GRIDCo Announces 15-Hour Blackout in Accra, Sunday, August 23, 2026
GRIDCo has announced a 15-hour power outage in Accra, scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 3 a.m. to 6 p.m. The affected areas include parts of the Accra West and Accra East operational areas of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Power Interruption to Affect Residential Communities and Businesses
The planned outage is necessary for GRIDCo to replace a transmission tower damaged in a tanker explosion. The tower forms part of the 161kV Tema-Achimota transmission line at the Ashaiman section. GRIDCo said the shutdown is essential to provide a safe working environment for the teams carrying out the tower replacement.
Affected Areas: A Wide Range of Communities and Commercial Centres
In the Accra West operational area, the affected locations include James Town, Mamprobi, Chorkor, Sempe, parts of Kaneshie, North Industrial Area, Okaishie, Agbogbloshie, Kantamanto, Adabraka, and parts of Ridge. Other areas listed are Tesano, Santana Market, parts of Alajo, Malam Atta Market, Asylum Down, and surrounding communities. Customers in the Accra East operational area who are expected to experience the outage include residents and businesses in Nima Township, Kanda Highway, Kanda Estate, Kokomlemle, Sulana, Circle, Madina Township, Okponglo, Cantonment, and Osu Oxford Street.
Safety Concerns and GRIDCo's Apology
GRIDCo apologised to customers and businesses for the inconvenience the exercise would cause and appealed for their patience and understanding. The company said the work was being undertaken as part of efforts to restore the integrity of the transmission infrastructure and ensure reliable power supply to customers. The damaged tower is understood to have compromised an important section of the transmission network, making its replacement necessary to ensure the continued reliability and safety of the electricity supply system.
Preparations and Planning Ahead of the Outage
Residents and businesses in the affected communities have consequently been urged to plan for the extended interruption and take appropriate measures to minimise its impact. The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has advised customers within the affected areas to make the necessary arrangements ahead of the interruption. The planned outage is expected to affect a wide range of residential communities, commercial centres, and business districts across the capital.
What Happens Next
GRIDCo is collaborating with ECG to complete the work and restore power to affected customers as quickly as possible. The company is urging residents and businesses to plan ahead and make necessary arrangements for the extended power outage. The planned outage is expected to last 15 hours, and residents are advised to make alternative arrangements for essential services.
Source: Joy Online
