Gold Fields intervention targets power challenges in mining communities

ECG District Manager for Tarkwa, Engineer Benjamin Odame Thompson, says the situation is particularly challenging in densely populated communities, where illegal connections and electricity-intensive activities such as welding and aspects of the gold business can quickly push transformers beyond their safe operating capacity.

He made the observation as Gold Fields Ghana Limited, through the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF), donated nine electricity transformers to strengthen power distribution in communities within its host areas in the Western Region.The transformers, valued at GH¢1,098,583.20, are intended to improve electricity supply and reliability in Samahu, Abekoase, Benso, Awudua, and the Tarkwa and Aboso Stadium, popularly known as the TnA Stadium.

According to Engineer Thompson, ECG monitors its transformers every month, with a 70 percent loading threshold serving as a trigger for the company to seek additional capacity.

“Our transformers are not supposed to be overloaded more than 70 percent. Any time we hit the 70 percent, we write for an injection,” he said.

He explained that the rapid growth of some communities makes it difficult for ECG to keep pace with new connections, particularly when residents bypass the formal process for accessing electricity.

Engineer Thompson said ECG teams regularly visit communities to identify and disconnect customers who have illegally connected to the network, but stressed that community cooperation was necessary to protect the infrastructure.

He appealed to residents to report illegal connections to ECG, warning that such activities could contribute to transformer damage and further disruptions to electricity supply.

“If you see anyone connecting himself illegally, just draw the attention of ECG so that we will not run into losing our transformers,” he said.

The donation has also been welcomed by the Members of Parliament for Tarkwa Nsuaem and Prestea Huni Valley, Issah Salifu Taylor and Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, respectively.

The two legislators expressed satisfaction with the intervention, saying it would help address persistent electricity challenges affecting communities within their respective constituencies.

They also expressed appreciation to Gold Fields Ghana for its continued support towards improving electricity supply and strengthening critical infrastructure in the two constituencies.

Seven of the transformers were presented at the latest ceremony, following an earlier donation of two, bringing the total to nine.

Managing Director of Gold Fields Ghana Limited, Elliot Twum, said the intervention formed part of the company’s continued commitment to supporting critical infrastructure and improving the quality of life in its host communities.

The new transformers are expected to increase distribution capacity, improve power reliability and support the growing electricity needs of households, businesses and community facilities.

The intervention is also expected to provide more reliable electricity for the TnA Stadium, supporting its operational requirements and sporting activities.

The donation forms part of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation’s broader community development portfolio, through which the Foundation has invested more than US$113.20 million in initiatives covering education, health, water and sanitation, enterprise development and infrastructure.Gold Fields Ghana Foundation says the latest investment reflects its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to address infrastructure gaps, support local economic activity and contribute to sustainable development across its host communities.

Source: Nana Esi Brew Monney

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