The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has launched a massive public awareness and eviction campaign across the Ashanti Region, ordering unauthorized occupants living or trading under its high-voltage transmission cables to pack up and leave.
As part of the initial phase at Ejisu, traders, artisans, commercial drivers, and local residents whose structures fall within the Right of Way (RoW) corridor have been served a strict 30-day deadline to clear out.
Addressing journalists, GRIDCo’s Director of Land Management, Eng. Bismark Anane, stressed that clearing these locations has become critical. He explained that the move aims to avert potential disasters, shield power distribution networks from damage, and allow engineers easy access to carry out routine maintenance on the lines.
The eviction notice has, however, sparked varied responses from the affected groups.
A number of occupants expressed willingness to move out, but pleaded with the power utility and local authorities to relocate them to suitable sites to help cushion the impact on their livelihoods.
Others directed their frustration at the Ejisu Municipal Assembly, accusing officials of turning a blind eye and permitting them to set up operations in the hazardous zone in the first place.
A few long-time residents also claimed they settled on the land well before the high-tension masts were erected, urging GRIDCo to handle their cases on humanitarian grounds. Many expressed deep anxieties about losing their source of income and homes overnight.
On the subject of financial relief, GRIDCo clarified that payouts will not be granted automatically to everyone affected.
Eng. Anane noted that compensation will strictly apply to individuals who possess valid legal land documents proving genuine ownership or tenancy rights prior to the corridor’s designation.
GRIDCo has warned all individuals operating along the transmission path to use the one-month grace period to make alternative arrangements before full enforcement begins.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
