The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Gas Company, Judith Adjobah Blay, has issued a warning regarding the imminent threat posed by illegal mining activities to a crucial national gas pipeline in Akango, a community in the Nzema East District of the Western Region.
During a fact-finding visit to the area, Madam Blay revealed that a key section of the gas pipeline connecting the Esiama Distribution Center Station to Prestea is being dangerously encroached upon by illegal miners, commonly referred to as galamsey operators.
‘This is a very important pipeline for us,’ she emphasized. ‘We received reports that illegal miners were encroaching on areas specifically reserved for the protection of our pipeline, so we had to come here ourselves to assess the situation. Indeed, there is a serious problem.’
She described the scene as alarming, pointing to freshly dug mounds of earth – clear evidence of intense mining activity occurring just meters from the pipeline. Some miners reportedly fled upon noticing the arrival of Ghana Gas security personnel.
According to her, the area has a standard 35-meter buffer zone designated for pipeline safety; however, this safety boundary is being blatantly ignored. ‘If you look just beyond these trees, in the middle somewhere lies our pipeline.
That land is part of our 35-meter safety zone. Yet, just behind us, there are heaps of sand from galamsey activity. This is dangerously close,’ she added.
Madam Blay explained, ‘Our priority at Ghana Gas is to protect this national asset, which is crucial for generating power and supporting industries. Gas is highly flammable and poses significant risks. Any disruption could result in explosions, damage to property, and loss of lives.’ To address the issue, Ghana Gas will begin clearly marking the 35-meter safety zone with durable indicators such as pillars.
‘We have agreed with the community to demarcate the buffer zone clearly. They believe that if it is well-marked, they will not encroach. We have heard them, and we will act accordingly’, she disclosed.
She stressed that that the danger may persist beyond the marked zone, noting that mining destabilises the soil and could lead to erosion, posing a significant risk to the pipeline.
Madam Blay urged residents of Akango and neighboring communities to understand the risks associated with the pipeline, emphasizing that it is a national asset belonging to all citizens and requires careful handling.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
