Akosombo fire: Energy Minister orders GRIDCo CEO to step aside
Akosombo Flfire Slsparks leadership shake-up in Ghana’s power sector
Following the devastating fire at the Akosombo Power Control Centre, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has directed the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), Ing. Mark Awuah Baah, to step aside. This decision comes as authorities launch a full investigation into the incident, which has partly affected electricity supply across the country.
Fire disrupts transmission and key infrastructure
The fire broke out on Thursday, April 23, at the Akosombo substation switchyard, a critical node in Ghana’s electricity transmission system. GRIDCo reported that the blaze occurred around 2:01 p.m., prompting emergency shutdowns and the isolation of affected sections of the national grid. Estimates suggest that the incident knocked out between 720 MW and 1,000 MW of transmission capacity linked to the Akosombo Dam, one of the country’s most important power generation assets.
Power supply affected nationwide
Following the fire, several regions experienced power outages, while others reported intermittent supply. The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the President have previously explained such interruptions as part of an ongoing upgrade intended to improve power supply stability. Nevertheless, the fire has intensified concerns about electricity reliability in the country.
Leadership changes at ECG Ashanti Region
In addition to the GRIDCo leadership adjustment, a major shake-up occurred within ECG’s Ashanti Region office. The changes were announced by the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, on Sunday, April 26, via a Facebook post. The reorganization comes in response to recent operational challenges following the fire and ongoing electricity sector upgrades.
Restoration timeline and government response
The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has indicated that full restoration of power generation at the Akosombo Dam may take up to five days, as engineers work to stabilise systems and return operations to normal. Minister Jinapor has scheduled a press briefing on Monday, April 27, at 2:00 p.m., promising updates on the fire incident and leadership changes in both GRIDCo and ECG.
About GRIDCo and Ing. Mark Awuah Baah
The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) serves as the backbone of the national power system, managing the National Interconnected Transmission System (NITS) and facilitating electricity transmission from generators to distributors and large consumers.
Ing. Mark Awuah Baah has served as GRIDCo’s acting CEO since February 2025, bringing over 28 years of experience in system dispatch, planning, and corporate strategy. His temporary stepping aside reflects the government’s commitment to accountability and thorough investigation in the wake of the fire.
