The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has attributed Thursday morning’s widespread power outage to a major fault on the Akosombo–Volta transmission line, which triggered the automatic shutdown of the Akosombo generating units and some thermal power plants.
According to GRIDCo, the incident activated the national power system’s protection mechanisms, which are designed to safeguard the stability and integrity of Ghana’s National Interconnected Transmission System.
In a statement, GRIDCo said its engineers immediately began working with other power sector agencies to contain the Akosombo–Volta line fault and restore electricity to affected areas.
Also read: Wontumi’s incarceration won’t stop his NPP Chairmanship bid – Palgrave Boakye Danquah
“Immediately following the incident, GRIDCo engineers, working in close coordination with other power sector agencies, took steps to isolate the affected transmission line and commenced the safe and systematic restoration of the power system,” the company said.
Several parts of Ghana were plunged into darkness from about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, disrupting households, businesses and essential services.
In Accra, affected communities included Adabraka, Weija, Tesano, Achimota, Dzorwulu, Legon, Madina, Adenta and Oyarifa.
The power outage also affected parts of the Eastern, Northern, Central and Ashanti regions, with communities including Aburi and Tamale reporting disruptions.
GRIDCo said electricity has already been restored to some affected areas, while restoration work continues in locations where supply remains interrupted.
The transmission company said it has mobilised technical teams to complete the restoration process as quickly and safely as possible.
GRIDCo also assured customers and the general public that further updates would be provided as restoration efforts progress.
Thursday’s widespread power outage is the second major disruption to Ghana’s national power system in less than a month.
On July 29, 2026, several parts of the country, including communities in Accra, Tema, Kasoa and parts of the Ashanti and Eastern regions, also experienced a major power outage.
The recurrence is likely to renew concerns about the reliability and resilience of Ghana’s electricity transmission network, particularly as prolonged or widespread disruptions can affect households, businesses and critical services.
GRIDCo’s explanation of Thursday’s incident is expected to provide some clarity on the immediate cause of the outage, while attention is likely to remain on the measures being taken to strengthen the transmission system and prevent similar disruptions.