Ghana’s electricity grid has seen marked improvement in recent months, largely due to the installation of over 200 new transformers across the country, the Ministry of Energy has announced.
Richmond Rockson, spokesperson for the Ministry, said the initiative forms part of urgent efforts to stabilise the power system after the government inherited what he described as a “crippled” energy sector, burdened by soaring debt, fuel shortages, and frequent blackouts.
“We had zero transformers,” Rockson said on JoyNews’ Super Morning Show. “The Minister directed ECG to purchase them locally. They were not imported.”
The transformers, procured from Ghanaian manufacturers, were deployed to replace faulty units in communities that had suffered unreliable electricity for years. Rockson said the decision to buy locally was strategic, cutting down costs, accelerating deployment, and supporting domestic industry.
Sector in Crisis
When the administration took office, Ghana was reportedly shedding over 700 megawatts of power amid severe fuel shortages. Rockson said the government found “no liquid fuel” to run thermal plants in December 2024, prompting the President to set up an emergency task force.
Adding to the crisis was the country’s mounting energy debt, which exceeded GHS 80 billion, including $1.79 billion owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs). According to the Ministry, that figure has since been reduced to GHS 67 billion through what it calls prudent fiscal management.
“If IPPs like Car Power are threatening to shut down, you must act fast,” Rockson noted.
Strategic Procurement and Stabilisation
The transformer programme, backed by ministerial directive, instructed the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to prioritise local sourcing unless materials were unavailable in the country.
“Unless you can’t find it in Ghana, don’t import,” Rockson said, adding that installation work is still underway.
He claimed the initiative has already improved grid reliability in several areas, noting that observers would have noticed fewer outages in the last three months.
GH₵1 Fuel Levy Begins on July 16
To sustain these interventions, the government has introduced a GH₵1 Energy Sector Recovery Levy per litre of fuel, which will take effect on Monday, July 16.
The Ministry says the levy will generate GHS 5 billion to fund fuel procurement and clear arrears owed to IPPs, seen as essential to averting further power crises.
“It will take all of us as citizens to sacrifice,” Rockson said. “This is how we rebuild the sector.”
Despite criticism over rising fuel prices and new levies, the Ministry insists the short-term burden is necessary to build a more resilient, financially sustainable power sector.
Rockson pointed to ongoing reforms including infrastructure upgrades, maintenance backlogs being cleared, and local production of energy equipment as signs of progress.
“The Minister has worked to ensure stability,” he said. “And maintenance works are still ongoing.”
