President John Dramani Mahama has said recent power outages across Ghana are part of a nationwide upgrade effort, not a return to the prolonged electricity crisis known as “dumsor.”
Speaking during an inspection of newly procured transformers for the Northern Electricity Distribution Company Limited (NEDCo), Mahama explained that the interruptions are necessary to replace ageing infrastructure and improve long-term power stability.
The government has acquired 2,500 transformers to be deployed nationwide, targeting overloaded and outdated equipment that can no longer meet rising demand due to population growth and urban expansion. Mahama noted that many existing transformers, including one cited in Nungua and Lashibi, have been in use for over two decades and are now insufficient for current needs.
He said the project, approved by Cabinet and supported by the Finance Ministry, marks the beginning of a sustained effort to modernise Ghana’s electricity distribution network. Residents, he added, will be notified ahead of any planned outages during installation.
Minister for Energy and Green Transition John Abdulai Jinapor confirmed that deployment has already begun, with dozens of transformers being installed in Tamale and other parts of northern Ghana. Work is also underway in Accra and Tema, with further expansion to Kumasi and the Ashanti Region scheduled for May.
Jinapor said the first phase of the programme will run for three months, followed by additional targets over six months and one year, aimed at ensuring consistent and reliable electricity supply nationwide.
Both officials urged public patience, emphasising that the temporary outages are essential to delivering a more stable and efficient power system.