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GRIDCo to demolish encroachers’ properties

The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) has said that it will demolish all structures of encroachers on its lands bordering its transmission lines, if moves are not made to evacuate the areas.

This is due to the associated safety risks it poses to the public and the need for regular maintenance works on the lines by the company.

Under the Transmission Line Protection Regulations, 1967 (LI 542) as amended by Regulation No. LI 1737 of 2004, it is an offence for persons or institutions to conduct any form of activity in relation to lands around the location of power transmission lines.

Activities including drilling, excavating, lorry parks, shops, garages, bars, real estate, operated in the area extending up to twenty (20) metres on each side from the centre line of the transmission towers are prohibited. These activities pose a danger to human life and property as a transmission line fault can result in casualties and damage to properties.

Outage to customers can also be prolonged due to restricted access to the Right-of-Ways.

The Chief Executive of GRIDCo, Jonathan Amoako-Baah, in a statement said: “We are very concerned with this trend across the country. Though we have chalked up some success by ejecting some encroachers, others have remained adamant. Over the years, we have carried out a lot of sensitisation programmes including print and electronic media publications, Information Services Department campaigns, and joint engagements with Municipal Assemblies.

“We are also ready to undertake demolition exercises, where necessary, as part of four mandate to ensure the right thing is done. We are committed to carrying out our mandate as a power transmitter, and will do whatever is necessary to prevent interferences.”

He added: “Over the past years, GRIDCo has had issues with encroachers along with its transmission towers and lands. These persons carry out all forms of activities at the risk of their lives. GRIDCo is working with the relevant state institutions to remove properties and structures, and to curb all forms of human activities”.

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