GRIDCo halts unauthorised excavation under High-Tension lines in Ayawaso West

In a bold intervention, Engineers from the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) recently disrupted an unauthorised construction attempt by a group of Chinese nationals working under high-tension power lines in Ayawaso West.

The land, located along Shiashie Street, near South Legon, and close to the University of Ghana Medical Hospital, is owned by GRIDCo and strictly restricted for public safety, given its proximity to high-voltage transmission lines.

The incident began on October 20th, when GRIDCo officials discovered heavy machinery on-site, with workers actively excavating under the high-tension lines. This move immediately raised concerns among GRIDCo’s Engineers, who saw it as a serious violation of their safety guidelines. As a result, GRIDCo quickly dispatched a task force to halt the unauthorised activity.

Though GRIDCo’s swift response initially stopped the excavation, reports surfaced that the workers returned a week later, this time escorted by a group of municipal guards allegedly from the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly.

Undeterred, GRIDCo’s task force arrived once more, detaining the workers on-site and dismantling an office container they had set up as a base of operations.

The Chinese nationals reportedly claimed they had received permission from the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly, with the presence of guards from assembly, giving some credibility to their claims.

Upon inquiry, it turned out that Clement Wilkinson, MCE for Ga West Municipal Assembly, in partnership with the Assemblyman for the area, Mr. Eugene Amoa Darko, brought the Chinese to the area.

GRIDCo promptly ordered the workers to backfill the trenches and vacate the premises, ensuring the area remains safe and compliant with national safety protocols. Meanwhile, the Ayawaso West MCE,

Hon. Sandra Owusu Ahinkorah denies her involvement in the unauthorized excavation, distancing herself from the operation.

This incident brings to light issues of unauthorized access to restricted areas and highlights the importance of institutions adhering to best practices.

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