The Control Room of Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) at Choggu in Tamale of the Northern Region has been gutted by fire, leading to a total power outage in the region.
The incident which occurred around 7:00pm Monday evening, saw most of the equipment in the control room destroyed after being razed down by fire. As a result, several communities in the Tamale Metropolis are likely to be in darkness for some time.
Corporate Communications Manager for the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDco) Mr. Maxwell Kotoka said that the incident was unfortunate and called for residents to remain calm as they seek a solution to the power outage.
According to him, plans are also underway to replace the damaged gadgets as a matter of urgency.
“Meanwhile we are trying to break some of the lines from the 34 kV which is supplying the Tamale Teaching Hospital, the Ghana Water Company and other emergency offices,” he stated.
He apologised to the affected residents for the inconvenience and assured them that they are working urgently to restore power within the shortest possible time.
The cause of the fire is still unknown but authorities from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) have begun investigations into the matter. The fire was brought under control with the swift intervention of the GNFS to prevent any further damage to property in the area.
Meanwhile, efforts have been made by the Volta River Authority (VRA) to restore power in certain parts of the Metropolis while the repair works are being conducted.
However, a source close to the B&FT indicated that the power outage is likely to last for the rest of this week as repair works are being carried out.
