Briefing members of parliament on the recent power disturbances in some parts of the country, the minister debunked claims that the crises are as results of financial challenges been faced by the government to clear up debts but rather these disturbances are as a result of transmission challenges at the newly commissioned Accra Central Substation.

“ The fundamental cause of the blackout is the ongoing construction of the road interchange at Pokuase which has necessitated the diversion of GRIDCo’s 330kV transmission line towers that runs from Tema to Aboadze in that vicinity. This requires taking an outage of the entire line to undertake the diversion.” Amewu stated.

The recent power disturbances were also as a result of tripling of existing transmission lines. As a result of the outage on the 330kV line, No power was been transmitted on the Aboadze to Accra that is to say from the west to east rather power was transmitted from Akosombo through Mallam, Winneba and Cape Coast to the western part of the country through the 161kV transmission line which has become overloaded thereby causing it to trip as a protective measure to avoid major damage to equipment.

The sector minister added that efforts are been made as the ministry is in constant touch with GRIDCo and contractors to expedite work and complete the relocation of the towers according to schedule to enable the restoration of the 330kV line which is scheduled to be completed by Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

However Member of Parliament for Kumbugu, Ras Mubarak in responds to the minister said the ministry together with government is throwing dust into the eyes of Ghanaians. He advised the ministry and GRIDCo to humbly come out with a load shedding timetable for Ghanaians to know schedules and apply accordingly.   

By: There Adezewa Ayittey – Apt News Ghana