Ghana Infrastructure Drive: ECG to Upgrade Power Transformers in Accra as Ketu North Plans 24-Hour Economy Market

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has launched a significant infrastructure overhaul in the Greater Accra Region, aimed at boosting power reliability and meeting the increasing energy demands of growing urban communities. Approved by the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, the initiative involves the replacement and upgrade of 12 power transformers across six primary substations. These critical upgrades will see transformer capacities increase from 20/26 MVA to 30/39 MVA at the Adenta, La, Teshie-Nungua, Nmai-Dzor, Baatsonaa, and Lashibi substations. By addressing system overloads, the project is expected to significantly reduce unplanned outages and strengthen the national grid's distribution capabilities.

To facilitate these essential upgrades, the ECG has announced a two-phased schedule of planned power outages. Phase one is set to take place from April 8 to April 10, 2026, affecting areas such as East Legon Hills, Nanakrom, School Junction, and the Lakeside communities. Phase two will follow from April 15 to April 17, 2026, impacting neighborhoods including Sakumono, Spintex, Community 18, and the Devtraco and HFC Estates. The outages will occur in rotating blocks of up to six hours. The ECG has committed to providing detailed communication via official channels to help residents and businesses plan accordingly, emphasizing that these temporary disruptions are necessary for long-term supply stability.

Parallel to these energy improvements, local economic development is taking center stage in the Ketu North Municipality. Reverend Martin Amenaki, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), alongside consultants from PPMC International, recently assessed three potential sites for a proposed 24-hour economy market. The project, which aims to create a model market with modern facilities, initially considered a six-acre site near a major road. However, following community feedback, officials are exploring the redevelopment of the existing central market. This shift has presented challenges, as the current site measures only 1.92 acres, while consultants led by Mr. Kwasi Aboagye indicate a minimum of two to three acres is required to house the planned facilities.

The search for a viable location in Ketu North continues, with a second site at Dzeshime also deemed inadequate at 1.98 acres. The consultants have requested detailed layout plans for all assessed sites to determine if adjustments can be made to accommodate the project's requirements on smaller plots or if the original six-acre proposal must be revisited. These infrastructure and commercial developments in both Accra and Ketu North underscore a broader national strategy to modernize trade environments and ensure the utility backbone can support a 24-hour economic cycle, ultimately fostering more resilient local and national economies.