TEMA: A fire on December 31, 2024, severely damaged major cables belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in Tema, causing significant power outages in several areas. The blaze, which ignited around 17:00 hours near the Lube Oil Company, completely destroyed the cables, leading to temporary power cuts in parts of Tema Manhean, including Adjetey Ansah, the Naval Quarters, Aunty Kate, Leonardo, and Bankuman.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ms. Sakyiwaa Mensah, the Public Relations Officer of the ECG Tema Region, stated that the cables were beyond salvage, necessitating their replacement. Ms. Mensah noted that while some areas experienced prolonged power outages into the new year, full electricity supply was restored to all affected customers by the morning of January 1, 2025. She praised the Ghana National Fire Service for their prompt response, which prevented the fire from spreading further, though the cause of the fire remains undetermined.
The extent of the damage is still being evaluated, making it challenging to estimate the financial impact. However, Ms. Mensah emphasized that the costs would likely be substantial due to the severity of the damage. She expressed regret to customers who were left without power as the new year began.
In light of the incident, the PRO urged the public to exercise caution with open flames, especially during the dry season, highlighting the potential for fires to cause significant property damage and disrupt businesses.
