Energy Minister John Jinapor has warned against encroachment and unauthorised activities around electricity transmission infrastructure following damage to the Tema-Achimota 161kV transmission line near Ashaiman Middle East.

In a Facebook post, Dr Jinapor said he inspected ongoing emergency restoration works on the damaged line.

He said the damage occurred when a fuel tanker undergoing welding works beneath the transmission line exploded, sending part of the tanker more than 300 metres into one of the transmission towers and compromising its structural integrity.

The incident, he said, highlights the dangers of encroachment and unauthorised activities around transmission infrastructure.

Mr Jinapor cautioned the public against operating under electricity pylons, warning that such activities could result in loss of life and damage to property.

He also called on all persons and institutions encroaching on GRIDCo's Right of Way to move out immediately.

“Those who fail to comply will face enforcement action in accordance with the law, in collaboration with the security services and relevant authorities,” he said.

According to the minister, under L.I. 542, as amended by L.I. 1737, activities within the protected corridors are prohibited 15 metres on either side of 161kV lines and 20 metres for 330kV lines.

As part of the restoration works, planned maintenance will be carried out this coming weekend and will take a few hours.

Mr Jinapor appealed to residents in parts of the Greater Accra Region who may experience temporary interruptions in power supply during the maintenance to bear with the authorities.