Ghana Gas considers drone surveillance to protect pipelines

The Ghana National Gas Company is exploring the use of drone technology to monitor its 600-kilometre pipeline network. Chief Executive Officer Judith Adjobah-Blay informed Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee that the company is moving toward high-tech surveillance to protect critical infrastructure from encroachment.

The initiative aims to mitigate risks posed by illegal mining, locally known as ‘galamsey’. Because much of the pipeline network is buried underground and lacks visible markers, illegal miners often excavate near the pipes, endangering both the infrastructure and human lives.

To supplement drone surveillance, the company has initiated a procurement process to mark pipeline routes using signs, concrete pillars, and trees. Additionally, the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has established a Gas Infrastructure Protection Committee to develop comprehensive policies for safeguarding the nation's gas assets, which supply natural gas for power generation and meet approximately 40% of domestic liquefied petroleum gas demand.