By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The Energy Committee of Parliament has begun a three-day working visit to various energy agencies across the country, with its first stop at the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo).
During the visit, GRIDCo management raised serious concerns about the growing threat of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, describing it as one of the company’s biggest current challenges.
According to officials, illegal miners operating near power transmission lines have become increasingly aggressive, with some reportedly attacking and even shooting at GRIDCo staff carrying out maintenance work.
“This situation, if not addressed, may soon affect power lines that supply electricity to the entire country,” warned Ing. Hussaini Adams, Director of System Operations at GRIDCo.
Despite the threat, Ing. Adams noted that Ghana currently has sufficient power capacity, with available generation at 4,048 megawatts against a peak demand of 3,077 megawatts.
He, however, highlighted other issues such as land encroachment and the high cost of paying compensation to landowners and farmers, which continue to place financial pressure on the company.
The GRIDCo Director urged the public, especially encroachers, to stay clear of transmission lines, stressing that such activities not only obstruct operations but also endanger lives.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Energy Committee, Emmanuel Bedzrah, who is also the MP for Ho West, assured GRIDCo of the committee’s support. He also appealed to illegal miners to stop operating near power lines and refrain from attacking GRIDCo personnel.
