GRIDCo to expand Kumasi transmission capacity to 1,000MW by 2026

The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has announced a significant infrastructure project to boost the electricity supply in Kumasi and surrounding areas. The project aims to increase the region's transmission capacity from the current 364 megawatts to 1,000 megawatts by December 2026. This expansion centers on the construction of a fifth power feeder, which is designed to alleviate the mounting pressure on the four existing feeders and ensure a more reliable power supply for both residential and commercial consumers. GRIDCo Chief Executive Officer Frank Asirifi Otchere explained that the project involves critical technical enhancements, including the installation of a new high-capacity transformer and comprehensive upgrades to the 161kV transmission line. These improvements are essential for modernizing the regional grid to meet the growing energy demands of Ghana’s second-largest city. According to officials, the fifth feeder will provide the necessary redundancy to prevent system overloads that have previously affected the stability of the local network. While the long-term goal is improved reliability, residents along major corridors in Kumasi should expect temporary disruptions during the construction phase. GRIDCo, in collaboration with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), has scheduled a series of planned outages occurring between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. These maintenance windows are necessary to allow technicians to safely carry out the infrastructure upgrades and transformer installations. Officials have indicated that these outages will be managed on a rotational basis to minimize the impact on daily activities. To address public concerns, Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene has assured consumers that there will be effective and timely communication regarding the schedule of planned outages. This transparency is part of a broader transmission and distribution expansion program intended to fortify the national grid. With the project slated for completion by the end of 2026, the government and utility providers are working to ensure that Kumasi's energy infrastructure can support the region’s long-term economic development.