By Dominic Hlordzi
The Ghana Electrical Contractors Association (GECA) has suggested a four-prong approach to dealing with challenges in the power sector to ensure reliable supply to electricity consumers.
According to GECA, governments and managers of the power sector have to undertake network investment & modernization, maintenance reform, supply chain strengthening and government–industry collaboration.
The Association said it has observed the growing public concern regarding the stability of Ghana’s power supply.
“As an association deeply rooted in the nation’s energy sector, we acknowledge recent interventions by the Government and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).”
However, GECA emphasized that these measures must be implemented holistically, with urgency and under strict verification mechanisms to ensure that interventions are faithfully executed to deliver sustainable results.
On the Current Challenges, the Electrical Contractors noted that Ghana’s national power system has suffered from years of underinvestment and weak oversight, resulting in dilapidated distribution networks with high‑resistance connections and overloaded systems, inadequate maintenance practices, frequent transformer failures caused by poor protection, avoidable overloading, and outdated systems, delayed projects and unpaid contracts, leaving critical transmission and distribution upgrades incomplete and insufficient experienced maintenance staff, further weakening system reliability.
GECA said these challenges have left the sector vulnerable, where even minor disturbances trigger widespread outages, undermining public confidence and economic productivity.
It therefore proposes the following interventions to restore reliability and efficiency;
1. Network Investment & Modernization
• Replace outdated and overloaded transformers with modern, efficient units.
• Upgrade distribution networks to eliminate high‑resistance connections and overload risks.
• Deploy moulded case circuit breakers (MCCBs) instead of area fuses to ensure rapid fault clearance.
• Modernize grid infrastructure with advanced protection systems and smart technologies to improve resilience.
2. Maintenance Reform
• Update network construction standards to meet modern requirements.
• Empower regulators with modern tools and knowledge to strengthen oversight.
• Adequately train utility maintenance personnel in effective predictive and preventive maintenance practices using advanced diagnostic tools such as infrared thermography and ultrasonic scanning.
• Regularly test and maintain earthing systems, lightning protection, and transformer oil levels to prevent leaks and overheating.
• Establish mechanisms to verify preventive maintenance activities by utility providers, preventing disruptions such as the recent Akosombo fire incident.
• Enforce sanctions for non‑performance or non‑adherence to regulations and standards.
3. Supply Chain Strengthening
• Ensure availability of essential consumables such as protective devices, line taps, jumper cables, and bimetallic strips.
• Establish reliable procurement and payment systems to prevent stalled projects and ensure timely delivery of critical materials.
4. Government–Industry Collaboration
• Partner with government and utility providers to identify and prioritize critical investment areas.
• Leverage the expertise of electrical contractors to guide reforms and ensure sustainable improvements.
• Introduce private third‑party maintenance programs to reduce downtime and enhance reliability.
• Foster transparent collaboration between government, regulators, and industry stakeholders to ensure accountability and long‑term sector stability.
The Ghana Electrical Contractors Association said it stands ready to support government and utility providers with technical expertise and sector knowledge.
While it commends recent interventions to keep the lights on, it encourages a comprehensive audit of the nation’s power infrastructure to identify areas requiring urgent improvement, critical investment, and reform.
The Electrical Contractors Association explained that only through decisive, coordinated and continuous action can Ghana build a resilient power sector that meets the needs of its people, supports industrial growth, and drives national development.
