Ghana Upgrades Ahodwo‑Anwomaso 161 kV Transmission Line to Boost Kumasi Power Supply
The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, recently inspected the ongoing upgrade of the 161 kilovolt (kV) Ahodwo‑Anwomaso transmission line in the Ashanti Region. The project, led by the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), aims to more than triple the line’s capacity to meet rising electricity demand in Kumasi and support regional power exports.
Project Scope and Technical Details
The existing single‑circuit line, built decades ago, carries a rated capacity of 364 megawatts (MW) – equivalent to 364 megavolt‑ampere (MVA). GRIDCo is replacing the 19‑kilometre stretch with a dual‑circuit configuration rated at 2 × 488 MVA, which translates to an approximate capacity of 1,000 MW.
- Current line: 19 km, single circuit, 364 MVA (≈364 MW)
- Upgraded line: dual circuit, 2 × 488 MVA (≈1,000 MW)
- Transformer upgrade at Ahodwo substation: 66 MVA → 145 MVA
The transformer upgrade at the Kumasi (Ahodwo) substation will increase its rating from 66 MVA to 145 MVA, improving voltage stability and reducing the risk of overload during peak demand periods.
Impact on Kumasi and Regional Energy Security
Kumasi, Ghana’s second‑largest city, has experienced steady growth in industrial and residential electricity consumption. According to the Ghana Energy Commission, peak demand in the Ashanti Region surpassed 800 MW in 2023, nearing the limits of the existing transmission infrastructure.
By raising the line’s capacity to roughly 1,000 MW, the upgrade will:
- Accommodate projected load growth for the next 10‑15 years.
- Facilitate reliable power exports to neighbouring West African grids via the West African Power Pool (WAPP).
- Enhance grid resilience, reducing the likelihood of cascading outages during faults.
Energy analysts note that a stronger transmission backbone is essential for integrating renewable energy sources, such as the solar and wind projects slated for the northern sector of Ghana.
Construction Timeline and Planned Outages
GRIDCo announced that the final phase of construction will begin on Monday, 20 July 2026. During this period, some customers in Kumasi and surrounding communities may experience temporary, localized power outages to allow safe work on live conductors.
Dr. Jinapor emphasized that measures are in place to limit disruption:
“As we enter the final phase of construction… some customers may experience temporary and localized power outages to enable this important work to be carried out safely.”
“This temporary inconvenience is necessary to deliver a stronger and more reliable electricity grid to support the continued growth and development of Kumasi and the Ashanti region.”
Both GRIDCo and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have committed to restoring supply as quickly as possible and providing advance notices to affected consumers.
Statements from Officials
During the site visit, Dr. Jinapor urged residents and businesses to exercise patience:
“GRIDCo and ECG will make every effort to minimize disruptions and restore supplies as quickly as possible. I thank the people of Kumasi for their patience, understanding and continued support.”
Ing. Frank Otchere, CEO of GRIDCo, highlighted the strategic importance of the project:
“This upgrade aligns with Ghana’s National Energy Transition Plan, which seeks to modernise the transmission network, increase export capacity, and improve overall system reliability.”
Broader Context: Ghana’s Grid Modernisation Efforts
The Ahodwo‑Anwomaso upgrade forms part of a broader initiative to reinforce Ghana’s transmission infrastructure. Recent projects include:
- Reconductoring of the 330 kV Volta‑Akosombo line to increase transfer capability.
- Installation of static synchronous compensators (STATCOMs) at key substations to improve voltage control.
- Deployment of 55,000 solar home systems to decouple select government institutions from the national grid, as reported by the Ministry of Energy.
These measures collectively aim to achieve a more robust, flexible, and low‑carbon power system, supporting Ghana’s goal of universal electricity access by 2030 and its commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Continued investment in transmission capacity, coupled with demand‑side management and renewable integration, will be critical for sustaining economic growth in Kumasi and the wider Ashanti Region.
