‘It’s Not Dumsor’: Mahama Defends Power Outages as System Upgrade
Government rolls out 2,500 transformers nationwide as part of a phased plan to replace ageing infrastructure and ensure stable, long-term electricity supply.
- John Dramani Mahama says recent power cuts are part of planned works to improve supply
- Government is deploying thousands of new transformers to replace ageing
- Installations are underway in Tamale, Accra, and Tema, with expansion to Kumasi
President John Dramani Mahama has reassured Ghanaians that the recent power interruptions across parts of the country should not be mistaken for a return to the dreaded “dumsor,” but are instead part of a nationwide effort to improve electricity supply.
Speaking during an inspection of newly procured transformers for the Northern Electricity Distribution Company Limited (NEDCo), he explained that the temporary outages are necessary to replace ageing infrastructure and enhance the stability of power delivery.
According to the President, government has secured about 2,500 transformers to be distributed across the country to meet rising electricity demand and phase out outdated equipment. He noted that many existing transformers are overstretched due to rapid urban expansion, pointing to a 22-year-old transformer in Nungua-Lashibi that can no longer cope with current usage.
He further indicated that transformer replacements have not been done on a large scale in recent years, making the current intervention critical. He assured the public that communities will receive prior notice before any planned outages linked to installation works.
President Mahama also highlighted that a number of the transformers are locally produced, describing it as a positive step toward strengthening Ghana’s industrial sector.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, revealed that installation has already commenced in Tamale and other areas under NEDCo’s jurisdiction. He added that although NEDCo initially requested 400 transformers, government provided 500 to accelerate the upgrade.
He disclosed that similar projects are ongoing in Accra and Tema, with plans to extend to Kumasi in May, including the installation of substations and additional power cables.
The minister urged Ghanaians to remain patient, stressing that the exercise is designed to ensure long-term reliability in electricity supply. He noted that the first phase of the project will last three months, followed by additional phases spanning six months and one year to deliver sustained improvements in the power sector.
