The Media Coalition for Development, Adansi (MCD) has officially announced the cancellation of its planned demonstration in Obuasi, which was intended to protest the ongoing electricity crisis in the municipality. The group explained that the decision was taken following recent signs of improvement in power supply across Obuasi and surrounding communities.
In a statement signed by MCD Chairman Robert Anokye Gyamfi, the group noted that it had been informed by officials of GRIDCo and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) that the power situation has been restored. This has been visibly evident in Obuasi since Saturday, June 22, 2025, with a marked improvement in supply to homes and businesses.
“In light of this new development, we kindly request that the planned demonstration be cancelled,” the statement read. “We appreciate the zeal and enthusiasm shown by those who were willing to participate and assure them that we value their commitment to the cause.”
Background: Months of Frustration
The cancellation comes after weeks of public outrage over prolonged and erratic power outages that crippled businesses and inconvenienced residents. The situation reached a breaking point after a fire at the GRIDCo substation in May 2025, which severely disrupted Obuasi’s electricity distribution network.
Following the fire, the only operational transformer was allegedly overwhelmed, prompting widespread speculation that AngloGold Ashanti was benefiting from the “good transformer” while the rest of the town remained in darkness. However, AGA’s Managing Director refuted the claims, explaining that the mine operates on its own dedicated transformer located in the southern part of the mining site, and is not utilizing power meant for the general public.
In response to the crisis, ECG District Manager Ing. Albert Agyabeng disclosed on Aseda FM’s Morning Show that a new transformer had been brought from Tema to replace the damaged one. He assured that the transformer was undergoing programming and testing, and promised that normal power supply would resume by early July 2025.
Initially, the youth of Obuasi had planned a “Let There Be Light” demonstration for June 27, 2025, but later agreed to postpone it after a meeting with the Divisional Police Commander and the ECG. A July 10 deadline was set for ECG and GRIDCo to fully resolve the issue, after which a demonstration would proceed if no improvement was seen.
Recent Developments and Community Response
Since the arrival of the new transformer and completion of initial tests, the power situation in Obuasi has seen noticeable improvements. Residents have reported longer and more stable hours of electricity, prompting optimism and a temporary halt to planned public actions.
“The improvements are clear, and we believe it is only fair to give the authorities the benefit of the doubt for now,” said one of the coalition members.
Contact and Acknowledgement
The MCD expressed its continued commitment to development, advocacy, and accountability in the Adansi area and acknowledged all those who supported the cause.
For further information, the Coalition can be reached through the following:
- Afful Chukwu Joseph, Public Relations Officer – 020 460 5734
- Nadia Abena Agyekumwaa, Secretary – 054 451 5648
Issued by:
Media Coalition for Development, Adansi (MCD)