Chairman of Genser Energy, Nana Otwasuom Osae Nyampong VI has raised alarm over illegal mining activities threatening newly laid gas pipelines in the Ashanti region, as reported by Citi News.
Nyampong emphasised the immediate necessity for intervention, calling on local Chiefs to educate their communities about the hazards posed by these activities.
He highlighted the dangerous risk to both miners’ lives and the integrity of the gas pipeline project.
According to Nyampong, the miners’ excavation activities near the gas pipelines, combined with the presence of flammable gas, create an explosive potential.
“Those on the right of way have begun prospecting for minerals along our gas pipelines, simply put galamseyers have begun digging under our pipeline to see if they can strike its reach overnight, it is a very dangerous enterprise because when you are digging, you are using some force and a little sparkle of fire may touch the gas and you will lose your life with the explosion that will happen.
“We will appeal to the Chiefs who own these lands on the right of way to educate their citizenry that there is no gain saying that you are going to look for gold and you may not come back home. You shouldn’t exchange your life for wealth which you may not even get,” Nana Otwasuom Osae Nyampong VI stated.
He urged residents to prioritise safety over potential gains and refrain from risking their lives in pursuit of uncertain wealth.
In related news, Genser Energy expressed gratitude to stakeholders involved in the successful construction of a 110-kilometre natural gas pipeline.
This infrastructure will power the 250-megawatt Kumasi 1 Thermal Power Plant (K1TPP) and future plants, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s power sector.
The Anwomaso Gas Pipeline, comprising 12,000 steel pipes imported from the US, spans from Prestea to Anwomaso.
This project, in collaboration with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), aims to bolster Ghana’s power sector and provide affordable energy for regional industries.