The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) has postponed its scheduled pipeline maintenance by two weeks, averting an immediate power crisis in Ghana. The decision follows negotiations led by a technical committee established by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah to address the country’s looming energy challenges.
The maintenance, originally set to begin this week, posed a threat to Ghana’s electricity supply due to ongoing fuel shortages for thermal plants. The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) had warned that the disruption in gas supply, combined with the fuel deficit, could severely impact power generation and potentially lead to widespread outages.
After high-level discussions involving WAPCo, GRIDCo, and the technical committee, WAPCo agreed to delay the maintenance. This extension will provide time for authorities to secure alternative fuel supplies and stabilize electricity generation.
WAPCo’s pipeline is critical for transporting natural gas from Nigeria to Ghana, Togo, and Benin. While the maintenance is essential for safety and efficiency, Ghana’s heavy reliance on gas for thermal plants makes any disruption impactful. The government is working to import additional light crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to mitigate the fuel shortfall and ensure a steady power supply during the eventual maintenance period.
