Kumasi: Illegal Chainsaw Operation Damages Critical Section of 161kV Transmission Line- GRIDCo
The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) says a critical section of its 161KV Transmission Line from Akwatia to New Obuasi has been damaged.
This was caused on April 17 when through the operation of illegal chainsaw operators, a tree fell damaging a critical tower section on the line and eventually significantly affecting power supply.
A statement issued by the Company stated that the affected line is one of the key lines that supplies power to Kumasi and portions of the middle belt of Ghana.
“Our maintenance engineers quickly moved in on the same day of the outage and started work to restore the line. Unfortunately, their assessment showed extensive damage such that, it required moving heavy duty equipment to widen access to the point of fault, dismantle the damaged tower and conductors and reconstruct a new tower in its place.”
It relayed that the engineers have since worked expeditiously to complete the reconstruction of a new tower.
Meanwhile, it said the remaining conductor stringing works are projected to be completed by Sunday April 20, 2025 for the line to be restored to service.
The Company used the occasion to point out the negative effects of illegal chainsaw activities that often damage electricity transmission infrastructure across the country and urged the public to assist in safeguarding Ghana’s transmission infrastructure.
It further apologised to the residents of Kumasi and its surroundings for the power challenges as a result of the damage to the line.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
