GRIDCo Ghana: Right-of-Way Enforcement Targets Encroachments

• GRIDCo has issued a warning about increasing illegal structures and human activities encroaching on its high-voltage transmission line right-of-way.
• These encroachments pose severe risks to human life and threaten the stability of Ghana's national electricity supply.
• A recent incident in Ashaiman, where a tanker damaged a transmission tower, caused a prolonged power outage, highlighting the dangers.
• GRIDCo is intensifying its education campaign and will validate residents' claims, but those who do not vacate after notice will face lawful enforcement.
• A two-week moratorium announced by the Minister of Energy and Green Transition was set to expire on September 4, after which reasonable notice will precede enforcement.

Those who remain after receiving the required notice period will face lawful enforcement action.

The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has issued a stern warning regarding the escalating issue of illegal structures and human activities encroaching upon its high-voltage transmission line right-of-way across Ghana. These activities are creating increasingly dangerous conditions, posing significant threats to both human life and the stability of the national electricity supply network. The company emphasizes that such encroachments could severely disrupt power transmission.

Samuel Kow Acquah, GRIDCo’s Director of Corporate Strategy, highlighted the growing frequency of human activities within these critical zones, which directly jeopardize the reliability of the power supply. He underscored that GRIDCo right-of-way enforcement Ghana is becoming a priority to safeguard essential infrastructure and public safety. The company is actively working to address technical bottlenecks within its transmission network and views these human encroachments as a direct impediment to those efforts.

The inherent dangers of encroaching on high-voltage transmission lines were starkly illustrated by a recent incident in Ashaiman. Approximately two weeks prior to the public statement, a tanker undergoing welding operations came into contact with a transmission tower, resulting in significant damage and a prolonged power outage. This event serves as a critical example of how seemingly localized activities can have widespread consequences for the national grid.

Mr. Acquah further elaborated on the extreme risks involved, noting that these transmission lines carry immense electrical charges, typically 161,000 volts, with some reaching as high as 313,000 volts. This contrasts sharply with the mere 240 volts required for standard household equipment, underscoring the life-threatening hazard posed by living or conducting any activity near such infrastructure. These figures highlight the critical importance of adhering to Ghana high-voltage line safety regulations.

In response to these escalating concerns, GRIDCo is intensifying its public education campaign throughout the current month. This initiative aims to inform squatters, encroachers, and other individuals occupying areas within the transmission right-of-way about the severe risks to both human life and the national electricity supply. The campaign will specifically target regions identified with high levels of encroachment and illegal mining activities.

Regarding claims made by some affected residents concerning prior discussions with the government or proposed changes to transmission lines, Mr. Acquah confirmed that GRIDCo would validate these assertions before proceeding with any further actions, ensuring a “human touch” to the process. While voluntary vacation of the right-of-way is encouraged, those who remain after receiving the required notice period will face lawful enforcement action. This signals GRIDCo legal action power lines will be pursued against non-compliant parties. Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor had previously announced a two-week GRIDCo transmission line moratorium, which was set to expire on September 4. Despite this expiration, affected residents will still be afforded reasonable notice to vacate before enforcement measures commence, reinforcing the Ghana GRIDCo encroachment warning.

GRIDCo's primary objective is to ensure the stability and reliability of the national power transmission network. The company is committed to implementing all necessary technical measures to eliminate bottlenecks within this system. However, these efforts are continuously undermined by human activities within the right-of-way, which introduce unpredictable risks and potential disruptions.

The ongoing awareness campaign and the impending enforcement actions are crucial steps in safeguarding Ghana's vital utility infrastructure. By ensuring compliance with established right-of-way regulations, GRIDCo aims to prevent future incidents, protect lives, and maintain a consistent and stable electricity supply for the nation.

Lawyers advising property owners or businesses in Ghana should be aware of GRIDCo's intensified enforcement efforts regarding encroachments on its high-voltage transmission line right-of-way. Clients operating near these lines face potential legal action, forced vacation, and disruption, necessitating a review of property rights and compliance with utility regulations.

Source: Original reporting via Myjoyonline.com