Introduction: Navigating Planned Power Disruptions in Kumasi

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has initiated a series of scheduled power outages along the critical Ahodwo–Santasi corridor in Kumasi, sparking concern and frustration among residents and businesses. These planned electrical interruptions are not a sign of systemic failure but a necessary, albeit inconvenient, step to support the ongoing dual carriageway construction project. While the utility company announced a commencement date of February 17, reports indicate that some areas experienced unplanned blackouts the evening prior, highlighting the complex and often unpredictable nature of major infrastructure relocation projects. This article provides a detailed, SEO-friendly breakdown of the situation, moving beyond the news headlines to offer pedagogical insight into the reasons behind the outages, ECG’s communication strategy, the technical work involved, and comprehensive advice for affected consumers. Our goal is to foster understanding, equip residents with practical knowledge, and clarify the path toward a more reliable power supply in this key part of Ghana’s second-largest city.

Key Points: Quick Reference for Affected Residents

To immediately address the core concerns arising from the Ahodwo–Santasi energy outages, here are the essential takeaways:

• Cause: The scheduled load shedding is mandated by the need to relocate high-tension and low-voltage electrical poles to accommodate the Ahodwo–Santasi road expansion project.
• Scope: Interruptions are targeted along the construction stretch but may occasionally impact adjacent areas due to grid interdependencies.
• Duration: Outages are expected to be temporary and time-bound, though exact daily schedules may vary. No definitive completion date for the entire relocation has been published.
• Communication: ECG is utilizing multiple channels—social media, the ECG Power App, WhatsApp, and public address systems—to provide advance notice and daily updates.
• Meter Management: For structures slated for demolition, ECG teams will professionally remove and later reinstall meters, ensuring customers retain their existing electricity credit.
• Public Appeal: ECG officials are urging calm and patience from consumers, emphasizing that the short-term disruption is essential for long-term infrastructure stability and safety.

Background: The Intersection of Road and Power Infrastructure

The Ahodwo–Santasi Dual Carriageway Project

The Ahodwo–Santasi stretch is a vital arterial road in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital. The government-led project to expand it into a dual carriageway aims to alleviate chronic traffic congestion, improve economic activity, and enhance urban mobility. Such large-scale civil works inevitably intersect with existing utility infrastructure. Power lines, whether mounted on wooden or concrete poles, often follow road corridors for logistical and safety reasons. Therefore, road widening or realignment frequently necessitates the relocation of electrical infrastructure.

ECG’s Mandate and the PURC Regulatory Framework

The Electricity Company of Ghana, as the primary distribution utility, operates under the regulatory oversight of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC). PURC guidelines mandate that utilities provide reasonable advance notice to customers for planned outages that will significantly impact supply. This notice period allows consumers—both residential and commercial—to make alternative arrangements. The current operation by ECG, as stated by its Ashanti West Public Relations Officer, is being conducted “in line with PURC regulations,” indicating a structured approach to customer communication, even if initial execution faced some challenges.

Historical Context of Power Supply in Ghana

Ghana’s power sector has made significant strides since the “dumsor” (chronic power outages) era of the early 2010s. However, the grid still faces pressures from growing demand, aging infrastructure in some areas, and the need for constant maintenance and upgrades. Scheduled maintenance outages are a standard, globally accepted practice for utility companies to perform essential work safely and efficiently. The Ahodwo–Santasi intervention falls into this category—a pre-emptive measure to integrate the power network with the new road layout, preventing more frequent and dangerous faults in the future.

Analysis: Deconstructing the Outage Events and Response

Why Outages Occurred Before the Announced Date

Resident reports of power cuts the night before February 17 in areas not initially scheduled are a critical detail. This suggests a few possibilities, all common in complex utility projects:

1. Preparatory Work: Teams may have needed to de-energize sections of the grid a day early to safely perform preliminary tasks, such as installing temporary supports or beginning the pole removal process at key junctions.
2. Grid Interdependencies: The electrical grid is an interconnected web. Isolating one section for work can sometimes cause unexpected voltage fluctuations or faults in neighboring feeders, leading to unplanned trips and outages.
3. Communication Lag: There might have been a gap between the field teams’ operational schedule and the final public communication plan, resulting in some areas being affected before the official announcement was fully disseminated.

These factors underscore the inherent difficulty in perfectly synchronizing large-scale field operations with precise public notifications. ECG’s subsequent call for “calm” is a standard PR tactic to manage expectations during such teething issues.

The Human and Economic Impact: Voices from the Affected

The anecdotes from residents paint a vivid picture of the disruption’s tangible effects:

• Domestic Inconvenience: Loss of lighting, increased indoor heat (a major issue in tropical climates without fans or AC), and sleep deprivation.
• Small Business Disruption: The testimony of the wig maker is particularly significant. It highlights how power interruptions directly halt revenue-generating activities for micro-entrepreneurs who rely on electrically-powered tools (dryers, curling irons, sewing machines). For them, an hour of outage is a direct loss of income and potential customer trust.
• Psychological Strain: The quoted phrase, “Sometimes we sleep until the afternoon,” points to the disruption of daily routines and the stress of uncertainty.

This human element is what utility companies must weigh against the long-term public good of improved infrastructure. Effective communication is not just about announcing dates; it’s about acknowledging these impacts and providing solutions.

ECG’s Communication Strategy: A Multi-Channel Approach

ECG’s described strategy is comprehensive and aligns with modern best practices for utility customer engagement:

• Digital First: Leveraging social media (Facebook, Twitter/X) and a dedicated WhatsApp channel allows for instant, wide-reaching updates.
• Dedicated App: The ECG Power App can provide personalized notifications based on the user’s location, a highly efficient method.
• Grassroots Tactics: Using public announcement systems (trotro, community centers) is crucial for reaching demographics with limited internet access, ensuring inclusivity.
• District Teams: Empowering local field officers fosters community trust and allows for hyper-localized information sharing.

The stated intent to “minimise the impact” and provide “ample time to plan” is key. The success of this plan will be judged by customers on the timeliness, accuracy, and specificity of the updates they receive.

Technical Nuance: The Pole Relocation Process

The core technical work involves:

1. Survey and Design: Engineers determine the new pole positions that align with the road design while maintaining safe clearances and optimal grid configuration.
2. De-energization: The specific circuit is safely switched off from the grid.
3. Dismantling and Removal: Old poles are carefully taken down. This is labor-intensive and requires coordination to avoid damaging other lines.
4. Foundation and Erection: New holes are dug, concrete poured, and new poles (often steel or concrete for durability) are erected.
5. Stringing and Re-connection: New conductors (wires) are strung, and all connections are made. The line is then re-energized and tested.

Each of these steps must be done meticulously to ensure long-term reliability and safety, explaining why the process, even when planned, takes considerable time and causes the scheduled blackouts.

Practical Advice: How to Cope with the Scheduled Power Outages

For residents and business owners in the affected zones, proactive planning can significantly mitigate the inconvenience. Here is actionable advice:

Before the Outage:

• Confirm Your Area: Regularly check ECG’s official channels (Power App, WhatsApp, social media) for the specific daily outage schedule for your exact neighborhood. Schedules may change.
• Charge All Devices: Ensure mobile phones, power banks, laptops, and tablets are fully charged during hours with power.
• Prepare Lighting: Have flashlights, headlamps, or lanterns ready. Avoid using candles due to fire risk.
• Protect Appliances: Unplug sensitive electronics (computers, TVs, refrigerators) during the outage to protect them from power surges when electricity returns. Use surge protectors.
• Plan for Essentials: If you use an electric pump for water, store water in containers. If you cook with electric appliances, consider alternative cooking methods (gas, charcoal) if safe and feasible.
• For Business Owners: Schedule power-intensive tasks (like the wig maker’s drying process) for outside outage hours. If possible, invest in an inverter or generator for critical operations. Inform clients about potential delays.
• Cashless Transactions: Since electronic payment systems (mobile money, card machines) may fail, have some cash on hand for small purchases.

During the Outage:

• Preserve Food: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. A full freezer will keep food frozen for about 48 hours if unopened.
• Stay Cool: Use battery-powered fans. Stay hydrated. Wet towels can provide temporary cooling.
• Safety First: Never use a generator indoors or in poorly ventilated areas due to carbon monoxide poisoning risk. Follow all manufacturer safety instructions.
• Stay Informed: Listen to the radio or check ECG’s channels for updates on restoration progress.

If Your Meter is Scheduled for Removal:

• Do Not Remove It Yourself: Heed ECG’s warning. Self-removal invalidates your connection and complicates the process.
• Be Present: If possible, be at home when the ECG team arrives to witness the meter reading and removal. Ensure they document the final reading.
• Get Documentation: Request a written receipt or note confirming the meter number, final reading, and that your credit will be transferred. This is your proof.
• Reconnection: Confirm the process and timeline for reinstallation with the team. Your electricity credit (units) should be fully restored upon reconnection.