Vacate or face eviction - Minister gives power-line encroachers one month

Ghana's Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has issued a stern one-month ultimatum demanding that all individuals and businesses operating under power transmission pylons vacate these areas or face forced eviction and confiscation of their property.

The directive comes as an urgent measure to protect lives and property and prevent further damage to critical electricity infrastructure. This action was prompted by a recent incident in Ashaiman-Middle East, where an explosion during welding work on a tanker reportedly sent a metal fragment over 300 meters, striking and damaging a transmission tower.

According to the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), the damage has compromised the structural integrity of the tower, which is vital for supplying power from the Volta Substation in Tema to the Achimota Substation in Accra. The collapse of this tower could trigger a domino effect on adjoining structures, leading to significant power disruptions in the capital.

Minister Jinapor emphasized that despite previous appeals, illegal activities in transmission-line rights-of-way have persisted, necessitating stronger enforcement. He stated, "Where persuasion fails, force must be applied legally." The government plans to collaborate with the Police, Military, National Security, and local assemblies to clear the affected areas. After the deadline, a comprehensive exercise will forcibly remove occupants, and any remaining items will be confiscated and auctioned.

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Where persuasion fails, force must be applied legally.