Since the first unit at Akosombo Generating Station was commissioned and the production of electrical power on a commercial basis started in 1965, the Akosombo Generating Station has provided Ghana, and its neighbouring countries, with a reliable source of electrical energy.

During this period of operation, the electrical and mechanical plant in the powerhouse has undergone a regular maintenance program, but in 1988, after 23 years of continuous operation, it became evident to VRA, that a major retrofit would have to be carried out, to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the station for at least another 25 years of operation. Therefore, in 1988 a study was initiated and completed, to determine the extent of the retrofit work required, and in 1989 the Akosombo Generation Station Retrofit Project (AGSRP) was implemented.

The initial objective of the AGSRP, was to return the turbine/generator units to an "as new" condition replacing those parts which were beyond repair, to replace or renovate the auxiliary equipment, and to improve the powerhouse amenities and services. This would ensure the station would operate safely in the future, with a minimum of outages and inconvenience to VRA's customers.

The project progressed with the retrofit of the first unit, Unit 4, completed in September 1993. However, during the retrofit of Unit 4, it became evident that with state-of-the-art technology, the turbine runners could