By Ashiadey Dotse
Ghana is at risk of a power crisis as the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) is set to shut down for maintenance from January 20 to February 16, 2025.
A report by the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) reveals that the country needs around $90 million to buy alternative fuel to keep power plants running during this period.
The WAGP pipeline is an essential source of natural gas for power generation, especially in the Tema region, where many power plants rely heavily on it. The maintenance work will include cleaning (pigging) and valve replacements, requiring a full shutdown of gas supply.
GRIDCo has outlined measures to reduce the impact of the shutdown, including:
Rescheduling maintenance of power plants to avoid overlapping with the pipeline shutdown.
Using alternative fuels like light crude oil to power thermal plants.
Load shedding (power cuts) as a last resort to maintain grid stability.
The report stresses the urgent need to secure the necessary funds for alternative fuel. Without this funding, the country could face widespread power outages, affecting businesses, industries, and daily life.
The government is actively working to secure funds and put measures in place to prevent a major power crisis.
Below is the statement;
