Western Region Power Outages: Quack Electricians & Falling Vegetation

Unlicensed Electricians and Overgrown Vegetation Plague Western Region’s Power Supply

The quality and reliability of electricity supply to consumers in Ghana’s Western Region are being significantly undermined by the persistent activities of unauthorized and unqualified electricians. These individuals, often referred to as “quacks,” are reportedly bypassing official channels and directly interfering with the power infrastructure, leading to a cascade of problems that disrupt service for legitimate customers.

According to officials from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), these unlicensed electricians frequently manipulate electrical loads at the behest of consumers. This involves transferring power from one line to another without the necessary technical oversight or approval from the ECG. Such actions can lead to severe overloads on specific circuits, increasing the risk of equipment failure and widespread outages. Furthermore, these individuals have been known to tamper with transformers and conduct illegal connections, further compromising the integrity of the power distribution network.

Mr. Emmanuel J. Ofori, the Western Regional General Manager of the ECG, voiced these concerns during a recent tour of the company’s Bulk Supply Point (BSP) in Ketan, Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. He emphasized the critical need for community cooperation in safeguarding essential electrical infrastructure. Mr. Ofori urged residents to report any issues or request services directly from the ECG, rather than relying on uncertified electricians whose actions can create significant problems for both consumers and the utility provider.

“Consumers need to exercise patience once they contact us,” Mr. Ofori stated. “The notion that we might not arrive promptly and therefore resorting to these uncertified electricians to perform incorrect work on our lines only leads to problems for everyone involved.” He underscored that power outages are costly for the ECG and that the company is committed to maintaining a stable supply. He appealed to consumers to engage in responsible practices that support the company’s efforts.

Beyond the issue of unqualified personnel, another significant contributor to power outages in the region is the interference caused by overgrown vegetation along power line routes. The ECG explained that the electricity supplied to the Western Region originates from GRIDCo and is then transmitted through Bulk Supply Points (BSPs) to primary substations. From these substations, the power is routed to distribution substations before ultimately reaching homes and businesses.

Mr. Ofori identified vegetation as a particularly formidable challenge, especially during the rainy season. He highlighted that many power lines traverse difficult terrains characterized by dense foliage that frequently encroaches upon the power lines. During periods of heavy rainfall and strong winds, trees and bamboo can come into contact with these lines, triggering faults. As a safety measure, the system is designed to automatically shut down when such interference occurs, preventing damage to equipment and potential hazards. This explains why customers often experience outages during storms, as the system proactively disconnects to mitigate risks.

To combat this recurring problem, the ECG undertakes annual vegetation control programs. These initiatives involve engaging contractors to clear overgrown vegetation from the corridors surrounding power lines, aiming to minimize the frequency of these disruptive incidents.

A third major challenge impacting power supply stability is the persistent overloading of the Bogoso Bulk Supply Point. This facility is responsible for supplying electricity to a significant number of communities, including Bogoso township, Asankragua, and surrounding areas. The excessive demand has led to considerable supply difficulties in districts such as Amenfi East and Amenfi West.

In response to this critical issue, the ECG is actively undertaking the construction of a new power line. This line will connect the Prestea Bulk Supply Point to the Bogoso BSP. The objective of this substantial infrastructure project is to redistribute the electrical load, thereby alleviating the immense pressure currently placed on the Bogoso substation. Mr. Ofori assured the affected customers that the ECG is fully committed to resolving these issues and restoring a reliable power supply to the region in the near future.