Mahama: GRIDCo fire an opportunity to modernise Akosombo substation control room

President John Dramani Mahama has described the recent fire outbreak at the Akosombo Dam an opportunity for the country to modernise its key power infrastructure.

Speaking to workers of GRIDCo and Volta River Authority on Thursday, April 30, after visiting the Akosombo Dam to assess the impact of the fire outbreak which affected a substation operated by the Ghana Grid Company, the President said the incident has paved way for the construction of a more advanced control room capable of supporting the long-term operations of the Akosombo facility.

"So, they say an adversity is an opportunity. Because now that this adversity has happened, it gives us an opportunity to replace it with a more modern control room that will serve this Akosombo plant and let it work for more generations yet unborn," he said.

The President further commended GRIDCo and VRA for their dedication and commitment to restoring four power generation units following the incident.

He encouraged the workers to continue the good work and restore the remaining two turbines.

“And so, I told the minister I was coming here to see for myself the work you have done. He's briefed me. You have four of the turbines back on. And he says that you're working another miracle and that I'll get good news soon with the remaining two turbines also coming back on.

“So, I want to thank you very much for what you've done, and we encourage you to continue to work,” he stated.

The President assured GRIDCo and VRA of government’s support to help them restore power to most part of the country.

The President added that both institutions play a critical role in Ghana’s power sector and must continue to work closely to ensure reliable electricity supply.