The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana National Gas Company, Judith Adjobah Blay, has raised the alarm over the growing threat illegal mining poses to a vital national gas pipeline in Akango, a community in the Nzema East District of the Western Region.
During a recent fact-finding mission to the area, Madam Blay expressed deep concern about how illegal miners, locally known as galamsey operators are encroaching dangerously close to a key section of the pipeline that links the Esiama Distribution Center Station to Prestea.
“This is a very important pipeline for us,” she said. “We had reports that illegal miners were digging into areas reserved to protect the pipeline, so we came to see for ourselves and honestly, the situation is alarming.”
What was found was disturbing, freshly dug pits and mounds of earth just meters away from the buried pipeline, clear signs of aggressive mining activity. Some miners reportedly fled the area upon seeing Ghana Gas security officers.
Madam Blay explained that the pipeline has a 35-meter buffer zone by regulation, meant to prevent exactly this kind of risk. But that safety boundary is being ignored.
“If you look just beyond the trees, that’s where the pipeline runs,” she said, gesturing at the scene. “Yet just behind us are heaps of sand from illegal mining. That’s dangerously close.”
She stressed that this isn’t just any infrastructure it’s a lifeline for national power generation and industrial operations. “Gas is flammable. It’s dangerous. A single disruption here could mean explosions, loss of property, and even lives.”
Ghana Gas, she said, is particularly concerned for three reasons: The pipeline is a major national investment, gas is highly hazardous, and any damage could have serious consequences for the whole country.
To mitigate the risk, the company plans to clearly mark the 35-meter safety zone using concrete pillars. “We’ve agreed with the community to demarcate the area visibly. They say if it’s well-marked, they won’t enter. We’re going to act on that.”
However, she cautioned that even activity just outside the safety zone could be risky. “Mining destabilizes the ground. Erosion or collapse could still affect the pipeline,” she explained, pointing to a nearby trench filled with water a result of deep illegal mining.
“That’s not a stream, it’s a galamsey trench. And if that kind of erosion happens near the pipeline, we’re in trouble.”
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Madam Blay also took a moment to speak directly to the local residents, urging them to think beyond gold. “This pipeline belongs to all of us. It’s not worth risking your life for gold you’ll leave behind. Think of your safety first.”
She emphasized that Ghana Gas is not just protecting the pipeline, but also the lives of those living nearby. “We’re pleading not just for the official 35 meters, but give us 50 meters for extra safety. That’s not law, but it’s a lifeline.”
She assured residents that Ghana Gas will continue to engage traditional leaders and community members to find lasting solutions and keep everyone safe.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
