The Africa Sustainable Energy Centre (ASEC) has called on the government to urgently address vulnerabilities in the nation’s power infrastructure and procurement processes.
This follows recent storm-induced power outages and the disappearance of over 1,300 containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) at Tema Port.
In a statement signed by its Director of Research, Dr. Elvis Twumasi, the think-tank said the recent blackouts, caused by intense storms, have exposed weaknesses in the domestic electricity grid, including ageing transformers and poorly maintained power lines.
This has left businesses, homes, and hospitals without power, highlighting the need for urgent infrastructure reinforcement to ensure resilience against extreme weather events.
At the same time, he lamented that the loss of ECG’s electrical equipment, including essential cables and components for critical power projects, threatens to delay vital upgrades and exacerbate the country’s already fragile energy supply.
ASEC calls for immediate action, including:
Power infrastructure reforms:
- Upgrade power lines – Transition from overhead to underground systems where feasible to enhance resilience. Where overhead power lines cannot be buried, strengthen infrastructure with wind-resistant poles and cross-arms.
- Modernise substations and transformers – Replace outdated equipment to improve reliability and prevent failures during peak demand periods.
- Integrate smart grid technology – Deploy advanced monitoring systems to detect faults in real time and improve response efforts.
- Invest in renewable energy – Expand the use of solar, wind, and other sustainable energy sources to diversify Ghana’s energy mix and reduce reliance on ageing thermal plants.
Procurement and governance reforms:
- Forensic audit & investigation – Conduct an independent forensic audit of ECG’s supply chain and Tema Port’s operations to determine how the 1,300 containers went missing. Those responsible must be identified and held accountable.
- Enhanced security & tracking systems – Implement real-time digital tracking of ECG shipments, including GPS-enabled container monitoring, tamper-proof seals, and automated inventory systems to prevent unauthorised clearance.
- Strengthened oversight & accountability – Establish a multi-agency task force comprising the Ministry of Energy, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, ECG, and law enforcement agencies to oversee the clearance and delivery of critical infrastructure shipments. Strict penalties should be enforced for non-compliance.
- Public procurement & transparency reforms – Mandate greater transparency in ECG’s procurement and port clearance processes, including public disclosure of shipping manifests, third-party audits, and independent clearing agents to minimise the risk of fraud and mismanagement.
ASEC warns that inaction will worsen Ghana’s energy crisis, hinder economic growth, and disrupt daily life for millions.
The centre urges the government to act swiftly, encourage private sector involvement, and allocate dedicated funding for energy infrastructure projects to secure a stable, sustainable power supply for Ghana’s future.
