Electricity Company of Ghana Completes Transformer Upgrade at Ridge BSP Ahead of Schedule
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) announced that the replacement of power transformers at the Ridge Bulk Supply Point (BSP) in the Ashanti Region has been finished several months before the originally planned deadline. The upgrade, which forms part of ECG’s broader infrastructure modernization programme, aims to improve the reliability and quality of electricity supply for households, businesses, and industrial customers in the region.
MD Ing. Julius Kwame Kpekpena Highlights Ministerial Support and Project Timeline
Speaking during a joint site visit with the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Ing. Julius Kwame Kpekpena – Managing Director of ECG – emphasized that the accelerated completion was made possible through close collaboration with the Ministry.
“I assure our stakeholders that ECG is on track to complete the promised works in the region within three to six months,” said Ing. Kpekpena. He noted that the Ridge BSP transformer swap was executed under an accelerated work schedule, allowing the utility to avoid potential service disruptions that often accompany prolonged outages.
The Acting Managing Director also pointed out that the project involved the removal of two ageing 15 MVA transformers and their replacement with newer, higher‑efficiency units rated at 20 MVA each. According to technical specifications shared by ECG, the new units reduce losses by approximately 12 % and are equipped with advanced monitoring systems that enable real‑time fault detection.
Broader Impact on Power Supply in Ashanti Region
The Ridge BSP serves as a critical node linking the national transmission network to distribution feeders that supply Kumasi, Obuasi, and surrounding districts. By upgrading the transformers, ECG expects to:
- Increase the firm capacity of the substation by roughly 30 %, reducing the likelihood of overload during peak demand periods.
- Improve voltage regulation, thereby decreasing the incidence of flicker and equipment damage for sensitive industrial loads.
- Shorten restoration times after faults, thanks to the integrated diagnostic capabilities of the new transformers.
These improvements align with the government’s broader objective of achieving a stable and reliable power supply as outlined in the National Energy Policy 2022‑2030.
Future Projects and Continued Ministerial Partnership
Ing. Kpekpena reiterated that ECG’s work in Ashanti does not end with the Ridge BSP upgrade. The utility is simultaneously advancing several other initiatives, including:
- The rehabilitation of 11 kV feeders in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area to reduce technical losses.
- Deployment of smart metering pilots in selected districts to enhance revenue collection and customer engagement.
- Installation of additional capacitor banks at key substations to improve power factor and further lower line losses.
He praised Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor for his consistent support and affirmed that ECG will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition to deliver on its service‑delivery commitments.
Commitment to Transparency and Stakeholder Engagement
ECG has pledged to keep customers informed about ongoing works through regular updates on its official website, social media channels, and community outreach programmes. By maintaining open lines of communication, the utility aims to build trust and demonstrate accountability — key components of the E‑E‑A‑T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) framework that guides credible public‑sector reporting.
As the Ashanti Region continues to experience growth in both residential and commercial sectors, timely investments such as the Ridge BSP transformer replacement play a vital role in safeguarding the quality of life and supporting economic development across Ghana’s southern power corridor.
