Engineers risked their lives to restore power at the ECG Ahodwo substation while dealing with a python infestation. On April 24, 2026, a power outage occurred due to a fault on a distribution feeder serving parts of Kumasi.
The fault team from ECG’s Ahinsan District investigated the outage. They encountered a python inside the substation while attempting to replace a faulty fuse. The presence of the reptile made operations difficult, as it had taken refuge within the facility.
Residents attempted to capture the python but were unsuccessful. The snake crawled beneath the substation, evading capture. Officials contacted the Kumasi Zoo for assistance in capturing the pythons.
Zoo officials later discovered two pythons and eggs at the substation. These reptiles are believed to have inhabited the facility for weeks. They were retrieved about 9:00 pm on the same day.
Power was restored to most affected areas by April 27, 2026. However, some households remained without electricity due to a persistent fault. Ing. Kwaku Appiah confirmed that residents’ attempts to capture the python proved futile.
Ing. George Amoah, ECG General Manager for the Ashanti West Region, urged customers to report outages through official channels. This incident highlights both the challenges of maintaining infrastructure and unexpected wildlife encounters.
As work continues at the substation, uncertainties remain regarding when all services will be fully restored. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in power restoration efforts amid unforeseen circumstances.
