The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) has announced the commencement of its offshore pipeline maintenance exercise, commonly referred to as "pigging," scheduled for February 3.

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The maintenance work aims to prevent a potential power crisis by ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP).

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The four-week offshore pigging exercise, initially planned for January 20, was rescheduled to accommodate key stakeholders' interests. The activity will result in the temporary suspension of reverse gas flow from Ghana’s Western Region to Tema and the shutdown of critical facilities in Tema, Ghana, Lomé, Togo, and Cotonou, Benin.

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As part of the maintenance, WAPCo will replace subsea valves in these strategic locations to enhance operational safety and pipeline efficiency. The exercise is a regulatory requirement and aligns with global industry standards for pipeline integrity management.

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WAPCo clarified that the maintenance will occur in two phases. The first phase, completed in December 2024, involved cleaning and inspecting the onshore section of the pipeline in Nigeria. The second phase, scheduled from February 3 to March 2, 2025, will focus on the offshore pipeline segment stretching from Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria, to Takoradi in Ghana's Western Region.

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The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has expressed concerns about a possible power crisis, commonly referred to as 'dumsor,' due to a looming fuel shortage linked to the maintenance activity. GRIDCo, in a recent report, cautioned that the pipeline shutdown could significantly impact Ghana's power generation capacity.

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"The exercise, originally planned for October 2024 but rescheduled at the Ministry of Energy's request, will lead to a significant reduction in natural gas supply," GRIDCo noted in its report.

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WAPCo has emphasized that the maintenance work is essential for the long-term reliability and safety of the WAGP and is part of a routine inspection conducted every five years. The company reassured the public that it remains committed to minimizing disruptions while ensuring a secure energy supply across the region.

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