The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has clarified that recent intermittent power outages in Kumasi are the result of ongoing system upgrades, not a return to nationwide load shedding, commonly known as “dumsor.”
The clarification follows growing public concern over the recent outages, with some residents questioning whether the interruptions signal a broader power generation shortfall. ECG, however, insists that the challenge lies in power distribution rather than supply.
Speaking on the issue, Collins Manu, Communications Officer for ECG Ashanti, said Ghana currently has sufficient installed and available generation capacity to meet demand.
“Ghana has over 5,000 megawatts of installed capacity and nearly 4,800 megawatts available. The issue is not a shortage of power, but how to deliver it reliably to fast-growing cities like Kumasi,” he explained.
According to ECG, rapid urban expansion in Kumasi—driven by increased residential, commercial and industrial activity—has placed significant pressure on infrastructure originally designed for lower electricity demand.
To address this, the company is implementing targeted upgrades across the metropolis. These include reinforcing sub-transmission lines, upgrading transformers, enhancing real-time fault detection systems, and expanding bulk power supply capacity in the Ashanti Region.
Mr. Manu emphasised that the outages being experienced are part of planned technical work and should not be misconstrued as load shedding.
“These are not load-shedding exercises. They are proactive measures to strengthen the network. Customers may experience short, localised outages as we carry out the upgrades,” he said.
ECG noted that such temporary interruptions are typical during major infrastructure improvements and are necessary to ensure long-term reliability of power supply.
The company added that the absence of a load-shedding timetable remains a clear indication that Ghana is not currently experiencing dumsor.
ECG reaffirmed its commitment to delivering stable and reliable electricity, stating that the ongoing upgrades are essential to building a resilient power distribution system capable of supporting Kumasi’s continued growth.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
