Ghana Gas marks Nsuta-Prestea pipelines to prevent illegal mining

The Ghana National Gas Company has initiated a project to mark the routes of its buried high-pressure pipelines with bright-colored concrete pillars and trees to protect critical infrastructure from illegal mining. This decision follows an Auditor-General report revealing that miners had removed protective topsoil above the pipeline along the Nsuta-Prestea stretch. These physical demarcations are intended to serve as a visible deterrent to encroachment and to warn the public of the high-pressure assets beneath the surface.

According to Ghana Gas CEO Judith Adjobah Blay, the company is also intensifying public education and community engagement to highlight the severe dangers of mining near gas installations. These efforts aim to inform residents and miners of the potential for lethal explosions and significant environmental damage if the pipelines are compromised. The company will monitor the effectiveness of these measures through regular community assessments and impact evaluations to ensure the safety protocols are being respected on the ground.

This strategy is part of a broader effort to safeguard national energy assets from the widespread impacts of illegal mining, which continues to threaten vital infrastructure and public safety. By combining physical markers with active public outreach, Ghana Gas hopes to establish a permanent buffer that ensures the integrity of the gas supply and protects the safety of nearby populations. Ongoing vigilance and community cooperation remain central to the company’s long-term infrastructure protection goals and operational sustainability.