Infrastructure and Innovation: ECG to Upgrade Kumasi Grid as Bolt-Fido Partnership Earns Top FinTech Honors

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the national fintech sector have reached significant milestones aimed at boosting regional productivity and financial inclusion. At the center of these developments is a scheduled major infrastructure upgrade at the Kumasi Ridge Substation and the recognition of a transformative partnership between ride-hailing giant Bolt and fintech firm Fido. These initiatives reflect a dual focus on strengthening the nation's energy foundations while fostering digital solutions that empower informal workers and small-scale entrepreneurs.

From May 6 to May 9, 2026, ECG will undertake a critical transformer replacement at the Kumasi Ridge Substation as part of its wider Transformer Replacement and Upgrade Programme. The project involves replacing the current 20/26MVA transformer with a higher-capacity 30/39MVA unit. This upgrade is designed to enhance power reliability, reduce system overloads, and improve voltage stability across the enclave. To facilitate these engineering works, the ECG has scheduled phased power interruptions of approximately six hours daily during the four-day period. The company has committed to communicating detailed outage schedules via official channels to minimize the impact on residents and businesses in the Kumasi Ridge area.

In the corporate sector, the 5th Ghana FinTech Awards recently celebrated the partnership between Bolt and Fido, naming it the "Fintech & Non-Bank Partnership of the Year." This collaboration has been lauded for its significant impact on financial inclusion by providing Bolt drivers with direct access to credit facilities. Notably, the partnership allows drivers to apply for loans without the traditional requirement of formal business proof, leveraging technology to meet the immediate needs of the ride-hailing community. Teddy Appa Dankyi of Bolt emphasized that addressing credit access is a fundamental step in supporting the livelihoods of drivers who form the backbone of the digital transport economy.

Together, these developments signal a robust period of growth for the Ghanaian business environment. While the ECG’s infrastructure investments provide the necessary physical reliability for urban development, the Bolt-Fido partnership demonstrates how digital innovation can bypass traditional barriers to financial entry. As Kumasi prepares for a more stable power future and the fintech sector continues to bridge the credit gap, these efforts collectively contribute to a more resilient and inclusive economic ecosystem in Ghana.