The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Gas Company, Judith Adjobah Blay, has issued a stern warning about the looming threat illegal mining activities pose to a critical national gas pipeline in Akango, a community in the Nzema East District of the Western Region.
Speaking during a fact-finding visit to the area, Madam Blay revealed that a key section of the gas pipeline connecting the Esiama Distribution Center Station to Prestea is being dangerously encroached upon by illegal miners, commonly referred to as galamsey operators.
“This is a very important pipeline for us,” she said. “We received reports that illegal miners were encroaching on areas specifically reserved for the protection of our pipeline, so we had to come here ourselves to assess the situation. And indeed, there is a serious problem.”
She described the scene as alarming, pointing to freshly dug mounds of earth — clear evidence of intense mining activity occurring just meters from the pipeline. Some of the miners reportedly fled upon noticing the arrival of Ghana Gas security personnel.
According to her, the area has a standard 35-meter buffer zone designated for pipeline safety.
However, that safety boundary is being blatantly ignored, indicating “If you look just beyond these trees, in the middle somewhere lies our pipeline. That land is part of our 35-meter safety zone. Yet, just behind us, there are heaps of sand from the galamsey activity. This is dangerously close.”
She explained. “But for us at Ghana Gas, our priority is to protect the pipeline. This is not just any asset it is a national asset. It is the channel through which we generate power and support industries. Gas is highly flammable and dangerous. Any disruption could result in explosion, damage to property, and the loss of lives.”
She emphasized three major reasons why the company is concerned: the pipeline as a national investment, gas is extremely hazardous, and any damage could result in a costly national loss.
“We have every reason to be here, to engage the community, and to seek solutions,” she underpinned.
To address the issue, she said Ghana Gas will begin clearly marking the 35-meter safety zone with durable indicators such as pillars. “We have agreed with the community to clearly demarcate the buffer zone. They believe that if it is well-marked, they will not encroach. We’ve heard them clearly, and we’re going to act on it.”
However, she warned that the danger may still persist beyond the marked zone. “Even if they don’t cross the 35-meter boundary, what happens if they mine right next to it? Mining destabilizes the soil. There could be erosion, and that’s a big risk to the pipeline.”
She pointed to a nearby trench filled with water, explaining it was not a natural stream but a result of deep illegal mining.
“If this erosion happens just a few meters from the pipeline, it could spell disaster. I want the people to understand that this pipeline is a national asset it belongs to all of us. It’s not just infrastructure; it’s a gas pipeline. That makes it very dangerous if tampered with.
“Mining close to the pipeline puts the entire community at risk. I’ve told the residents, ‘Think about your lives first.’ I know that miners are drawn to gold regardless of location, but I’m urging them: Don’t sacrifice your lives for gold and leave it behind for others,” Madam Blay speak directly to residents of Akango and neighboring communities.
She assured the community that Ghana Gas is not only acting to protect the pipeline but also to protect them.
“We are pleading with you — stay away, even beyond our 35-meter zone. Give us at least 50 meters. That is not part of our official buffer, but we are requesting it for safety.”
She assured of continued dialogue with traditional authorities to ensure the safety of the people and the protection of the pipeline.
