GRIDCo to pull down structures around transmission lines
The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has served notice it would pull down structures around its Right-of-Way locations in some popular areas in Accra.
The exercise, according to GRIDCo, is expected to take place this month, March.
Some of the affected areas are along the Tema-Achimota-Mallam High Voltage Transmission Lines.
The demolishing exercise seeks to rid the areas of illegal occupants and encroachers, whose activities prevent access to the transmission towers.
The specific areas to be affected are Dzorwulu, Ashiaman Middle East, and areas in East Legon including, American House; Adjei Kojo, and Menpeasem.
“The demolition exercise, when completed, will enable unimpeded access to the transmission towers by GRIDCo Engineers and Contractors in order for construction works to be carried out. This will ensure adequate and quality power transmission to the Greater Accra region and adjoining areas,” GRIDCo said in a statement.
It added that “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 the lands around the location of power transmission lines and towers in Ghana.
“Operations including drilling, excavation works, lorry parks, shops, garages, bars, real estate, undertaken in the areas extending for a distance of 15 meters on each side from the centre of the transmission towers for 161kV lines and 20 meters for 330kV lines, are prohibited,” the statement added.
The power distribution company said such activities pose a danger to human life and property as transmission line faults can result in casualties and damage to properties.
Over the past years, GRIDCo has had issues with encroachers along its transmission towers and lands across the country, especially in the Greater Accra Region.
GRIDCo, however, assured that it would continue to work with the relevant state institutions to remove properties and structures and curb all forms of human activities, within the Right-of-Ways, to safeguard public safety and ensure the reliability of power transmission.