The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have announced that the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) has commenced major maintenance work on its gas pipeline, which transports natural gas from Nigeria to Ghana. The maintenance, scheduled to run from February 5 to March 2, 2025, is essential for ensuring the integrity and reliability of the pipeline.
In a statement released by WAPCo, the company outlined that the work involves cleaning the pipeline—known as “Pigging”—and replacing critical subsea equipment. During this period, gas supply to thermal plants in Tema and reverse gas flow from Takoradi to Tema will be temporarily halted.
The suspension of gas supply means that thermal power plants in Tema, which rely on natural gas, will not operate. To mitigate the impact on Ghana’s electricity supply, the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, in collaboration with key energy sector stakeholders, has procured substantial volumes of liquid fuel for power plants capable of switching to alternative fuels. This strategy aims to maintain stable electricity generation during the maintenance period.
GRIDCo and other energy sector partners are working tirelessly to minimize disruptions to power supply. “We assure the public that all necessary measures are being taken to address any potential challenges arising from the maintenance,” the statement said.
The Ministry and other stakeholders have urged the public to cooperate and conserve electricity where possible, as these measures are part of a coordinated effort to ensure smooth power delivery throughout the maintenance period.
This maintenance activity underscores WAPCo’s commitment to maintaining high operational standards and ensuring the long-term reliability of the West African Gas Pipeline, which is vital for energy security in the region.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson
