Madina Residents Sound Alarm Over Life-Threatening Proximity to High-Voltage Power Lines at Rawlings Circle

Residents and traders at Rawlings Circle in Madina are calling for urgent government intervention as high-voltage electricity lines and utility poles sit dangerously close to residential and commercial properties. A Channel One News investigation revealed a harrowing scene where multiple permanent structures have been erected perilously near electrical infrastructure, with some utility poles even passing directly through the fabric of buildings. The community now lives in constant fear of imminent electrocution and the high risk of devastating electrical fires that could sweep through the densely populated area.

The hazards have prompted outcry from local stakeholders who witness the daily risks firsthand. Kofi, a shop attendant in the area, emphasized that the situation requires immediate authority intervention before a tragedy occurs. Samuel, a fibre-optic engineer, explained the technical gravity of the situation, noting that safety standards typically require a minimum distance of at least 50 meters from high-tension lines to prevent accidents. He urged for the immediate relocation of structures that violate these safety zones. While some traders expressed alarm, others remained hesitant to speak publicly, fearing that the illegality of their own building placements might lead to immediate demolition.

This crisis of urban planning and safety enforcement is not isolated to Madina; similar hazards have been identified at Pokuase ACP. In response, the Ga North Municipal Assembly has signaled its intent to take decisive action. Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Akwetey Agbo stated that the Assembly plans to collaborate with relevant technical agencies to dismantle unsafe structures and clear the rights-of-way for power lines. Beyond enforcement, the MCE stressed the importance of public education to ensure residents understand the severe risks associated with building under or near high-voltage cables and comply with existing building regulations.

Despite the mounting public concern and the clear physical evidence of safety breaches, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has yet to provide an official response to inquiries regarding these installations. The silence from the national utility provider highlights a broader failure in the enforcement of building regulations and the lack of regular inspections of electrical infrastructure. Moving forward, the safety of Rawlings Circle residents depends on a coordinated effort between municipal authorities and utility regulators to prioritize human life over illegal construction and to rectify these hazardous living conditions.