Squatters Rebuild Wooden Structures Under GRIDCo Pylons Despite Safety Risks.
Squatters along the railway near the Odaw drain in Accra have resumed reconstructing wooden structures beneath GRIDCo high-voltage pylons. This activity, which began in January 2025, follows restrictions imposed after a June 2024 fire that caused extensive damage to GRIDCo’s 161KV Achimota to Accra Central Transmission line.The fire destroyed several structures, disrupted power supply, and prompted GRIDCo to enforce a no-rebuilding policy for safety reasons. However, a shift in government policy earlier this year has seen a relaxation of enforcement, allowing rapid redevelopment in the area.Despite the known risks of electrocution and fire hazards, construction has extended further along the railway line. This raises concerns about urban planning and adherence to GRIDCo’s safety regulations.
