Big Dumsor Hits Ghana as Fire Breaks Out at Akosombo Power House, GRIDCo Shares Plan
- A major fire incident at the Akosombo dam disrupts power supply across parts of Ghana
- Emergency teams, including the Ghana National Fire Service, responded swiftly to contain the fire
- In a statement, GRIDCo has assured the public of efforts to restore power and minimise disruption
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Parts of Ghana have been hit with power outages following a fire incident at the Akosombo Dam power house.
Source: Facebook
The fire incident, which affected GRIDCo's Substation Switchyard in Akosombo, disrupted operations, leading to power cuts.
The fire is reported to have broken out around 2:01 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026, prompting an immediate response from emergency teams.
Woezor TV shared a video of the emergency response teams led by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), on site, doing everything possible to contain the situation and prevent further damage.
In the video, thick smoke is seen coming out of one of the buildings, while fire personnel try to bring it under control.
Watch the Facebook video below:
Authorities say assessments are ongoing, and further details will be provided as the situation develops.
A statement released by Ghana Grid Company Ltd (GRIDCo) indicated that a comprehensive assessment will enable its technical experts to determine the full extent of the damage and the necessary steps for full restoration of normal power supply.
“GRIDCo wishes to assure the public that our engineers are working assiduously to stabilise the system and minimise the impact of the disruption,” the statement added.
The company emphasised that restoring a reliable power supply remains its top priority and urged the public to remain calm, noting that the situation is under control.
See the GRIDCo statement on Facebook below:
Dumsor: ECG maintenance causes power cuts
The latest disruption to the nation's power supply comes at a time when the GRIDCo and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have been undertaking various maintenance efforts across the country.
One of the scheduled maintenance events, aimed at improving 'critical' infrastructure, happened in Accra, necessitating dumsor (power cuts) in the capital between April 8 and 17.
The exercise will begin with the replacement and upgrade of twelve (12) power transformers across six (6) primary substations located in Adenta, La, Teshie-Nungua, Nmai-Dzor, Baatsonaa, and Lashibi. These transformers will be upgraded from 20/26 MVA to 30/39 MVA, significantly improving load-handling capability and reducing system overloads in these fast-growing communities.
"The first phase of the programme is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, 8th April 2026 and is expected to be completed by Friday, 10th April 2026. To ensure the safety of ECG personnel and the successful execution of the works, the exercise will involve brief planned power outages in the affected areas," an ECG statement read.
Source: Facebook
ECG proposes increase in Distribution Service Charge
Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh also previously reported that ECG had proposed a 225% increase in its Distribution Service Charge.
The Ghanaian power provider had argued in September 2025 that the proposed new increase was necessary to avert a major collapse.
The ECG attributed their proposed increase in charges under the 2025-2030 Multi-Year Tariff Order to the impacts of illegal mining (galamsey).
Source: YEN.com.gh
