The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has raised concerns about a growing threat to power reliability in the Ashanti Region—crows damaging critical transmission infrastructure.
According to the Ashanti Sub-Transmission Region of ECG, the birds have been attacking power installations, leading to repeated outages and operational disruptions that are impacting consumers in multiple districts.
“As the division tasked with system restoration, we remain committed to improving our efforts to ensure a stable power supply,” said Collins Manu, Head of Public Relations for the Ashanti Sub-Transmission.
A recent report detailing control efforts and outage data identified the most affected feeders as Barekese (Atwima Nwabiagya North), Akyawkrom (Ejisu), Effiduase and Kumawu (Sekyere East and Sekyere Kumawu), and areas like Bekwai, New Edubiase, and Manso Nkwanta (Amansie East, Adansi South, and Amansie West).
The report noted that over 90 nests were found on the Akyawkrom-Kuntenase-Bekwai transmission lines alone. These nests, often constructed with metallic materials, pose serious hazards, frequently causing electrical faults and damaging equipment. Additionally, bird droppings—especially under humid conditions—can form conductive paths that compromise insulation and increase maintenance costs and system risks.
In response, senior ECG officials, including Ing. Frederick Kwabena Bediako (General Manager, Special Projects) and Ing. Daniel Mensah Asare (General Manager, Ashanti South), have visited the most affected areas to assess the extent of the damage and coordinate remedial actions.
To combat the issue, ECG is implementing a series of targeted preventive measures:
- Physical barriers: Installation of bird spikes, insulated covers, and perch deterrents
- Nesting deterrents: Routine nest removal and use of non-conductive materials
- Design improvements: Greater conductor spacing and enhanced insulation
- Behavioral deterrents: Use of distress calls, reflective objects, and predator decoys
These interventions aim to protect essential infrastructure, minimize outages, and ensure a more reliable power supply for communities across the region.
