Accra: Artisans and other individuals working under high-tension transmission towers owned by the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) claim they are unaware of the one-month ultimatum issued by the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, mandating their evacuation from the premises.
According to Ghana Web, the ultimatum came in the wake of an incident at Ashaiman Middle East, where an explosion involving a tanker being welded allegedly sent a metal fragment over 300 metres into a high-tension transmission tower. The incident reportedly compromised the structural integrity of the tower, which is responsible for carrying two critical transmission circuits supplying power from the Volta Substation in Tema to the Achimota Substation in Accra.
Dr Jinapor issued the ultimatum last Thursday during his inspection of the damaged tower being replaced by GRIDCo. He directed those operating under power transmission pylons to vacate within a month or face forced eviction and potential confiscation of their belongings. The directive forms part of urgent measures to safeguard lives, property, and critical electricity transmission infrastructure.
However, checks by The Ghanaian Times reveal that the affected artisans have not received any formal notice informing them of the directive. Members of the Ghana Association of Garages (GAG), Zone 14, expressed that although they have heard about the ultimatum through media reports, they have not been personally notified or provided with details on the vacating process.
Francis Asun, Chairman of GAG Zone 14-Union A, expressed surprise at the ultimatum, learning of it only through the media. He emphasized that no official had approached him or his colleagues to communicate the directive. Asun noted that GRIDCo had previously acknowledged their operations and allowed them to work at a 50-metre distance from the pylons.
He further alleged that officials from the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly (ASHMA) had allocated spaces under the pylons to some individuals, allowing them to operate in exchange for permits and fees. David Oppong, Chairman of Union B, added that some encroachers attributed their presence to allocations made by the assembly, as well as the Tema and Ashaiman traditional authorities.
Asun urged authorities to directly engage with the artisans before enforcing any eviction, citing significant investments in their workshops and businesses. He emphasized that adequate notice and dialogue would help artisans make alternative arrangements while considering the economic impact of the directive.
Dr Jinapor's directive aims to prevent encroachment on electricity transmission corridors and mitigate risks posed by activities beneath high-tension lines. Non-compliance within the one-month period could result in eviction and confiscation of belongings.
The artisans are calling on the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, GRIDCo, and relevant metropolitan and municipal assemblies to engage with them clearly before the deadline, to prevent confusion and allow for safety concerns to be addressed effectively.