After weeks of frustration, financial losses, and growing public anger over persistent power outages in Obuasi, there is finally a sign of relief on the horizon. The District Manager of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in Obuasi, Ing. Albert Agyabeng, has disclosed that a new transformer has been brought from Tema to help restore stable electricity supply to the municipality.
Ing. Agyabeng made the announcement during a live interview on Aseda FM’s Morning Show with host Robert Anokye Gyamfi on Monday, June 16, 2025, where he addressed a wide range of concerns from the public regarding Obuasi’s ongoing power crisis.
Stolen Parts Delayed Backup Plans
Ing. Agyabeng revealed that ECG initially had a standby transformer ready to be used in emergency situations such as this. However, thieves vandalized the unit, stealing essential components and rendering it non-functional at a critical time. This setback forced ECG to take urgent steps to transport a new transformer from Tema to Obuasi.
“We had a backup transformer, but some components were stolen. That meant we had to bring another one all the way from Tema,” he explained on the show.
Programming and System Tests in Progress
The newly delivered transformer is currently being programmed and tested by engineers to ensure it integrates safely and efficiently into the power distribution system.
These technical preparations are essential to avoid further faults and ensure a smooth restoration of power.
Full Restoration Expected by End of June or Early July
In a much-welcomed development, Ing. Agyabeng assured residents that if all goes according to plan, electricity supply in Obuasi will return to normal by the end of June or early July 2025.
“If the tests go well, we are hopeful that by the end of June or latest early part of July, Obuasi will start enjoying stable electricity again,” he said.
A Community on Edge
The prolonged and erratic power cuts—made worse by the GRIDCo substation fire in May 2025—have taken a serious toll on businesses and households across Obuasi. Cold stores, restaurants, welders, and meat producers like Muffin Farms Ltd. have reported huge financial losses and operational challenges due to inconsistent supply.
The outages have also triggered calls for the dismissal of Ing. Agyabeng, which he strongly addressed during the same Aseda FM interview, stating that removing him now would only worsen the situation, as a new manager would need time to study the challenges from scratch.
Hope on the Horizon
With the transformer now in place and preparations underway, residents and business owners in Obuasi are hopeful that the long nights of darkness and economic strain may soon be over.
Ing. Agyabeng has also urged the public to remain patient and cooperative, while also helping to protect power infrastructure from further theft or damage.