The residents of Obuasi and New Edubiase were plunged into darkness following a fire at the Obuasi Substation on Wednesday, May 21st. The incident, which occurred at the GRIDCo bulk supply point (BSP), not only disrupted daily life but also underscored the critical need for resilient power infrastructure in the region. Authorities from the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have mobilized quickly, initiating technical assessments and repairs to restore the Obuasi power supply. The priority remains ensuring that communities and businesses can resume their activities without further delay.

The fire, which broke out at approximately 9:12 PM, halted electricity distribution to a significant portion of the Ashanti Region. According to officials, the damage affected key components of the BSP, which serves as a crucial link in the power supply chain. The incident highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the importance of robust maintenance and safety protocols.

The Obuasi Bulk Supply Point plays a pivotal role in the region’s power distribution network. It’s the point where ECG receives power from GRIDCo before distributing it to residential and commercial customers through a network of feeders and distribution lines. Benjamin Owusu Antwi, Public Relations Officer for ECG in the Ashanti West Unit, explained that a compromised BSP effectively prevents ECG from fulfilling its distribution duties. Without a functioning BSP, the entire downstream network is rendered inoperable.

In the immediate aftermath of the fire, GRIDCo engineers were dispatched to the site to assess the extent of the damage. These technical evaluations are essential to ascertain the integrity of the equipment before reconnecting customers to the national grid. The process involves a thorough examination of transformers, circuit breakers, and other vital components to prevent further complications during the restoration. ECG teams are also collaborating closely with GRIDCo to expedite the assessment and begin the necessary repairs.

GRIDCo and ECG are working to restore Obuasi power.

“As we speak, the GRIDCo engineers are on site assessing the extent of damage before they see what they can salvage to restore power supply to enable ECG to also distribute power,” stated Mr. Owusu Antwi.

While the full timeline for power restoration remains uncertain, engineers are working diligently to identify salvageable equipment and implement temporary solutions. The ECG’s sub-transmission team and the Asante South maintenance team are actively assisting with these efforts, aiming to bring power back to the affected areas as quickly and safely as possible.

Mr. Owusu Antwi extended an apology to residents and businesses impacted by the Obuasi power outage. He acknowledged the inconvenience and disruption caused by the incident, emphasizing that it was not a deliberate action but a consequence of unforeseen circumstances.

“We would want to apologise to our cherished customers that it’s as a result of this fire, not a deliberate action. Engineers are working assiduously to ensure power supply is restored.”

Looking ahead, investigations will likely be conducted to determine the root cause of the fire and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. While the immediate priority is on restoring power, ensuring the long-term reliability of the power infrastructure is equally important. This includes regular maintenance checks, upgrades to outdated equipment, and the implementation of stricter safety protocols.

The fire at the Obuasi Substation has underscored the importance of reliable power infrastructure for communities and businesses. GRIDCo and ECG are working to restore power and assess the damage. Residents and businesses are asked to remain patient as engineers work to safely and efficiently restore electricity. Further updates will be provided as the restoration progresses. The commitment aims to resolve Obuasi power concerns promptly.