A group of fifty-six (56) third-year students from the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), led by Dr. Osman Alhassan of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department, visited the Takoradi Substation for an educational facility tour, aimed at deepening their understanding of power transmission systems.
The Takoradi Operational Area Manager, Ing. Solomon Mensah, warmly received the students. He later provided a brief history of GRIDCo, explaining its evolution from the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the transition to an independent power transmission company following the implementation of power sector reform.
The visit began with a comprehensive presentation on GRIDCo’s power systems by Bright Koomson of the Protection and Control (P&C) Section. He detailed the structure and operations of the Takoradi Operational Area, followed by an engaging Q&A session where students shared their prior knowledge and gained further insights into GRIDCo’s operations. The various Sectional Heads then took turns to explain the roles and responsibilities of their respective Units.
The students were then given a detailed walk-through of the Switchyard and Control Room, where they observed live demonstrations of various equipment and learned about substation and switchyard operations, as well as the intricacies of Control Room functions.
The students also received a briefing on GRIDCo’s communications infrastructure, including how the Company leverages its fibre optic network to provide commercial services to local Internet Service Providers in the country.
The technical sessions were facilitated by: Mr. Richmond Adjei, Operating Section; Mr. Samuel Offe, Electrical Maintenance Section; Messrs. Frank Abotsi & Mr. Anthony Amuzu, Protection and Control Section and Mr. Emmanuel Nugloze, Communications Section.
Each of the facilitators guided the students through the technical aspects of their respective areas, offering valuable practical knowledge.
The visit concluded with closing remarks from Ing. Mensah, who encouraged the students to strive for excellence in their academic and professional pursuits. The course representative delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, and expressed the group’s appreciation for the warm reception and enriching experience.
