Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Gas Company, Judith Adjobah Blay, has expressed serious concern over illegal mining activities near Akango in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region, warning that the encroachment poses a major threat to the critical national gas pipeline.
The pipeline, which runs from the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant to Kumasi, transports lean gas for power generation.
Speaking to Channel One TV after a tour of the affected area on August 2, Madam Blay warned that any damage to the inflammable pipeline could have catastrophic consequences for both the country’s energy supply and the safety of nearby communities.
She assured that the company is taking immediate steps to secure the area and prevent further encroachment by illegal miners.
While condemning the illegal mining activities, the Ghana Gas CEO also called on local communities to actively support efforts to protect the gas infrastructure.
Construction of the pipeline began in 2012 to transport lean gas from Atuabo through Esiama and Prestea to Kumasi to support electricity generation. However, growing illegal mining activities now threaten the integrity of this vital infrastructure.
