Energy Minister Cuts Sod for 161/34.5kV substation to boost Power Supply to Accra Central

The Minister of Energy, Hon. Boakye Agyarko has cut the sod for the construction of a 161/34.5kV capacity substation at the ECG Station E along the Graphic road to improve upon the quality and reliability of power supply to the Central Business District Area of Accra.

The project dubbed, “Project for reinforcement of power supply to Accra Central” is expected to be completed in the next 18 months and it is being financed by the Japanese Government through JICA with a grant of 4.357 Billion JPY (about US$39 Million).

It will have a dedicated Substation that will supply power to the Central Business District (CBD) and its immediate environs and also relieve the Achimota and Mallam Bulk Supply Points (BSPs) from overloading.

Speaking at the sod cutting ceremony, Mr. Boakye Agyarko indicated that the project is a landmark contribution to Ghana-Japan relationship which dates back to 1920s and looked forward to more of this partnership between Ghana and Japan under the leadership of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

He said, the project has come at a time when the country was working to increase its generating capacity to address challenges in the power sector.

He commended Ghana Grid Company (GRIDco) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) for their partnership to address the deteriorating quality of power supply to the Central Business District of Accra, which contributes immensely to the national economy.

Mr. Boakye Agyarko urged GRIDco and ECG to work with the Contractors and Consultants to ensure that the project is completed on time.

The Minister noted that, electricity demand in the country continues to grow roughly by 10 percent annually, adding that projects such as this and others are welcome to enable the nation supply consumers with their electricity energy demand.

“This Government’s vision for the provision of a safe, reliable and secure power supply also includes initiatives such as restructuring of debts of the utility companies and securing firm commitments for the reliable supply of fuel to the Thermal Plants”, he said.

He added that, “in the Government’s bid to boost the energy mix of the Ghana Power System, efforts are being made to increase the amount of Renewable Energy in the National Grid.”

The Minister assured Ghanaians of government’s resolve to revamp the Energy Sector for a brighter tomorrow.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), Ing. William Amuna, in his welcome address expressed his gratitude to the Japanese Government for providing funding for the project.

He stressed on the need to improve on power supply to the Central Business District saying it is the highest electricity consuming location in Ghana, constituting about 30 per cent of total consumption in Greater Accra.

He stated that upon completion, electricity consumers in Accra Central and GRIDCo will directly reap benefits of the project.

He was convinced the situation where residents in parts of Accra and beyond experience black outs due to heavy loads on most of the substations will be a thing of the past.

Story By: Michael Creg Afful/affulchebuchef@yahoo.com

#Business #Headlinesnews #Latestinghana #Politics #News