GRIDCo issues 30-day ultimatum to occupants under high-tension lines at Ejisu

The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has launched a 30-day eviction campaign in the Ashanti Region, targeting areas under high-voltage transmission lines. This initiative aims to prevent human encroachment on these lines, which present significant safety hazards. GRIDCo, in collaboration with state authorities, is working to ensure the corridor remains free from human activities to avoid potential accidents and maintain reliable power distribution.

A recent incident in Ashaiman, where a fuel tanker explosion damaged a transmission tower, underscores the necessity of this action. GRIDCo's Director of Land Management, Engineer Bismark Anane, emphasized that such occurrences highlight the critical need to keep the transmission corridor clear of human activities, especially those involving flammable materials.

The directive, issued by the Minister for Energy following the Ashaiman incident, gives occupants 30 days to voluntarily leave the area. Occupying the Right-of-Way endangers lives, damages infrastructure, and obstructs maintenance and emergency repairs. The enforcement measures are not punitive but are aimed at enforcing safety regulations and ensuring uninterrupted power supply.

At Ejisu, where the campaign has commenced, residents, traders, artisans, and commercial drivers near the high-tension lines have been given a 30-day deadline to vacate the premises. GRIDCo clarified that only those with valid, verifiable documentation proving a legitimate claim to the land may receive compensation. Individuals who settled without proper authorization or documentation will not be eligible for compensation, as their presence is deemed illegal.

The authority has urged all occupants to heed the notice and make necessary arrangements to move before enforcement takes place. The response from affected residents has been mixed. Some are prepared to comply but request that GRIDCo and authorities provide alternative relocation sites before any eviction or demolition. Others argue they have been residing in the area for years, even collecting tolls and levies, and claim humanitarian considerations should be applied.

They contend that forcible eviction without alternative housing will result in home loss, business failure, and livelihood disruption since many depend on activities within the area for survival. They have called on the government to ensure a compassionate approach to the eviction process.