GRIDCo: Ghana Energy Minister Orders Eviction Over Land Encroachment

• The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, has directed individuals and institutions to vacate GRIDCo's Right of Way or face enforcement action.
• L.I. 542 prohibits activities within protected corridors extending 15 metres on either side of 161kV transmission lines and 20 metres for 330kV lines.
• Non-compliance with L.I. 542 could expose individuals and institutions to liability under the law.
• The directive is rooted in a recent incident where an explosion caused by welding works beneath a damaged transmission line near Ashaiman Middle East highlighted the potentially fatal consequences of activities within protected transmission corridors.

The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has been grappling with encroachments on its Right of Way, a critical issue that requires immediate attention to ensure the safety and reliability of the country's power supply. The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, has taken a decisive step in addressing this problem by directing individuals and institutions to vacate the protected areas or face enforcement action. This directive is not only necessary but also legally binding, as it is rooted in L.I. 542, which prohibits activities within protected corridors extending 15 metres on either side of 161kV transmission lines and 20 metres for 330kV lines. The Minister's decision to collaborate with security services and relevant authorities underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for a collective effort to prevent accidents and maintain public safety.

The incident that prompted the Minister's directive was an explosion caused by welding works beneath a damaged transmission line near Ashaiman Middle East. This event highlighted the potentially fatal consequences of activities within protected transmission corridors, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety regulations. The Ghanaian government has taken steps to ensure compliance with these regulations, and it is essential for all stakeholders, including individuals and institutions, to respect the boundaries set by L.I. 542 and its amendments. Failure to comply could lead to enforcement action, which may include collaboration with security services and relevant authorities.

The directive by the Minister for Energy and Green Transition has significant implications for lawyers and compliance officers. They should note that non-compliance with L.I. 542 could expose individuals and institutions to liability, making it essential to understand the regulations and take necessary steps to ensure adherence. The safety of lives and property depends on the reliability of Ghana's power supply, which is threatened by encroachments on GRIDCo's Right of Way. By prioritizing compliance with transmission line safety regulations, stakeholders can help prevent accidents and maintain public safety.

Lawyers and compliance officers should note that the directive by the Minister for Energy and Green Transition to vacate GRIDCo's Right of Way may trigger enforcement action, including collaboration with security services and relevant authorities, and that non-compliance could expose individuals and institutions to liability under L.I. 542.

Source: Original reporting via MyJoyOnline Ghana