Residents of Obuasi continue to endure increasing frustration over persistent and unpredictable power outages, which have worsened following a devastating fire at the GRIDCo substation in May 2025. The fire damaged a transformer and has led to a significant drop in the number of hours electricity is supplied daily.
As the power crisis deepens, some residents and business owners are pointing fingers and calling for the removal of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) District Manager in Obuasi, Ing. Albert Agyabeng. They argue that under his watch, the situation has deteriorated, and a leadership change may be necessary.
However, during an interview on the Aseda FM Morning Show with host Robert Anokye Gyamfi on Monday, June 16, 2025, Ing. Agyabeng responded publicly to these calls and made a strong case for staying in office, warning that removing him now could worsen the problem.
“If I Leave, The Issue Will Get Worse” — Ing. Agyabeng
Responding to reports of growing public dissatisfaction, Ing. Albert Agyabeng explained that the Obuasi electricity problem predates his tenure and should not be blamed on him.
“If I am transferred, a new boss will have to come in, and he will then have to study the electricity issues Obuasi is facing. That will take time and will make matters worse,” he said.
He acknowledged the frustrations of the people but maintained that he has been proactive since assuming office. Agyabeng highlighted his role in writing and submitting a proposal for the replacement of faulty cables on the Zongo feeder line, a major contributor to past outages in some areas, a proposal which was approved and implemented.
“I came and met the electricity issue in Obuasi. I wasn’t the one who introduced it,” he said.
“I have done a lot of good work, and when all is fixed, Obuasi people will know I have really worked.”
Commitment and Accessibility
In the face of criticism, Ing. Agyabeng described himself as one of the most dedicated ECG District Managers in Ghana, emphasizing his commitment to staying within the district to manage the crisis firsthand.
“I am one of the district managers who doesn’t travel outside the district. I am always here—weekdays and weekends. When there is a fault, I go to the fault location and stay there until it is fixed,” he said.
He further shared his personal frustration with the situation, stating:
“It pains me when the lights go off. We are doing everything we can to fix the issues.”
Growing Pressure from the Public
Despite Ing. Agyabeng’s efforts, the mood among many Obuasi residents remains tense. Business owners, especially those in cold storage, hospitality, and meat processing, have lamented severe financial losses, with some considering layoffs or complete closure.
The lack of adherence to the published load-shedding timetable has compounded the situation, leaving households and institutions unable to plan or operate effectively. People are demanding not only improved power supply but also more transparency and accountability from ECG and GRIDCo.
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