On Friday, 7th March 2025, first-year Electrical Engineering students from KNUST embarked on an educational visit to the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) in Kumasi. The objective of the trip was to provide students with practical exposure to power transmission operations, applications, properties and functions of the various parts of the transformer.
Upon arrival, the students were warmly welcomed by GRIDCo officials, who provided an overview of the company’s role in electricity transmission across Ghana. The visit featured a detailed presentation on transformers, explaining their voltage regulation and efficient power distribution, not leaving out the safety of workers and individuals visiting the site. Students learnt about the importance of stepping up voltage for long-distance transmission and stepping it down for safe distribution to consumers.
A guided tour of the facility allowed students to observe high-voltage transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, and transmission lines. The highlight of the visit was the control room, where students witnessed real-time power flow from individual transformers to various locations across the country, as well as grid stability management. Engineers demonstrated fault detection techniques and discussed challenges such as aging infrastructure, power losses, and encroachments on transmission lines.
The interactive session that followed allowed students to engage with GRIDCo experts, deepening their understanding of power system operations and future innovations in the energy sector. The trip not only reinforced classroom theories with real-world applications but also inspired students to explore careers in power transmission.
The visit to GRIDCo was an eye-opening experience, providing valuable knowledge and practical insights into Ghana’s power transmission network. The students expressed their gratitude to GRIDCo for the opportunity and looked forward to more industry engagements to enhance their learning.
