Ghanaian Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, has issued a firm directive mandating the immediate evacuation of all individuals and entities currently occupying the designated Right of Way (ROW) areas surrounding the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) transmission lines. This action follows a critical inspection following a significant incident – the explosive detonation of a fuel tanker beneath the Tema–Achimota 161kV transmission line near Ashaiman Middle East – which, the Minister stated, represents a demonstrable threat to the safety and stability of Ghana’s power supply infrastructure.
The directive follows a thorough assessment conducted by GRIDCo’s engineers, confirming the potential for catastrophic consequences should unauthorized activities continue within the ROW. Dr Jinapor emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘I have called on all persons and institutions encroaching on GRIDCo’s Right of Way to move out immediately.’
The incident, which occurred just hours after the fuel tanker’s welding works were underway, has been classified as a serious breach of established regulations. The Minister underscored that the grid’s protection is paramount, emphasizing that compliance with the legally mandated restrictions on activities within these corridors is absolutely essential. Specifically, the law, as amended by L.I. 1737 and L.I. 542, prohibits activities within 15 meters on either side of 161kV and 20 meters for 330kV transmission lines, creating a legally binding framework for safeguarding the grid’s integrity.
Dr Jinapor explained that the regulations are designed to prevent damage to the transmission lines, reduce potential risks to personnel, and ultimately ensure the consistent and reliable delivery of electricity to consumers across the nation. He further highlighted the crucial role of the law in safeguarding lives and property, stressing that the Ministry is committed to maintaining the highest standards of operational safety.
The legal basis for this directive is rooted in the L.I. 542 amendment, which explicitly prohibits activities within the ROW extending 15 meters on either side of 161kV and 20 meters for 330kV lines. This amendment was enacted in response to the recognized dangers posed by unauthorized presence within these critical transmission corridors. The Minister reiterated the seriousness of the situation, stating, ‘We are not simply issuing a directive; we are implementing a critical safeguard to protect the lives of our citizens and the vital infrastructure of Ghana’s power grid.’
The security services and relevant authorities are actively coordinating with GRIDCo to ensure the swift and effective implementation of this directive, and the Minister has assured the public that all measures are being taken to address this situation swiftly and decisively. The Ministry is committed to upholding its legal obligations and prioritizing the safety of all stakeholders involved in the maintenance of Ghana’s power supply system. The full implications of this incident, and the subsequent enforcement actions, are still being assessed, but the message is clear: strict adherence to the regulations governing the ROW is now non-negotiable.”
Stakeholders are urged to cooperate fully with GRIDCo and law enforcement agencies to facilitate the orderly evacuation of unauthorized personnel and equipment from the affected areas. Further updates will be provided as they become available. The Ministry is also exploring avenues to improve grid security and enhance monitoring capabilities to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The situation underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen Ghana’s energy security framework, a critical element for national economic prosperity and stability. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing vigilance required to safeguard Ghana’s critical infrastructure.
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Source: MyJoyOnline
