Parts of the Ashanti Region that were experiencing outages and low current supply are now set to enjoy a reliable power supply, following the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), under its Ashanti West operational zone, which has announced the installation of thirty-seven (37) new transformers.

The move forms part of the government’s efforts to enhance power supply within the Greater Kumasi Metropolis.

So far, the new transformers have been commissioned in various communities across the metropolis, including Ahinsan, Abuakwa, Adum, Danyame, Kokoben, Bibiani, Suame, and the Offinso District in the Ashanti Region.

Other beneficiary communities include the Trede SHS area, Kodie Apagya, Kayera, Nkwaie Pakala, Hemang, Bantama Race Course Market, Ampabame No. 2 Cemetery, Ntiribuoho, Pakyi No. 1, Brofoyedru, Ampatia Pentecost, Esaaso, Ehyen New Site, Agric Nzema, Otumfuo Last Stop, Bodwesango, Mpasatia, Buoho, Adiebeba, Apatrapa Endurance, Bronikrom, Asubonteng, Kokoso Assemblies of God Church area, and Edwenase near the Goil filling station, among others.

The upgrade in power supply capacity by the government transcends beyond replacing and adding more transformers to serve the growing populace, but also includes the extension of some high-tension and low-voltage lines, which will cost GH₵10,944,456.02.

Speaking during the commissioning of the transformers, the Regional General Manager for ECG Ashanti West, Ing. George Amoah, indicated that the transformers nearing full capacity had occasionally contributed to localised outages, including low voltage and phase outages.

“Every transformer has its capacity and the maximum electricity load it can carry. For instance, if the rating or size of a transformer is 200kVA and can carry a load of 267A, the electricity load should not exceed that capacity.

“Once we identified transformers reaching full capacity or operating above 70 per cent, we upgraded some from 100kVA to 200kVA, 200kVA to 315kVA, and in some locations commissioned two 315kVA transformers to meet the increasing demand,” he explained.

Also, ECG says to ensure the transformers are working effectively, routine checks on them are slated for day and night to assess the integrity of existing transformers and monitor load readings.

Regional Engineer for ECG Ashanti West, Ing. Emmanuel Osei Amoako, described the upgrade as a step in the right direction towards providing a reliable and quality power supply to support economic growth.

“Kumasi, and for that matter, the Ashanti Region, is growing at a faster rate with increasing demand. These new transformers will help meet the growing electricity demand in the areas where they were installed, while we continue to invest heavily in electricity infrastructure to improve power supply in the region,” he said.

Mr Osei Amoako continued that his outfit has replaced obsolete transformers with 36 distribution ones in areas including Twedie, Patasi Police Depot, Afia Kobi SHS, Denkyemuoso White House, and Ampabame Hills.

He added that ECG is also undertaking other projects across the region to improve service delivery.

“We have also received approval to install an additional 35 new distribution transformers to upgrade other transformers and distribution lines identified as reaching full capacity to improve power supply in the region,” he said.

Management of the company has cautioned the public against unlawful interference with ECG infrastructure and urged residents to report any suspected illegal activities affecting the company’s network.