33kV transformer fire at Achimota Bulk Supply Point in Accra

What happened

On 23 January 2023 a 33kV transformer, described in the report as an earthen transformer, was destroyed by fire at the Electricity Company of Ghana Achimota Bulk Supply Point in Abelemkpe, Accra. The fire started at about 3:55 pm. An eyewitness reported a loud blast followed by flames. Personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service at Abelemkpe put the fire out and stopped it spreading to other installations at the station. No casualties were reported. Some parts of the city were left without power, and the Electricity Company of Ghana was working to restore supply. This is a separate event from the April 2025 fire at the same site.

Contributing factors

The cause was not established. The report said investigations were under way.

Lessons learned

1. A transformer fire at a bulk supply point can interrupt supply across a city even when the fire is confined to one unit.
2. A rapid fire-service response can limit spread to neighbouring installations.
3. Until the cause is known, operators should treat the event as under investigation and not assume a single failure mode.

Source

modernghana.com