Nhyiaesohene: Commits Support to ECG Against Encroachment in Kumasi

• Nhyiaesohene Nana Osei Yaw Frimpong II pledged traditional authority support to ECG to combat encroachment on utility corridors and protect electricity infrastructure in his Kumasi jurisdiction.
• The collaboration aims to preserve lands for electricity infrastructure and enforce right-of-way regulations, addressing a significant challenge for ECG.
• The Nhyiaesohene urged residents to avoid illegal connections and pay bills promptly, while ECG detailed infrastructure upgrades to meet increasing demand in areas like Adum and Ridge.
• ECG's General Manager, George Amoah, highlighted the importance of this commitment given the Nhyiaeso area's central location in Kumasi and ongoing development pressures.
• ECG is installing two new 500kVA transformers in the Adum Central Business District and has upgraded transformers at the Ridge Bulk Supply Point, with GRIDCo also upgrading its transformer, to improve supply and meet growing demand.

The Nhyiaesohene's commitment is expected to significantly bolster ECG's efforts to protect essential utility corridors and ensure public safety in the face of ongoing development.

Nana Osei Yaw Frimpong II, the Nhyiaesohene of Kumasi, has formally committed the traditional authority's backing to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in its efforts to prevent encroachment on utility corridors and safeguard the right of way for electricity infrastructure within his administrative area. This pledge underscores a collaborative approach, aiming to ensure that lands designated for the installation and ongoing maintenance of vital electricity infrastructure are preserved, thereby facilitating efficient service delivery across the region.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by Nana Frimpong to the management of the ECG Ashanti West Region, held at their regional office in Adum, Kumasi. The primary objective of this engagement was to strengthen the existing collaboration between ECG and traditional authorities, providing a crucial platform for the Nhyiaesohene to engage directly with regional management on critical issues impacting electricity supply and infrastructure development.

During the visit, Nana Frimpong commended ECG for notable improvements in power supply and service delivery observed in various parts of his jurisdiction. These areas include Ahodwo, sections of Adum, Darkodwom, Danyame, Ridge, the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Ridge Condos, and their surrounding communities. He emphasized the indispensable role of electricity, asserting its status as an essential commodity for households, businesses, and the broader economy, thereby necessitating robust support from traditional authorities for ECG's operational mandate.

In a direct appeal, the Nhyiaesohene urged ECG to maintain close liaison with his office whenever instances of encroachment on utility corridors within his jurisdiction are identified. He provided an assurance of the traditional authority’s unwavering support in enforcing the established right of way. Nana Frimpong also issued a stern caution against the construction of structures or engagement in activities directly beneath electricity lines or in proximity to transformers, highlighting the inherent risks these pose to public safety and the operational integrity of utility companies.

Furthermore, he appealed to local residents to cease illegal electricity connections and to ensure prompt payment of their electricity bills. This, he explained, is crucial for enabling ECG to mobilize the necessary financial resources required for continuous infrastructure improvement and enhanced service delivery. Mr. George Amoah, the General Manager of ECG Ashanti West Region, warmly received these assurances, acknowledging the particular significance of this collaboration given the Nhyiaeso traditional area's strategic location at the heart of Kumasi.

Mr. Amoah elaborated on the pervasive challenge of encroachment on ECG’s right of way, noting that some developers construct buildings within areas specifically reserved for electricity infrastructure, subsequently demanding that the company relocate its facilities at additional, often substantial, costs. He expressed confidence that the Nhyiaesohene's commitment would be instrumental in addressing this persistent issue and ensuring the effective protection of vital utility corridors.

Beyond the immediate concerns of encroachment, Mr. Amoah also highlighted the escalating demand for electricity in key areas within the region. He specifically cited Ridge, Danyame, Ahodwo, and the Adum Central Business District, where a proliferation of high-rise buildings and expanding commercial activities are exerting considerable pressure on the existing power infrastructure. This surge in demand necessitates ongoing investment and upgrades to maintain reliable service.

In response to these growing needs, ECG has already undertaken significant steps, including the upgrade of several power transformers situated at the Ridge Bulk Supply Point. Concurrently, the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) is also engaged in an upgrade of its own power transformer, a measure designed to collectively meet the increasing electricity demands across these rapidly developing areas.

Looking ahead, Mr. Amoah further disclosed that ECG has initiated a project focused on the installation of two new 500kVA transformers within the bustling Adum Central Business District. This proactive measure is specifically aimed at enhancing power supply stability and adequately addressing the continually increasing demand from businesses and residents in this vital commercial hub.

The Nhyiaesohene's pledge marks a significant development in the enforcement of utility corridor protection and right-of-way regulations in Kumasi. This strengthened collaboration between traditional authority and ECG signals a more robust approach to safeguarding critical power infrastructure, which is essential for public safety and uninterrupted electricity supply. The emphasis on preserving lands for infrastructure installation and maintenance directly addresses a key regulatory challenge in urban development.

This initiative underscores the importance of traditional authority support in Ghana for the effective discharge of mandates by state-owned enterprises like ECG. The Nhyiaesohene's commitment to enforce the right of way, coupled with his call for residents to adhere to regulations regarding illegal connections and bill payments, reinforces the legal framework governing electricity provision. Such proactive engagement from local leadership is crucial for mitigating risks associated with Kumasi power infrastructure encroachment and ensuring the long-term reliability of the electricity network.

Lawyers and compliance officers advising on land development or property transactions in the Nhyiaeso/Kumasi area should note the strengthened collaboration between the Nhyiaesohene and ECG. This signals increased enforcement against encroachment on electricity utility corridors, necessitating enhanced due diligence for land use and development permits to mitigate legal risks for clients.

Source: Original reporting via GNA