Energy Minister Orders GRIDCo CEO to Step Aside After Akosombo Fire; ECG Ashanti Leadership Reshuffled

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has directed the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Grid Company to step aside pending investigations into a recent fire outbreak at the Akosombo power control centre.

The decision comes in the wake of a significant incident on Thursday, April 23, when a fire gutted part of the Akosombo substation switchyard, disrupting electricity transmission and affecting a critical portion of the country’s power infrastructure.

In a related development, the Minister has also ordered a major shake-up in the leadership of the Electricity Company of Ghana in the Ashanti Region. While details of the changes are yet to be fully disclosed, sources indicate the move is part of broader efforts to strengthen operational efficiency and accountability within the power distribution sector.

The fire incident has raised concerns about the resilience and maintenance of key energy infrastructure, as engineers and emergency teams continue to assess the extent of damage and work to restore full operations.

Authorities say investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the blaze, with early indications pointing to possible technical faults within the switchyard.

Meanwhile, the Ministry has announced that Hon. Jinapor will hold a major press briefing at 2:00 p.m. tomorrow to address the recent developments in electricity transmission and distribution, and to outline measures being taken to prevent future occurrences.

The incident at Akosombo underscores ongoing challenges within Ghana’s energy sector, as government intensifies efforts to ensure stable and reliable power supply across the country.