The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) has directed all persons, businesses and land users encroaching on its transmission line Rights-of-Way across the country to cease all unauthorised activities and vacate the affected corridors within one month.
The directive follows an inspection of ongoing work by the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Dr John Abdulai Jinapor.
In a press statement, GRIDCo cited the Transmission Line Protection Regulations, 1967 (L.I. 542), as amended by L.I. 1737 of 2004, which prohibit specified human activities within transmission line corridors.
Activities including unauthorised construction, excavation, drilling, commercial operations, lorry parks, shops, garages and other activities that interfere with the safe operation and maintenance of the transmission system are prohibited within the protected corridor.
The directive applies particularly to persons who have erected structures, established businesses, parked heavy vehicles, undertaken welding, excavation or other industrial activities, or otherwise occupied or obstructed the transmission line corridors.
GRIDCo said that after the expiration of the one-month period, it will work with the relevant Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, other statutory institutions and the security agencies to enforce the law and remove unauthorised structures and activities from the transmission line Rights-of-Way.
Persons who fail to comply should therefore expect enforcement action in accordance with the applicable laws.
The company reiterated that the Right-of-Way is not an area available for unrestricted occupation or commercial use.
GRIDCo accordingly urged the public, traditional authorities, landowners, businesses and local authorities to cooperate fully in keeping all transmission line Rights-of-Way clear and free from encroachment.
