The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has initiated measures to address persistent low voltage in the Enchi and Mpohor areas in the Western North and Western Regions.
In Enchi, ECG has awarded a contract worth GH¢2,040,853.43 to Messrs Possible Power Limited to reinstate a 10-kilometre 33kV link between Enchi and Dadieso, which will be supplied from the new Juaboso Bulk Supply Point (BSP).
When completed, the total feeder length from the Juaboso BSP to Enchi will be 89 kilometres. ECG explained that the new BSP was necessary due to the long feeder distances affecting power quality in the area.
The Enchi District is currently served by a 33kV feeder from Esiama, stretching about 147 kilometres, making it highly susceptible to poor voltage and unreliable supply.
An alternative feeder from Bogoso, which is 122 kilometres long, has also proven unsuitable due to low voltage levels caused by overloading on the GRIDCo transformer at Bogoso.
Briefing journalists, the Acting Managing Director of ECG, Kwame Kpekpena, said the project involves the installation of 29 eleven-metre treated poles and the stringing of over 21 kilometres of conductor.
Additional works include the installation of a 33kV GIS load isolator and vegetation clearing across 7.3 kilometres of dense forest terrain.
“All materials have been delivered to site. Works are currently awaiting final approval from the Forestry Commission to commence within the forest reserve,” he said, adding that stakeholder engagement is ongoing while vegetation control efforts continue to provide some immediate relief to consumers.
In Mpohor, ECG said power challenges stem from an incomplete network upgrade project initiated in 2016. The upgrade of Feeder C07 from 11kV to 33kV is about 70 per cent complete, with some improvement already recorded.
Mr. Kpekpena noted that the remaining 30 percent, which is mainly transformer upgrades, is crucial for full optimisation.
ECG is therefore investing GH¢2,163,192.15 to procure 18 additional 33kV distribution transformers and four metering cubicles, he stated.
As a long-term solution, he said ECG plans to construct about four kilometres of an alternative 33kV line to reduce feeder length, improve fault response and enhance operational flexibility.
In the short term, Mr. Kpekpena indicated that the company is also addressing risks posed by illegal mining (galamsey) along the Mpohor corridor, working with local authorities, traditional leaders and security agencies to ensure safe access to infrastructure while intensifying public education on its dangers.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi