Accra City Update: ECG Network Upgrades, Water Supply Deficit, Kasoa-Winneba Highway & Fuel Price Intervention

Accra — Utility management and major road infrastructure projects are the primary focus across Ghana’s capital today, April 24, 2026, as the government continues to implement measures to cushion the impact of global fuel price volatility on transport and household costs.

From the Electricity Company of Ghana’s extensive network upgrade plan running through September 2026 to Ghana Water Limited’s continuing production deficit of 73 million gallons per day in the Accra-Tema Metropolitan Area, and from President Mahama’s inspection of the Kasoa-Winneba highway to the government’s fuel price intervention, here is your complete Accra Street Journals” update on the developments shaping daily life in Accra.

ECG & Electricity

Network Upgrades: Extensive Plan Through September 2026

The Electricity Company of Ghana is currently executing an extensive network upgrade plan scheduled through September 2026 to improve grid stability and reduce the frequency of power outages.

The upgrade programme encompasses:

• Transformer replacements: Installing new units to replace ageing or overloaded transformers

• Feeder upgrades: Enhancing capacity on key distribution lines

• Substation modernisation: Upgrading primary and secondary substations

• Protection system improvements: Enhancing fault detection and isolation

The ECG has stated that the upgrades are necessary to address the growing demand for electricity and to improve the reliability of supply. While some disruptions are unavoidable during the upgrade period, the company has committed to minimising inconvenience to customers.

Maintenance Outages: Accra West and Tema Affected

Residents in Accra West and parts of Tema should be aware of scheduled maintenance that began yesterday, affecting several communities.

Affected areas include:

• McCarthy Hill: Power interruptions for line maintenance

• Weija Junction: Scheduled outages for feeder upgrades

• Lashibi: Continuing transformer replacement exercises at the primary substation

• Other Accra West communities: Various maintenance activities

The ECG has advised customers in affected areas to plan accordingly and apologised for any inconvenience caused. The maintenance is necessary to prevent unplanned outages that could be more disruptive.

Tariff Adjustment: 4.81% Reduction Effective April 1

Effective April 1, 2026, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission reduced electricity tariffs by an average of 4.81 per cent, providing relief to households and businesses.

The reduction reflects several factors:

• Stable cedi: Reduced cost of imported components

• Falling inflation: Lower inflationary pressures on operating costs

• Hydro-thermal mix: Favourable generation mix reducing average costs

For residential customers, the reduction translates into lower monthly bills, freeing up disposable income for other goods and services. For businesses, particularly in manufacturing and services, lower electricity costs improve competitiveness.

Water Supply

Tariff Reduction: 3.06% Decrease Effective April 1

Water tariffs also saw a decrease of 3.06 per cent effective April 1, 2026, following the PURC’s quarterly review of utility rates.

The reduction applies across all customer categories, including residential, commercial, and industrial consumers. Combined with the electricity tariff reduction, the water tariff decrease provides additional relief to household and business budgets.

Sachet Water: Prices Stabilise After Hike Suspended

Prices for sachet water have stabilised after a planned hike was suspended following government engagement with producers earlier in April.

The government intervened after producers announced plans to increase prices due to rising production costs. Following negotiations, the price increase was suspended, and sachet water prices have remained stable.

For many Accra residents who rely on sachet water for daily drinking water needs, the stabilisation is welcome news. Sachet water is a critical component of Accra’s water supply ecosystem, particularly for low-income households and informal sector workers.

Supply Deficit: 73 Million Gallons Per Day in Accra-Tema

Ghana Water Limited reports a continuing production deficit of approximately 73 million gallons per day in the Accra-Tema Metropolitan Area due to ageing infrastructure and growing demand.

The deficit means that GWL cannot meet the total water demand of the metropolitan area, leading to intermittent supply, low pressure, and rationing in some neighbourhoods.

Key factors contributing to the deficit:

• Ageing infrastructure: Pipes, pumps, and treatment plants in need of replacement or rehabilitation

• Growing demand: Population growth and increased per capita consumption

• Non-revenue water: Losses from leaks, illegal connections, and metering inaccuracies

• Production constraints: Limited capacity at existing treatment plants

The government has announced plans to invest in new water treatment infrastructure and rehabilitate existing assets, but progress has been slow. In the meantime, residents must manage with intermittent supply.

Transportation & Roads

Kasoa-Winneba Highway: President Mahama Inspects Project

President John Dramani Mahama inspected the Kasoa-Winneba highway project yesterday, a major infrastructure initiative designed to relieve traffic pressure on the Accra-Cape Coast corridor.

A significant section of the dualized road is expected to become operational shortly, which will:

• Reduce travel time: From Accra to Winneba and beyond

• Relieve congestion: On the existing corridor, particularly through Kasoa town

• Improve safety: Dual carriageway with proper signage and lighting

• Support economic activity: Better connectivity for businesses and commuters

The Kasoa-Winneba highway has been a priority for the government, given the chronic congestion that has plagued the Accra-Cape Coast corridor for years. The opening of the dualized section will be a significant milestone.

Public Transit: 100 New Metro Mass Transit Buses Ordered

The government has ordered the fast-track deployment of 100 new Metro Mass Transit buses on high-traffic corridors in Accra to provide lower-fare alternatives to private transport.

The new buses will operate on routes including:

• Circle to Madina

• Tema Station to Kasoa

• Accra to Nsawam

• Other high-demand corridors

The deployment is intended to:

• Reduce transport costs: Lower fares than private operators

• Decongest roads: Fewer private vehicles on the road

• Improve access: Provide reliable public transit options

• Support low-income commuters: Affordable daily transport

The fast-track order reflects the urgency of addressing Accra’s transport challenges.

Expressway Progress: Accra-Kumasi Groundbreaking Later This Year

Groundbreaking for the proposed 6-lane Accra-Kumasi Expressway is projected for later this year, a transformative infrastructure project that will significantly reduce travel time between Ghana’s two largest cities.

The expressway will feature:

• 6 lanes: Three in each direction

• Controlled access: No at-grade intersections

• Improved safety: Separated carriageways, lighting, and emergency services

• Reduced travel time: Expected to cut journey time by more than half

The project has been in planning for years, and the groundbreaking will mark the beginning of construction. Completion is expected to take several years.

Fuel Prices

Government Intervention: One-Month Absorption Effective April 16

The government has implemented a temporary one-month intervention (effective April 16, 2026) to absorb a portion of fuel costs, cushioning consumers from the impact of global price volatility.

The intervention covers:

• Diesel: Government absorbing portion of cost

• Petrol: Government absorbing portion of cost

Current Pump Prices (Major Stations like GOIL)

The prices reflect the government’s temporary intervention, which has moderated the pass-through of higher global crude prices. Without the intervention, prices would likely be higher.

ASJ’s Context

For comparison, during the height of the currency depreciation in October 2024, fuel prices were nearing GH¢15.00 per litre. The current prices, while elevated, have been stabilised by the stronger cedi and government intervention.

ASJ’s Outlook

The developments across utilities, transport, and fuel prices point to several themes.

Infrastructure investment: ECG’s network upgrades, the Kasoa-Winneba highway, and the planned Accra-Kumasi Expressway all represent significant infrastructure investment aimed at improving quality of life and supporting economic growth.

Urban challenges: The water supply deficit of 73 million gallons per day is a reminder of the chronic infrastructure challenges facing Accra. Addressing the deficit will require substantial investment and time.

Government intervention: The fuel price absorption and sachet water price suspension demonstrate the government’s willingness to intervene to protect consumers. However, such interventions are costly and cannot be sustained indefinitely.

Public transit: The deployment of 100 new Metro Mass Transit buses is a positive step toward providing affordable alternatives to private transport.

For Accra residents, the message is mixed: progress is being made on some fronts, but significant challenges remain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What areas are affected by ECG’s scheduled maintenance?

Residents in Accra West and parts of Tema should be aware of scheduled maintenance affecting areas including McCarthy Hill, Weija Junction, and Lashibi. The ECG is executing an extensive network upgrade plan scheduled through September 2026.

2. How much have electricity and water tariffs been reduced?

Effective April 1, 2026, the PURC reduced electricity tariffs by an average of 4.81 per cent and water tariffs by an average of 3.06 per cent. The reductions reflect a stable cedi, falling inflation, and a favourable generation mix.

3. What is the current water supply deficit in Accra-Tema?

Ghana Water Limited reports a continuing production deficit of approximately 73 million gallons per day in the Accra-Tema Metropolitan Area due to ageing infrastructure. The deficit leads to intermittent supply and low pressure in some neighbourhoods.

4. What is the status of the Kasoa-Winneba highway?

President Mahama inspected the Kasoa-Winneba highway project yesterday. A significant section of the dualized road is expected to become operational shortly to relieve traffic pressure on the Accra-Cape Coast corridor.

5. What is the government doing about fuel prices?

The government has implemented a temporary one-month intervention effective April 16, 2026, to absorb a portion of fuel costs. Current pump prices at major stations like GOIL reflect these adjustments, with petrol between GH¢13.30-14.64/L and diesel between GH¢15.45-17.10/L.

6. When will the Accra-Kumasi Expressway project begin?

Groundbreaking for the proposed 6-lane Accra-Kumasi Expressway is projected for later this year. The transformative project will significantly reduce travel time between Ghana’s two largest cities upon completion.

⛽ Ghana Fuel Prices Update

Looking for the latest petrol and diesel prices in Ghana? Get live Ghana fuel price updates, including the latest pump-price information, on Accra Street Journal.

👉 Click here to check the latest Ghana fuel prices today