By Jibril Abdul Mumuni, GNA
Accra, July 1, GNA – Mr John Abdulai Jinapor, the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, has clarified that the recent power outages experienced in parts of the country were a deliberate safety measure implemented during flooding incidents.
He explained that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) shut down many transformers as floodwaters rose to dangerous levels, posing risks to lives and critical infrastructure.
Speaking at the 18th Annual General Meeting of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Mr Jinapor said the decision to cut power supply to affected areas was taken in the interest of public safety and the protection of equipment.
“We needed to put some of the transformers off in the interest of public safety, the safety of our personnel, and also to protect the integrity of the transformers,” he stated.
Ghana’s power sector has, in recent years, recorded significant improvements in supply stability after a period of outages.
However, seasonal flooding, particularly in major urban centres, continued to pose a threat to electricity infrastructure, often necessitating emergency interventions.
Power distribution systems, especially ground-mounted transformers, were highly vulnerable to water ingress, which could lead to equipment damage or fatal electrical accidents if supply was maintained during floods, he said.
The Minister noted that although the outages generated public concern, such actions were necessary to prevent possible electrocution and damage to electrical installations during flooding.
Mr Jinapor cited reports, which suggested the risk of electrocution during the flooding, reinforcing the need for precautionary measures.
He appealed to Ghanaians to exercise patience and understanding during such emergencies, stressing that decisions taken by power managers were guided by safety considerations.
“For us, sometimes we just have to manage the situation,” he said.
The Minister assured that steps were being taken to restore electricity supply to affected communities, noting that engineers had begun returning the transformers to service after conditions improved.
He added that authorities were closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with relevant agencies, including the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), to ensure safety while restoring power.
Mr Jinapor also highlighted the interconnected nature of Ghana’s energy sector, pointing out that electricity supply was linked to the performance of institutions such as the Tema Oil Refinery, which provided fuel for power generation.
“The electricity sector also depends on TOR because some of our fuels come from its operational activities,” he said.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring stability in the power sector, especially during extreme weather events.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe