ECG moves to fix low voltage in Enchi, Mpohor with over GH¢4.2m projects

By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is rolling out targeted interventions worth over GH¢4.2million to address persistent low voltage and reliability challenges at Enchi and Mpohor in the Western North and Western Regions.

Acting Managing Director of ECG, Ing. Kwame Kpekpena, explained that the interventions are aimed at improving power quality and stabilising supply in the affected communities.

At Enchi, he said ECG has awarded a GH¢2,040,853.43 contract to Messrs Possible Power Limited to reinstate a 10-kilometre 33kV link between Enchi and Dadieso, which will be fed from the new Juaboso Bulk Supply Point (BSP).

He clarified that once completed, the total feeder length from the Juaboso BSP to Enchi will be about 89 kilometres – a significant improvement compared to the current supply arrangement.

The Enchi District, he said, is presently served by a 33kV feeder from Esiama, stretching approximately 147 kilometres, making it highly prone to voltage drops and frequent supply challenges.

An alternative feeder from Bogoso, measuring about 122 kilometres, has also proven unsuitable due to low voltage conditions caused by overloading on a Ghana Grid Company transformer at Bogoso.

Ing. Kpekpena said the ongoing works involve the installation of 29 treated poles, stringing of over 21 kilometres of conductor, installation of a 33kV GIS load isolator and vegetation clearing across 7.3 kilometres of dense forest.

“All materials have been delivered to site, but work is awaiting final approval from the Forestry Commission to proceed within the forest reserve,” he noted.

He added that stakeholder engagements are ongoing, while interim vegetation control measures are being undertaken to provide some immediate relief to consumers.

At Mpohor, Ing. Kpekpena said power supply challenges stem largely from an incomplete network upgrade project initiated in 2016.

He noted that the upgrade of Feeder C07 from 11kV to 33kV is about 70 percent complete, with noticeable improvements already recorded in sections that have been upgraded.

However, he said the remaining 30 percent, mainly transformer upgrades, remain critical to achieving full network optimisation.

To address this, he pointed out that ECG is investing GH¢2,163,192.15 to procure 18 additional 33kV distribution transformers and four metring cubicles as a medium-term measure.

He added that as a long-term intervention, the company plans to construct about four kilometres of an alternative 33kV line to reduce feeder length, enhance fault management and improve operational flexibility.

Ing. Kpekpena disclosed that illegal mining activities, commonly known as ‘galamsey’, pose risks to power infrastructure within the Mpohor corridor.

“In the short term, ECG is conducting targeted risk assessments to manage hazards created by illegal mining activities. We are engaging local authorities, traditional leaders and security agencies to ensure safe access to the network,” he said.

He concluded that the company is intensifying public education on the dangers illegal mining poses to electricity infrastructure and public safety.

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