Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Gas Company, Judith Adjobah Blay, has raised serious concerns over the surge in illegal mining activities near Akango in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region.

She warned that the encroachment endangers the critical national gas pipeline, which transports lean gas for power generation.

The pipeline runs from the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant through Esiama and Prestea to Kumasi, serving as a major artery for energy supply. Constructed in 2012, the infrastructure plays a vital role in supporting electricity generation across the country.

During a visit to the affected area on Saturday, August 2, Madam Blay told Accra-based Citi TV that any damage to the highly inflammable pipeline could result in catastrophic consequences for both national energy security and the safety of surrounding communities.

She revealed that Ghana Gas has already initiated urgent measures to secure the area and halt further incursions by illegal miners.

While condemning the destructive activities of illegal miners, Madam Blay urged local residents to actively support the company’s efforts to safeguard the gas infrastructure from further degradation.

She stressed that the continued threat posed by galamsey operations must be addressed decisively to protect the nation’s strategic energy assets.