The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Gas Company, Judith Adjobah Blay, has sounded a stark warning about the growing threat posed by illegal mining activities near Akango in the Nzema East Municipality.
During a visit to the area, she expressed deep concern over the encroachment of the national gas pipeline, describing the situation as dangerous and potentially catastrophic for the country’s energy security and the safety of nearby communities.
Addressing journalists after the inspection tour of the affected zone, the Ghana Gas CEO did not mince words about the potential danger.
“Any interference with this pipeline is not just an infrastructure issue. It is a national security risk.
“The implications of damage to this line would be far-reaching, from crippling power supply to endangering human lives.”
Judith Adjobah Blay, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Gas Company
The critical pipeline, which transports lean gas from the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant through Prestea to Kumasi, is a key component of Ghana’s power generation infrastructure.
Damage to the pipeline, Blay stressed, would not only disrupt energy supply to large parts of the country but could also lead to devastating consequences given the flammable nature of the gas being transported.
Madam Blay confirmed that her outfit is taking swift measures to secure the area and to prevent further intrusion by illegal miners, whose activities have brought them alarmingly close to the pipeline corridor.
She emphasized that the company is working with both local and national security agencies to contain the threat and ensure that the integrity of the infrastructure is preserved. “Ghana Gas is committed to protecting this national asset,” she said.
“We are collaborating with law enforcement and the relevant regulatory agencies to ensure that the area is properly monitored and secured.
“We cannot allow such reckless mining operations to jeopardize our energy future.”
Judith Adjobah Blay, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Gas Company
Illegal Mining Threatens Gas Infrastructure
The construction of the gas pipeline began in 2012 and forms part of Ghana’s long-term strategy to ensure energy sustainability by transporting processed gas from the Western Region to inland power generation hubs.
The pipeline passes through key energy corridors including Esiama, Prestea, and eventually to Kumasi. It plays a crucial role in delivering gas for thermal power generation, a backbone of Ghana’s electricity supply.
Despite its strategic importance, the integrity of the pipeline is now under threat as illegal mining activities continue to expand in the Western Region.
The proximity of some of these mining operations to the pipeline corridor raises fears of accidental damage, which could lead to gas leaks, explosions, and long-term service disruptions.
In addition to calling on state institutions to ramp up enforcement, Madam Blay made a passionate appeal to local communities to act as first responders in protecting the infrastructure.
She urged traditional leaders, residents, and community-based organizations to collaborate with Ghana Gas and law enforcement agencies to report suspicious activities and illegal mining near sensitive installations.
“We need the support of the communities.
“These installations were built not just for Ghana Gas, but for all of us our industries, our homes, our schools. Everyone stands to lose if this infrastructure is compromised.”
Judith Adjobah Blay, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Gas Company
The damage caused to water bodies, forests, and farmlands is well documented, but this latest alert underscores an even graver danger: the potential collapse of critical energy infrastructure.
With several power plants dependent on a stable supply of lean gas from the Atuabo-Kumasi pipeline, any disruption could trigger blackouts and economic losses across multiple sectors.
The Ghana National Gas Company has pledged to provide periodic updates on the situation and reassured the public of its commitment to ensuring that the pipeline continues to serve the country safely and efficiently.
In the meantime, all eyes are on the Western Region, where the battle between national interest and illegal mining intensifies.
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