By Paul K. Yankey
Ampain (W/R), Oct. 28, GNA – Mrs Judith Adjoba Blay, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas), has cautioned persons engaged in illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, to stay away from gas pipelines.
She warned that any encroachment on the pipelines could result in a major disaster for nearby communities if mining activities came into contact with the infrastructure.
Mrs Blay gave the caution on the sidelines of the Nzema Maanle Queenmothers Association Conference at Ampain in the Ellembelle District, where she was the Guest of Honour.
The conference, held on the theme: “The Role of Queenmothers in the Development of Nzema Maanle,” discussed a wide range of issues relevant to the development of the Nzema area.
Mrs Blay said the management of Ghana Gas remained committed to protecting the national asset, which comprised about 400 kilometres of high-pressure gas pipelines.
She noted that the safety of communities located near the pipelines was paramount and announced plans by the company to clearly mark the Right of Way with yellow markers.
According to her, the Right of Way extends 17.5 metres on either side of the pipeline, making a total corridor width of 35 metres, to enable the public to easily identify the area as a danger zone.
Mrs Blay said Ghana Gas would continue to collaborate with the Lands Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to combat galamsey activities within areas traversed by the pipelines.
She reiterated the company’s commitment to safeguarding its infrastructure and ensuring the safety of people living in communities along the gas pipeline network.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: P.K. Yankey