The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) officially announced the successful completion of emergency works to replace a severely damaged transmission tower located in the Ashaiman section of the 161kV Tema-Achimota line.

This critical piece of infrastructure was compromised following a dangerous incident where a fuel tanker exploded while unauthorized welding was being performed on its tank directly within the transmission line’s Right-of-Way (RoW).

The resulting damage necessitated an immediate intervention, leading to a planned power outage on Sunday, August 16, 2026, to allow technical teams to work safely. Following intense effort from GRIDCo’s engineers, the company confirmed on August 23, 2026, that the tower replacement was complete. In a reassuring statement to the public, the company noted,

“Power supply to all locations in Greater Accra which were taken off for the work have since been restored”. While the restoration of power brings relief to thousands, the incident has reignited a national conversation about the dangers of encroaching on high-voltage corridors.

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has taken a firm stance on this issue, emphasizing that such encroachment is not just a legal violation but a major threat to national security and public safety. According to the Transmission Line Protection Regulations (L.I. 542 and L.I. 1737), human activities—including construction, commercial operations like shops or garages, and industrial tasks like welding—are strictly prohibited within these protected zones.

Following an inspection of the ongoing work, the Minister issued a definitive directive: all persons and entities currently occupying or operating within these Rights-of-Way have until September 12, 2026, to vacate. GRIDCo has made it clear that after this deadline expires, they will collaborate with the relevant Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), along with security agencies, to enforce the law and remove all unauthorized structures.

This enforcement is vital because, as the recent fuel tanker explosion proved, unauthorized activities under high-tension lines can lead to catastrophic accidents and widespread blackouts that affect the entire nation’s productivity. GRIDCo, which has been operational since 2008 and manages the National Interconnected Transmission System (NITS), continues to urge traditional authorities and local landowners to cooperate in keeping these corridors clear.

The successful restoration of the Tema-Achimota line is a testament to the resilience of our utility providers, but it also serves as a wake-up call for all citizens. Infrastructure like transmission towers is essential for Ghana’s development, and protecting these assets is a collective responsibility.

By adhering to the September 12 deadline and respecting the Right-of-Way regulations, we can prevent future accidents and ensure that the "backbone" of our power delivery remains strong and uninterrupted. Stay informed about your local utility updates by following official GRIDCo announcements and support the efforts to keep our national grid safe for everyone.

#GRIDCo #power restoration Ghana #Tema-Achimota transmission line #Right-of-Way encroachment.