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The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) has agreed to delay its planned pipeline maintenance by two weeks, averting a potential power crisis in Ghana. This decision follows intense discussions led by a technical committee formed by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah to address the looming energy challenges.
The maintenance, initially set to begin this week, had raised alarms at the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), which flagged it as a serious threat to the country’s electricity supply. GRIDCo warned that the combination of ongoing fuel shortages for thermal plants and the disruption in gas supply from the pipeline would significantly reduce Ghana’s power generation capacity.
At a high-level meeting with representatives from WAPCo, GRIDCo, and the technical committee, the stakeholders discussed the potential effects of the maintenance on the national grid. Concerns were voiced about the possible return of power outages, which could severely disrupt businesses and households nationwide.
After the deliberations, WAPCo agreed to push back the maintenance, allowing more time for authorities to secure alternative fuel supplies and stabilize electricity generation.
Background on the Maintenance and Fuel Crisis
The WAPCo pipeline is crucial for transporting natural gas from Nigeria to Ghana, Togo, and Benin. While the scheduled maintenance is important for the pipeline’s safety and operational efficiency, Ghana’s dependence on gas for its thermal plants means that any disruption could have dire consequences for its electricity supply.
Additionally, Ghana is currently facing a fuel supply shortfall, further straining its power sector. Efforts are underway to import additional light crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to mitigate the impact of the gas supply disruption. The government, along with relevant stakeholders, is working to expedite fuel imports and finalize contingency plans to ensure the power supply remains stable during the maintenance period.
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