ECG to train over 3000 contractors to ensure robust distribution network

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in a bid to guarantee robust and reliable power distribution network is expected to train its over 3000 certified electrical contractors.

The training which currently focuses on effective earthing system also has other modules targeted at equipping these contractors.

Director of ECG Training School in Tema, Ing. Aheng Owusu-Afriyie speaking with Joy Business said the training is crucial.

This type of training could be organized once a year but there are others done every two or three years and we offer them refreshers as and when it becomes necessary”.

“This course has become equally important to ensure they work in a safe environment as it remains a priority for us as a company and anybody that comes in contact with our network,” he said.

According to him, by ensuring safety, workers of ECG and contractors do not end up killing themselves, damaging any equipment and causing unnecessary destruction.

Lead facilitator and General Manager of ECG’s Energy Consulting and Telco Business Directorate, George Eduful said the modular programme aims to train the contractors to deliver in terms of design and construction of power distribution system for ECG.

The training is looking at substation earthing and earthing in our various homes to safeguard from all electrical hazards”

“Earthing is crucial because without it there will be safety issues. You can lose your life and have equipment destroyed when you ignore earthing,” he revealed.

Ing. Eduful explained that there is system earthing done to protect the power system and equipment earthing done to protect gadgets used in homes.

One can be electrocuted for coming in contact with system or gadget which doesn’t have earthing. We’re training them to ECG standards which prioritizes reliability, safety, and performance as standards is a living document and not a static one”

For him, the overarching goal of the training programme is to prevent ECG’s distribution system from becoming epileptic where the power system is controlled by weather conditions.

President of Ghana Electrical Contractors Association, Awal Sakib Mohammed indicated that the reliability and safety of distribution network depend on the actions and inactions of contractors hence the need for such a modular programme.

So far, about 200 contractors have been trained and the next session in August will take care of another batch. We are looking at earthing but there are other issues to tackle in the subsequent training”

“As this is the maiden edition of the course, the whole idea is to be able to design and construct distribution networks. With a very solid earthing system, you can have a very reliable distribution network,” he added.

He touched on the need for trained contractors who can manage local faults which mostly contribute to outages in the community often attributed to power generation issues.

Meanwhile, Director of Energy Consulting and Telco Business of ECG, John K. Amihere added that his outfit provide consultancy, undertaking power quality assessment, energy audit, and provide training as done with the contractors, among other functions.