Ghana is expected to experience a nationwide power outage on Sunday, July 13, due to scheduled maintenance works by gas suppliers, ENI. This was confirmed by the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, during an event marking the reconstruction of the 161kV Anwomaso to Kumasi transmission line on July 8.
The planned outage, according to the Minister, will result from a temporary shutdown of ENI’s gas valves to allow for crucial rehabilitation works aimed at boosting gas output for the country’s power plants.
“This Sunday, July 13, ENI will turn off its valves temporarily to increase gas production to about 270 million standard cubic feet,” Mr. Jinapor announced. “It means that we are stabilising the energy sector.”
He noted that the maintenance will take a few hours, during which time power interruptions are likely to occur in various parts of the country. However, he stressed that the inconvenience will be short-lived and necessary to ensure long-term improvements in gas supply.
“Because the plant will be turned off for a short period within the day for maintenance works, we are likely to experience some interruption of power. It is for a good purpose,” he said.
Mr. Jinapor further explained that a decision had been made not to operate thermal plants on liquid fuel during the brief shutdown, citing technical reasons and engineering advice.
“Based on the advice from engineers, I have directed that we do not attempt to run those plants on liquid fuel for that short period. It involves changing nozzles, it involves a lot of work, and so if we are going off for about four to six hours, you don’t risk transitioning to liquid fuel only to come back to gas,” he clarified.
The Energy Minister reassured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to minimise the impact of the outage and maintain overall grid stability.
In a related development, Mr. Jinapor revealed that ENI has made a new oil discovery in Ghana, while Tullow Oil has pledged continued investment in the country’s upstream petroleum sector—a sign of renewed confidence in Ghana’s energy potential.
