Energy Minister orders GRIDCo corridor encroachers to vacate

Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, the Ghanaian Minister for Energy and Green Transition, has issued a directive to individuals and institutions encroaching upon the Right of Way of Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo). This decree stems from an inspection of emergency restoration efforts on the damaged Tema–Achimota 161kV transmission line, which was severely compromised after a fuel tanker, still undergoing welding work, exploded and crashed into the transmission tower, causing significant structural damage.

Dr. Jinapor emphasized the grave dangers posed by unauthorized activities and encroachments near high-voltage transmission infrastructure. He urged all those violating GRIDCo's Right of Way to vacate the area immediately. Non-compliance would result in enforcement actions in accordance with the law, in collaboration with security services and relevant authorities.

The directive is grounded in the provisions of L.I. 542, as amended by L.I. 1737, which restricts activities within a 15-meter radius of 161kV transmission lines and a 20-meter radius for 330kV lines. Dr. Jinapor warned the public against engaging in hazardous activities, such as welding, beneath electricity pylons. He underscored the importance of strict adherence to these regulations to prevent loss of life, protect property, and maintain the stability of Ghana's electricity supply.

In a related development, Dr. Jinapor announced that the damaged transmission line will undergo planned maintenance works over the forthcoming weekend. This maintenance exercise, expected to last a few hours, will necessitate temporary power interruptions in certain areas of the Greater Accra Region. The Minister appealed to affected residents to cooperate with the authorities, stating that these short interruptions are crucial for the safe execution of restoration tasks.

Dr. Jinapor reiterated the necessity for the public to respect protected transmission corridors and to refrain from actions that could endanger lives or damage essential electricity infrastructure. He emphasized the collective responsibility to safeguard these critical transmission corridors, which are vital for the security, property preservation, and reliability of Ghana's power supply.