A lack of supply from Nigeria is projected to cause blackouts in some areas of Ghana to persist for at least three more weeks. A brief stoppage for maintenance at an undisclosed Nigerian gas supplier was the cause, according to a statement from the state electricity company.
Ghana’s thermal power plants, which are essential for producing electricity throughout the nation, are primarily fueled by natural gas imported from Nigeria. This dependence is a component of a larger framework for energy cooperation in the West African region, where nations endowed with natural resources—like gas or hydroelectric power—frequently export to those with lower reserves or capability. Nigeria, one of the continent’s biggest producers of natural gas, is essential to the provision of gas to Ghana and other neighboring countries. However, countries like Ghana may find it difficult to meet their domestic electrical needs if there are disruptions or reductions in the gas supply from Nigeria.
Ghanaians have endured years of regular power shortages and they even have their own nickname – “dumsor” – which means “on and off” in the Akan language.
The gas reduction, which began on Wednesday, is due to maintenance work by a gas supplier in Nigeria. This has led to a decrease in power generation capacity across Ghana.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) declared on Thursday that load shedding will be required in order to effectively manage the distribution of electricity.
“The reduction in gas supply is due to maintenance works being undertaken by a gas supplier in Nigeria and is projected to last three weeks,” it added.
On Wednesday, West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) revealed that it was experiencing a decline in the volume of gas available for transportation as a result of one of its producers in Nigeria shutting down its facility for maintenance.
This reduction in gas availability has had a knock-on effect on customers in Togo, Benin, and Ghana, who are experiencing decreased gas supplies transported by WAPCo.
“The current situation is entirely out of WAPCo’s control,” the regional power utility added.
“We expect normalcy to return after the maintenance activities.”
ECG has assured the public that it is working collaboratively with other key stakeholders in the power sector to make the most of available resources, thereby minimizing the impact on consumers during the gas shortage period.
It comes barely two months after President Nana Akufo-Addo curtailed the export of electricity to neighbouring Togo, Burkina Faso and Benin in response to local supply challenges.
The news that Ghana would have a three-week power outage owing to a decrease in gas supplies from Nigeria highlights the difficult tasks that nations must do in order to guarantee a steady and dependable supply of electricity. Even though they cause short-term disturbances, these kinds of actions are occasionally required to properly manage energy resources and avoid more serious system disruptions. It will be crucial for Ghana to make steps to diversify its energy sources, improve its domestic production capacity, and fortify regional energy cooperation as it moves through this phase. These programs not only assist economic growth, enhance energy security and sustainability, but also
