The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced that on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, it will carry out extensive planned maintenance works in five regions. This nationwide exercise forms part of ECG’s long‑term efforts to strengthen the reliability of electricity supply, modernize equipment, and prepare the grid for future expansion.
The announcement, which came through multiple notices and was first highlighted on Friday, July 18, has significant implications for both residential and commercial consumers. ECG explained that while these works are routine, they are critical to improving network efficiency and reducing unexpected outages in the long term. However, they come with temporary inconveniences as dozens of communities will experience power cuts between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm on the scheduled day.
Why Planned Maintenance Is Necessary
Planned maintenance is not new in Ghana’s power sector. ECG, as the distributor of electricity in most urban areas, periodically inspects and upgrades transformers, replaces worn‑out conductors, strengthens distribution poles, and undertakes vegetation management around power lines. Without such proactive measures, the distribution network can become overloaded, resulting in unplanned blackouts, electrical fires, or equipment damage.
According to ECG’s statement, the maintenance works on July 22 are particularly focused on switchgear upgrades, transformer replacements, and line optimization. These activities cannot be performed safely with live current flowing through the lines. Hence, outages are unavoidable during the hours of work.
Affected Regions and Timelines
ECG’s regional offices have released detailed schedules indicating where and when the outages will occur. Let us look at them region by region:
1. Eastern Region
Outage Time: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Areas Affected:
• Asesewa Township
• Bukonor
• Sekesua
• Anyamoni
• Dana
• Akateng
• Nearby surrounding communities
The Eastern Region’s outage window is relatively shorter, ending at 1 pm. Officials explained that crews will be working on feeder lines that have recorded frequent tripping incidents in recent months. Upgrading insulators and strengthening transformers in these towns are expected to reduce these occurrences.
2. Greater Accra Region
Outage Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Areas Affected:
• Agbogba
• North Legon
• DVLA Bohye
• East Legon
• American House
• A&C Mall vicinity
• Ghana Link
• Legon Avenue
• Ambassadorial Enclave
• Mandela
• SCC
• Sunny Coast
• Korkordjor
• Kinshasha
• Gbawe Gonse
• Joma Agbozome
• Shiabu
• Gbegbeyise Beach Road and nearby locations
Greater Accra, being the most densely populated region, will experience one of the longest scheduled outages. Many of these areas are high‑demand urban zones, and ECG says the upgrades here are part of a wider modernization drive. Some transformers serving these enclaves are over a decade old and need replacement to match current load growth.
3. Volta Region
Outage Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Areas Affected:
• Hodzo and surrounding communities
In Hodzo and its environs, ECG teams will focus on replacing aging poles and installing lightning arrestors. These steps are crucial for safeguarding the network against heavy rains and storms that often affect the region during mid‑year.
4. Ashanti Region
Outage Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Areas Affected:
Parts of Kumasi and Offinso, including:
Barekese Headworks, Kronum Cement, Heman, Amoaman, Netia, Asuofua, CONSAR Quarry, Adankwame, Adugama, Naachia Quarry, Barekese Town, Abira, Offinso, Namong, Kayera, Tutuase, Nsuotam, Kyerekrom, Boamang, Tetrem, Habitat, Ahenkro, Kwamang, Kodie, Akrofrom, Aduman, Aduamoah, Denase, Pampatia, KCG Company and nearby communities.
This extensive list shows that the works in Ashanti Region are far‑reaching, particularly in peri‑urban communities. Many of these areas have been expanding rapidly due to Kumasi’s urban sprawl, creating a pressing need for network reinforcement.
5. (Additional regions as per ECG’s operational zones)
Although the main notices highlighted Eastern, Greater Accra, Volta, and Ashanti Regions, ECG hinted that smaller pockets in other operational areas might also experience short outages depending on the progress of work. Residents are therefore encouraged to stay alert and follow ECG updates closely.
Advice to Consumers
ECG has issued several guidelines to help residents and businesses cope with the scheduled power interruptions:
1. Switch Off Sensitive Appliances:
Turn off and unplug electrical gadgets such as televisions, refrigerators, computers, and air conditioners before the outage period. This prevents possible damage from power surges when supply is restored.
2. Plan Ahead for Essential Needs:
Residents should charge rechargeable lamps, phones, and backup devices in advance. Businesses that depend heavily on power may need to schedule alternative supply options such as generators.
3. Follow Official Channels for Updates:
ECG emphasized that customers should rely only on its official website (www.ecg.com.gh) and verified social media accounts for announcements. False rumors often circulate during such events, so customers are advised to cross‑check information.
4. Be Safety Conscious:
Avoid tampering with electrical installations or attempting to reconnect power illegally during the outage. ECG teams will be working on high‑voltage lines, and interference can lead to accidents.
Why This Matters for the Future
Although planned outages can be inconvenient, they are part of ECG’s broader agenda to make electricity supply more reliable. Ghana’s rapid urbanization and industrial growth have placed immense demand on the grid. Without regular maintenance, the system would experience frequent faults and unpredictable blackouts.
Experts point out that such upgrades can also reduce technical losses—the percentage of electricity lost in transmission and distribution due to outdated infrastructure. By replacing old lines and installing modern equipment, ECG not only improves service quality but also saves costs in the long run.
Furthermore, these maintenance exercises are aligned with government policies to digitize and automate aspects of the electricity network. Future initiatives such as smart metering and real-time outage reporting require a solid and stable backbone, which is what these upgrades aim to create.
Customer Reactions
While many customers expressed frustration over losing power during work hours, others appreciated the transparency in ECG’s announcements. A shop owner at East Legon said, “At least they told us ahead of time. We can plan to use our generator and avoid spoilt goods.â€
In the Ashanti Region, some community leaders welcomed the news, citing repeated power fluctuations in recent months. “If they are truly fixing the lines, then we are happy to endure a few hours without power for long-term stability,†said a resident of Barekese.
Looking Ahead
ECG has assured customers that its teams will work diligently to complete the tasks within the stipulated time frames. However, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions could affect the schedule. Customers are therefore urged to remain patient and stay updated through official communications.
As Ghana continues to invest in energy infrastructure, periodic maintenance like this is a necessary step toward a future with fewer outages and more reliable electricity. For now, residents in the affected regions should take note of the specific hours, prepare accordingly, and cooperate with ECG teams on the ground.
“ECG regrets the inconvenience that will arise out of this exercise,†the company reiterated in its notices, underscoring its commitment to improving power delivery for all Ghanaians.
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If you’d like, I can also help craft regional-specific notices, create reminder schedules, or even design flyers summarizing affected areas. Let me know!
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