Kumasi: GRIDCo gives Ejisu encroachers 30 days to vacate transmission corridor

GRIDCo has given a deadline of 30 days to residents, traders, artisans, and drivers operating under high-voltage transmission lines at Ejisu in the Ashanti Region to vacate the area. This action is part of a heightened sensitization and eviction campaign to clear encroachments from the transmission Right of Way (RoW). The company asserts that the occupation of the corridor endangers both the public and critical electricity infrastructure.

Engineer Bismark Anane, GRIDCo's Director for Land Management, explained that the transmission corridor must remain clear to maintain the network and respond swiftly to emergencies. "We need a corridor that is free of any encumbrances or what we call encroachment. This is to protect the infrastructure and also to ensure public safety," he emphasized.

Despite previous awareness campaigns, encroachment persists along GRIDCo's transmission corridors in Ejisu. Some affected individuals include traders, artisans, residents, and drivers who have set up businesses and activities within the restricted zone. While some occupants recognize the safety hazards, they are seeking relocation options before eviction begins, citing potential disruptions to their livelihoods.

GRIDCo stated that compensation will be considered only where its projects directly affect verified residences or livelihoods. To identify affected persons, the company first conducts an enumeration process before taking any action. Engineer Anane mentioned that compensation will be provided to affected individuals if it is verified that the project will impact either their livelihood or place of residence.

GRIDCo emphasizes the importance of keeping the Right of Way clear to safeguard those around the transmission lines and to ensure engineers have unobstructed access to the network. The company is urging the Ejisu occupants to adhere to the 30-day notice and vacate the transmission corridor.