Earthing transformer fire at Achimota substation causes Accra power outages
EIR-0497Provisional entry. Confirmed: an earthing transformer fire at ECG's Achimota substation caused widespread power outages across parts of Accra in April 2025, since restored. Not yet confirmed: the precise date of the fire, its cause, and whether any damage estimates or regulatory findings will follow. No further update is scheduled; the entry stays provisional until new information is published.
An earthing transformer at the Achimota Bulk Supply Point, operated by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), unexpectedly caught fire during April 2025. The fire caused widespread power outages across various parts of Accra, including the Abelemkpe area, affecting customers over the course of the month. Images released by ECG showed significant charring and damage to the affected transformer. ECG worked to restore supply to affected customers, and by early May 2025 the utility confirmed that power had been restored to all affected areas. ECG's Public Relations Officer for the Accra East Region stated the company was working to ensure stability of supply and prevent similar incidents in future, though no further detail on the cause of the fire was provided.
Not reported beyond the statement that an earthing transformer at the substation unexpectedly caught fire.
- Earthing transformers, though often considered auxiliary equipment, can cause extensive and prolonged outages if they fail, warranting the same monitoring rigour as main transformers.
- Clear and timely public communication about outage causes and restoration timelines helps manage customer expectations during extended grid disruptions.
- Utilities should review maintenance and inspection regimes for substation earthing equipment to reduce the risk of unexpected ignition events.
Published 2026-09-07. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.