Following the completion of the inspection visit at Nayagnia, the SONABEL Delegation continued their working visit to Accra. Led by Mr. Souleymane Ouedrago, the Director General, (DG), they undertook several engagements with other energy entities.
On Friday, 14th February, GRIDCo’s Management Team, led by the Acting Chief Executive, (Ag. CE), Ing. Mark Baah, hosted the delegation at its Tema Office to discuss progress on the phase shifting transformer installation works, electricity supply in 2024 to SONABEL and a look ahead into projections for 2025 and 2026.
On behalf of Management, Ing. Mark Baah welcomed the delegation, whilst Ing. Francis Arthur, Director of Engineering, provided additional insights into the transformer installation works, the complexities associated with the works and timelines.
On the electricity supply updates from GRIDCo to SONABEL, Mr. Aristide Ouedraogo, Director of Energy Production, Transport and Movement, who provided the update informed the meeting that there was an 11 percent (11%) increase in supply from 2023 to 2024. He further indicated that SONABEL will need more power to be supplied in 2026, particularly during peak periods.
Importantly, SONABEL’s DG, enquired if any effort could be made to increase the current level of power supply, because of the upcoming Pan African Film Festival (FESPACO), scheduled for 22nd February to 1st March, 2025. Acting Deputy Chief Executive, (Ag. DCE), Ing. Frank Otchere explained that, with the ongoing pigging works at the West Africa Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) some power plants have not been operating, hence the impact on export load thereby making the current supply situation tight. Ag. DCE, reassured the SONABEL Delegation that, once the pipeline cleaning works are completed by early March 2025, supply will improve.
Meanwhile, SONABEL indicated that it will need more power supplied for its peak period from March till June, 2025. The Ag. CE urged that the Technical Sub-Committee meeting deliberates on the request further.
Director, Legal, Mrs. Monica Senanu also provided updates on the procurement of Static Vars Compensators [(SVCs) – a device used to maintain voltage stability, reduce power losses, and improve system efficiency)], while the SONABEL DG also shared his perspective. Based on discussions, the GRIDCo and SONABEL Teams agreed on a process to expedite action on securing the SVCs.
GRIDCo also informed SONABEL that it is working to keep the transmission lines cleared to reduce power trips due to vegetation interference. Director, Land Management, Ing. Bismark Anane reassured the meeting that bull dozing work and slashing is done where necessary and there are constant patrols to keep the Right of Way, (RoW), clear.
Since the meeting took place on Friday 14th February, a day celebrated as National Chocolate Day in Ghana, GRIDCo’s Management presented boxes of locally made Golden Tree Chocolate to the SONABEL DG and his team to demonstrate good neighbourliness. SONABEL’s DG, Mr. Souleymane, expressed appreciation for GRIDCo’s support for his country. He emphasised the importance of the special friendship between both entities, which must be maintained for a very long time.