Energy Minister orders encroachers on GRIDCo land to vacate or face action
By Edith Atiaka Eshun The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has given persons and companies operating under high-voltage transmission pylons across the country a one-month ultimatum to vacate such areas. He warned that persons who fail to comply will be forcefully evicted, while items left under the pylons will be confiscated and auctioned […]
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has issued a one-month deadline for individuals and businesses operating under high-voltage transmission pylons across Ghana to vacate the areas or face enforcement action. This warning came during a recent inspection of a damaged transmission tower by the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) in the Tema-Accra transmission corridor.
The tower sustained damage following an explosion that occurred when a tanker was being welded within the transmission line's right-of-way. The incident has raised concerns about the structural integrity of the tower and the potential risk of collapse, which could endanger lives and property. Jinapor stated that the government will no longer solely rely on appeals and persuasion to halt illegal activities near transmission lines.
He emphasized that the government will work with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to clear illegal structures and activities from the transmission lines' right-of-way, in consultation with President Mahama. The clearance effort will encompass not only the inspected area but all pylons, transformer sites, and other critical energy infrastructure nationwide.
GRIDCo's CEO, Engineer Frank Otchere, explained that the damaged tower supports two crucial transmission circuits that carry power from the Volta Substation in Tema to the Achimota Substation in Accra. The lines serve a significant portion of Accra's electricity demand, making the damage a serious threat to the city's power supply.
The tower replacement, initially planned for two days, has been expedited to around 12 hours to minimize disruptions. However, some parts of Accra may experience temporary power interruptions or reduced load during the process, as the affected lines will need to be taken out of service. GRIDCo is conducting simulations and other preparations to mitigate the impact, with information on affected areas to be shared with the public.
Otchere urged residents and businesses to stay away from the transmission lines' right-of-way, stressing that welding, construction, and other encroachments under these pylons can have fatal consequences.
Written by urgent.news from GBC Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
