GRIDCo Issues 30-Day Vacation Notice to Ashanti Region Transmission Line Encroachers

The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), in collaboration with the Information Services Department (ISD), has launched an intensive 12-day sensitisation exercise across the Ashanti Region to address the growing concern of encroachment on high-voltage transmission corridors. This strategic initiative is designed to educate residents, traders, and artisans about the severe life-threatening risks associated with operating beneath or near power lines. As part of the exercise, GRIDCo has issued a formal 30-day ultimatum to all illegal occupants within the transmission "Right of Way" to vacate the premises or face potential enforcement actions.

The exercise comes in response to a surge in unauthorized structures and activities within the grid's buffer zones, which pose significant operational and safety challenges. GRIDCo officials emphasized that these high-voltage lines carry substantial electrical loads, creating electromagnetic fields and the potential for lethal electrical arcs. Beyond the immediate danger to human life, encroachment hinders the utility company's ability to conduct routine maintenance and respond rapidly to emergency repairs during grid failures. Clearing these corridors is essential for maintaining the integrity of the national power system and ensuring a stable electricity supply for the region.

During the initial phases of the sensitisation tour, many affected residents and business owners acknowledged the inherent dangers of their proximity to the high-tension cables. However, the move has also sparked concerns regarding the economic impact on local livelihoods. Many of those operating within these zones, including mechanics and petty traders, have expressed a need for alternative sites to relocate their businesses to avoid total loss of income. While GRIDCo remains firm on the 30-day deadline to ensure public safety, the dialogue highlights the complex tension between infrastructure protection and the socio-economic realities of urban development in Ghana's commercial hubs.

As the 12-day campaign progresses, the ISD will continue to use mobile vans and community engagement sessions to spread awareness throughout the affected districts. GRIDCo has indicated that once the 30-day grace period expires, it will assess the situation to ensure the identified zones are cleared of all structures. This enforcement action is part of a broader national effort to secure utility corridors and prevent avoidable disasters, such as fires or electrocutions. The company continues to urge all citizens to prioritize safety over convenience to support a resilient and reliable national power infrastructure.