The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) has postponed its scheduled pipeline maintenance by two weeks, providing a temporary reprieve from a potential power crisis in Ghana. This decision follows intense negotiations led by a technical committee established by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah to address the country’s looming energy challenges.
Initially planned to commence this week, the maintenance posed a significant threat to Ghana’s already strained electricity supply system. The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) had raised alarms about the dire consequences of the maintenance, warning that it could exacerbate ongoing fuel shortages for thermal power plants and lead to crippling power outages nationwide.
High-Stakes Negotiations to Prevent ‘Dumsor’
In a high-level meeting involving WAPCo, GRIDCo, and members of the technical committee, the potential fallout from the pipeline maintenance was critically assessed. Stakeholders expressed concerns over the resurgence of “Dumsor” (a local term for persistent power outages), which would disrupt businesses, households, and essential services across the country.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, WAPCo agreed to delay the maintenance to allow more time for Ghanaian authorities to secure alternative fuel sources and stabilize the national power grid.
Key Role of the Pipeline and Current Challenges
WAPCo’s pipeline is integral to the region’s energy supply, transporting natural gas from Nigeria to Ghana, Togo, and Benin. The maintenance is essential for the pipeline’s safety and operational efficiency but poses a significant challenge for Ghana, which relies heavily on gas to power its thermal plants.
Adding to the complexity, the country is facing a critical fuel shortage, with supplies of light crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) running low. This deficit has put immense pressure on the power sector, forcing the government to fast-track imports and implement contingency measures to maintain electricity supply.
Government’s Response and Next Steps
The government and relevant stakeholders are now working to expedite the delivery of additional fuel supplies to offset the impact of the maintenance when it eventually begins. Measures include the procurement of light crude oil and LNG to supplement the gas supply shortfall.
In the interim, authorities are also exploring ways to optimize power generation and distribution to minimize disruptions. The delayed maintenance offers a critical window to implement these measures and avoid plunging the nation back into a power crisis.
The decision to postpone maintenance reflects the collaborative efforts of WAPCo, GRIDCo, and government agencies to balance infrastructure needs with the immediate energy demands of the country. However, stakeholders caution that sustained efforts are required to prevent future occurrences of such crises and to build a resilient power sector.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson
