New Takoradi, Jan. 24, GNA - The West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) Limited, has no hand in the demolition of structures near the Tema Oil Refinery pipelines at New Takoradi.

Mr Albert Kwesi Quainoo, Communications Representative of WAGP disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview on Wednesday.

He was reacting to concerns by some residents and squatters of New Takoradi whose structures were demolished at dawn on Wednesday in a joint police and military operation initiated by the Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly (SAEMA).

The squatters claimed that their buildings and other structures were demolished to make way for the WAGP.

Mr Quainoo said the pipelines for the gas project end at the Takoradi Thermal Plant at Aboadze where specially designed pipes had been installed in the sea to convey the gas from Nigeria through Benin, Togo and finally to Ghana.

He said the pipelines of the project were not close to Sekondi-Takoradi and the WAGP should not be blamed for the exercise. Mr Quainoo said the Volta River Authority (VRA) secured the land, which was being used by the WAGP and that there were no human settlements on it.

The pipelines which convey petroleum products from the Takoradi Port to the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) installation near New Takoradi had come under severe threat of siphoning by unknown persons and thereby endangering the lives of nearby resident.

About two weeks ago the SAEMA warned that it would demolish buildings and other unauthorised structures that were less than 30 metres away from the pipeline to safeguard lives and property in case of any fire outbreak or spillage.

SAEMA had in May and June last year, given ultimatums to squatters and owners of other unauthorised buildings.

A visit to the site by the media revealed that many of the owners of the demolished wooden structures were trying to salvage the wood, roofing sheets and some other items.

A large number of members of the Faith Centre Assemblies of God Church were seen removing roofing sheets, burglar proofs, ceiling boards, electrical cables among other items while members of the Musama Disco Christo Church (MDCC) were also demolishing concrete structures and other valuables of the Church.