The minister for energy and green transition, John Jinapor, has justified his decision to order the chief executive officer of the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), Ing. Mark Awuah Baah, to step aside pending a comprehensive investigation into the Akosombo fire incident.
Mr Baah was directed to vacate his post following a major fire outbreak at the Akosombo Power Control Centre, a facility that serves as a critical node in Ghana’s power transmission infrastructure.
The blaze necessitated emergency shutdowns, forcing engineers to isolate key sections of the national grid. This sequence of events resulted in widespread outages and intermittent electricity supply across several regions of the country.
Addressing concerns regarding whether the directive was a knee-jerk reaction, the minister maintained that the measure was entirely appropriate. Mr Jinapor explained that his decision followed a personal visit to the scene.
After a thorough examination of the situation on the ground, he concluded that the most effective approach was to have the CEO step aside to facilitate the inquiry.
He noted that it was in the CEO’s own interest to remain away from the office until the matter had been fully investigated.
The minister further clarified that requiring an official to step aside is distinct from a standard leave of absence.
He noted that while a normal leave implies the possibility of being recalled at any time, this directive serves a specific investigative purpose.
These remarks were made during a press conference at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, 27 April 2026, where the minister provided an update on the nation’s energy situation.
He confirmed that two units have been successfully restored since the incident, with work on a third unit currently underway.
Stressing the necessity of the move, the minister said, “I visited the site on Friday, and after receiving the briefing, I was convinced he needed to step aside. It is in his own interest.”
Mr Jinapor was emphatic that the decision aimed to address growing conspiracy theories surrounding the event.
By ensuring the CEO steps aside, the minister argued that an impartial investigation can be conducted without prejudice.
He concluded by reiterating the finality of the decision, stating that this was a ministerial directive and so it shall be.
By: Rashid Obodai Provencal/Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana