Nigeria: Unhappy Power Minister Blames Persistent Power Cuts On Sabotage
Nigeria’s Minister for Power Adebayo Adelabu has expressed frustration over the persistent power cuts in the country and blamed the unfortunate situation on sabotage by a section of the citizenry.
Addressing the media on the happenings in the power sector in Nigeria, Mr. Adelabu emphasised that investigations conducted showed that a group of unscrupulous people in the country have consistently been sabotaging the power distribution system, making the electricity supply unstable.
“Something happened which never happens anywhere in the world, which is a deliberate destruction of our collection assets. Since I assumed office, I have witnessed not less than eight deliberate destruction of our transmission power lines. People will deliberately break transmission lines, you go back to fix it but before you leave, it happens again. Just yesterday, it happened again in Nasarawa,” he attested.
He said power and transmission line theft among other crimes occurred consistently since he assumed office, warning that the security agencies, power sector players and the citizens must team up to expose criminals in the sector so that it would trigger efficiency in the power distribution chain.
“I’m saying this confidently that they are joking. We are not intimidated. We are not scared. We will confront them. We’ve started investigations and we have spoken to the NSA to provide security for these power installations,” Minister…… said.
Mr Adelabu observed that some people do not want the sector to work.
“We can’t build something for some people to destroy it. So anywhere you have major demolishing or destruction of the power lines, it will lead to grid collapse. Some people went in to sabotage and we need to fight it collectively,” he opined.
Sadly, he stated that unless the Federal Government stepped up to intensify monitoring, the unscrupulous Nigerians would continuously frustrate efficient and effective operations in the sector, which also impacts negatively on the socio-economic development of the nation.
According to him, it costs about US$30 million to US$50 million to build a 330KV sub-station only for some bad nuts to destroy them.
Minister Adelabu stated that the country needed to change obsolete electrical equipment such as transformers and transmitters for which they have contacted two Chinese companies to compare costs and choose the one with the best but least cost to start work.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Trinidad & Tobago: Ghana’s Energy Minister, Others Explore Partnerships For Ghana’s Oil And Gas Industry
Ghana’s Minister for Energy Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh and some senior officials of the Ministry of Energy, Petroleum Commission (PC) Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation (BEST), and GOIL PLC have paid a working visit to Tranidad & Tobago to understudy the country’s oil and gas sector.
Trinidad & Tobago is a leading icon with long-held expertise in hydrocarbon exploration, production, refining, and transportation, among others.
The visit, therefore, is aimed at identifying and fostering partnerships for the overall benefit of Ghana.
In a post on the Ministry’s Facebook, it said the delegation visited Lake Asphalt of Trinidad and Tobago (1978) Limited; a wholly owned state enterprise with the mandate to ensure the commercial development of the Pitch Lake of Trinidad and Tobago, the world’s largest deposit of natural asphalt.
After extensive discussions and a tour of the lake, understanding the operations of the company which also includes the manufacturing of bitumen emulsions, the Minister hinted that further discussions remain very much on the cards.
“This working visit beyond the opportunity to also explore advanced technologies in various areas of the oil and gas value chain, will help foster stronger ties and collaboration between the energy sectors of Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago,” Dr. Prempeh said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Petrosol’s Quality Standards Re-affirmed As Conforming To ISO International Specification
Global Business Bureau Certification (Partner Global TUV), a leading ISO certification firm, has re-affirmed PETROSOL’s standards to comply with the triple International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) certification the company was issued in 2021 for quality management, occupational health and safety management; and environmental management.
Consequently, the leading indigenous Oil Marketing Company (OMC) has been successfully re-certified for ISO 9001: 2015–Quality Management System; ISO 14001:2015–Environmental Management System and ISO 45001: 2018–Occupational Health & Safety Management System.
This decision was arrived at after international auditors subjected the company’s processes and procedures to a recertification audit, and came to the conclusion that the company continued to have internationally accepted systems and processes for procuring, storing, distributing, and marketing their fuel and lubricants that enable them to serve their customers quality fuel and lubricants in an environmentally safe and sustainable manner.
Presenting the certificates to PETROSOL, Ing Wael Salah, one of the international auditors who is also the Technical Director of the firm, commended the leadership of PETROSOL for their continuous commitment to operating in line with best international practices and urged them to continue on that path.
Receiving the certificates on behalf of PETROSOL, the Chief Executive Officer, Michael Bozumbil, expressed his delight at the recertification and commended his team of young Ghanaian professionals, as well as their supportive dealers for their incredible dedication to excellence.
He said that, as a company, they believe in continuous improvement and would, thus, not rest on their oars but would continue to improve to serve their customers better.
According to Mr Bozumbil, the re-certification is an external validation of the company’s relentless efforts over the years to ensure that its operations are anchored on best practices and processes that enable the company to consistently deliver quality petroleum products to consumers.
He, therefore, assured the public to always drive into PETROSOL stations across the country with the full assurance of buying premium fuel and lubricants meeting the needs of new technology vehicles.
Mr Bozumbil further indicated that these certifications demonstrated PETROSOL’s high commitment to conducting its operations in a manner that prioritised the safety of its customers, staff and the general public as well as protects the environment.
He added that it underscored the commitment of the leadership of the company to conduct the company’s business ethically through payment of the appropriate taxes to the state.
He said, notwithstanding the current economic challenges which have led to high costs of operations, he and his team would continue with their commitment to investing in quality and standards because the consumer deserves nothing but the best.
Mr Bozumbil commended their regulators, especially the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), for their continuous support.
PETROSOL Ghana Ltd currently, operates over 100 fuel stations across the country, in partnership with its retailers, and also supplies bulk corporate consumers of petroleum products.
It was adjudged the Brand of the Year 2023 at the Ghana Energy Awards and also received the National Quality Award (Diamond) 2023 at the Ghana Quality Awards, organized by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA).
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Uganda: Energy Minister Commissions Shs167 Billion Gulu – Agago Transmission Project
Ugandan State Minister for Energy Okasaai Opolot on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, commissioned the 132kV Gulu-Agago Transmission Project at the Agago Substation in Pader District.
This line was completed and energised on November 18, 2023, and evacuated power from Achwa 83MW HPP.
“This newly commissioned Gulu-Agago transmission line supports the energy policy 2023 and the Energy Development Programme of the NDP, Phase–III to ensure the power generated is evacuated and consumed, the minister said in a statement posted by UETCL on X formerly Twitter.
He said commissioning of this line will save the Government of Uganda deemed energy costs worth $2.5 million per month translating to sh116 billion annually and will directly benefit the people of Northern Uganda by ensuring the supply of reliable and stable power.
The project was financed through a loan of EUR 40 million from KfW Development Bank.
The amount covered the cost of the transmission line and associated substations.
The government of Uganda financed the supervision, land acquisition, and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) Implementation costs.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Oil & Gas CEOs Conference
The organisers of annual oil & gas CEOs Conference are delighted to extend a warm invitation to you to join them at the upcoming CEO’s Conference dubbed “Empowering Indigenous Ghanaian Companies; A Collective Endeavour to shape policy and guidelines” from 14th to 16th March 2024 at the Aqua Safari Resort in Ada.
Together, we’ll address pressing issues such as reviewing the L.I 2204 as amended, navigating tax challenges, and further discussing other pertinent industry issues.
Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of our industry.
RSVP now by using the registration link below
https://form.jotform.com/240455398969576
Best Regards,
CESCGHA.
Ghana: French Ambassador Visits GRIDCo’s 330/161kV Adubiliyi Sub-station In Tamale
The French Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Jules Armand Aniambossou, has paid a working visit to the Adubiliyili Sub-station in Tamale in the Northern Region of the Republic of Ghana, West Africa.
The sub-station which was built in 2019 was funded with a facility of 173.9 million USD (One Hundred and Seventy-Three Million and Nine Hundred Thousand US Dollars) by the French Development Agency (AFD) and a €5 million European Union grant dedicated to Project Management, Supervision and Project work, a Team Europe approach.
The sub-station has increased the transmission capacity of Ghana Grid Company to meet growing demand in the Northern, North-East and Upper East Regions of Ghana.
Additionally, power supply stability and reliability have also improved in the Northern part of the NITS and facilitated the wheeling of 150MW power to Burkina Faso.
The Adubiliyili sub-station is a component of GRIDCo’s 330kV Kumasi–Bolgatanga Transmission Line
Project.
The Ambassador’s visit was to engage with the facility managers and gauge the performance of the sub-station, which serves Tamale and allows power export of up to 200MW to neighbouring Burkina Faso.
In a statement issued after the visit, the Chief Executive of GRIDCo, Ing Ebenezer Kofi Essienyi, said: “GRIDCo is proud of its pioneering and impactful role in Ghana’s power sector, in ensuring the reliable transmission of electricity across the country, which is strengthened with external collaborations & expertise.
The 330/161kV Adubiliyili sub-station is a critical infrastructure component that has significantly improved power supply reliability and enhanced GRIDCo’s ability to export 150MW power to Burkina Faso.
This strategic partnership with France through AFD & the EU has positioned GRIDCo to deliver critical Energy Projects to improve efficiency and ensure a robust national grid.”
The Ambassador of France to Ghana, H.E. Jules Armand Aniambossou commented:
“France and the EU delegation have worked closely with GRIDCo for many years on the Kumasi–Bolgatanga Transmission Line, and we can appreciate the results here today.
I am impressed by Ghana’s long-term commitment to ensuring a reliable and efficient power network for the Northern Region.
GRIDCo shows an incredible level of expertise and efficiency with the construction and maintenance of this substation and the entire Transmission Project.
I also want to recognize the expertise and partnership with Eiffage Energies Transport & Distribution and ABB AG Joint Venture of France: this shows how important it is to encourage cooperation between France and Ghana businesses.
France, in close partnership with EU Delegation, is already working with Ghanaian authorities on new energy projects.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: Tinubu Orders State House To Settle Electricity Bills Owed Abuja Electricity Distribution Company
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has directed the State House to immediately settle all outstanding electricity bills due to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company.
The President’s directive follows the reconciliation of accounts between the State House Management and AEDC.
Contrary to the AEDC’s initial claim of N923 million debt in paid advertorial in newspapers, the State House outstanding bill is N342, 352, 217.46, according to a letter by the management of AEDC to the State House Permanent Secretary dated February 14, 2024.
“Having reconciled the position to the satisfaction of both parties, the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has given assurance that the debt will be paid to AEDC before the end of this week.
“Following the example of the Presidency, the Chief of Staff also urged other MDAs to reconcile their accounts with AEDC and pay their electricity bills,” Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, said in a statement issued on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Egypt: ARDA Will Support OPEC, Others To Deliver Robust Intra-African Oil & Gas Industry–Says NPA Boss
The President of the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA) and Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Ghana’s downstream petroleum regulator, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has reiterated ARDA’s commitment to working with the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) and the African Union Commission (AUC) to deliver a sustainable intra-African oil and gas industry.
He said the industry would be focused on delivering cleaner fuels and value-added petroleum products via a lower-carbon footprint.
Dr Abdul-Hamid was speaking as a co-Chairman at the third High-Level Meeting of the OPEC-Africa Energy Dialogue held on 19th February 2024, in Cairo, Egypt.
The Meeting was co-chaired by H.E Haitham Al- Ghais, Secretary General of the OPEC, H.E Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy of the AUC, and H.E Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of APPO.
Building on the successful meetings held in 2021 and 2023, participants conducted open and transparent discussions on a wide array of key topics related to energy and oil, including energy security, risk of underinvestment, climate change and energy transitions.
Dr Abdul-Hamid also shared ARDA’s objective of developing a consolidated register of investable energy infrastructure projects that would be shared at the first-ever ARDA Investment Forum to be held during the 2024 ARDA Week in Cape Town from 22-26 April 2024.
He again expresses how forward he looked to working with APPO to support the successful take-off of the Africa Energy Bank (AEB) this year and providing bankable downstream projects for the laudable AEB initiative in the drive to meet Africa’s growing petroleum products demand sustainably.
The NPA Boss congratulated OPEC for its continued leadership in promoting the OPEC-Africa Energy Dialogue.
In his remarks, H.E Al- Ghais indicated that dialogue with Africa is a key pillar in OPEC’s global energy dialogue programme which includes many other key regions, countries and international organizations.
“We at OPEC firmly believe that cooperation and dialogue among all energy stakeholders are absolutely essential factors in effectively addressing our common energy challenges,” he said.
H.E Al-Ghais noted that in terms of climate change and energy transitions, developing countries around the world, including those in Africa, continued to balance priorities between the dire need to support the development of their national economies, while also adapting to ever-shifting dynamics related to climate change.
For his part, H.E Dr Amani Abou-Zeid stressed the need to consider Africa’s context as analysis shows that the African Energy demand could increase by 30 per cent compared to 10 per cent in global energy demand by 2040.
HE Dr Farouk updated the meeting on the progress towards establishing the Africa Energy Bank (AEB), noting that the APPO Ministerial Council had approved the take-off of the Bank in the First half of 2024.
The AEB aims to fill the gap arising from restrictions on funding oil and gas projects, particularly in Africa.
Their Excellences concluded the event by underscoring the key role that Africa is set to play in the energy industry, in general, and the oil industry, in particular, in the years and decades ahead.
They also highlighted the importance and benefits of fostering the ongoing cooperation between OPEC and the African energy organizations, especially through the OPEC-Africa Energy Dialogue framework, and decided to hold the 4th High-Level Meeting of the OPEC-Africa Energy Dialogue in 2025.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Why Petrol, Diesel Prices Have Gone Up In Ghana
The prices of petrol and diesel have gone up significantly at the pumps in the Republic of Ghana, with diesel selling at Gh¢13.99 per litre while petrol is selling at Gh¢12.99 per litre.
Unlike in other parts of Africa where fuel prices are reviewed monthly, in Ghana, fuel prices are reviewed every two weeks.
During the first pricing window which ended on February 12, 2024, petrol was sold at Gh¢12.45 per litre while diesel was sold at Gh¢13.69 per litre.
However, diesel price saw an increase of about 30 pesewas per litre while petrol saw an increase of 50 pesewas during the second pricing window.
The increment was occasioned by the rising cost of refined products on the international market, exchange rate volatility and cumulative increment in Primary Distribution Margin, BOST Margin and Unified Petroleum Fund Margin by 26 pesewas.
Leading oil marketing companies—GOIL Plc and Shell—are selling petrol at Gh¢12.99 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢13.99 per litre.
TotalEnergies, one of the market leaders, is selling petrol at Gh¢12.90 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢13.95 per litre.
Star Oil is selling petrol at Gh¢11.97 per litre while diesel is selling at Gh¢13.37 per litre.
Petrosol Ghana Limited, one of the top ten OMCs, has also adjusted its pump prices and is selling petrol at Gh¢12.69 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢13.75 per litre.
Zen is selling petrol at Gh¢11.74 per litre while diesel is selling at Gh¢12.95 per litre.
Goodness is selling petrol at Gh¢11.90 per litre while diesel is selling at Gh¢12.90 per litre.
Alinco is selling petrol at Gh¢11.90 per litre while diesel is selling at Gh¢12.90 per litre.
Allied Oil is selling petrol at Gh¢11.55 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢12.55 per litre.
Pacific Oil is selling petrol at Gh¢11.98 per litre while diesel was sold at Gh¢12.98 per litre.
Dukes is selling petrol at Gh¢11.70 per litre while is sold diesel at Gh¢12.45 per litre.
Engen is selling petrol at Gh¢12.59 per litre and diesel at Gh¢13.39 per litre.
Lucky Oil is selling petrol at Gh¢11.96 while diesel is sold at Gh¢13.26 per litre.
Data from the regulator, National Petroleum Authority (NPA), also showed prices of finished products—diesel and petrol—jumped on the international market within two weeks.
Petrol went up to US$814.05 per metric tonne while diesel went up to US$858.33 per metric tonne.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya: Kenya Power Connects 256K People With Electricity In Second Half Of 2024
Kenya’s power utility company, Kenya Power, has increased its customers by connecting 256,206 new customers to the national grid during the second half of 2023.
This represents 13.87 per cent against a half-year target of 225,000 customers.
“The new customer connections increased the total customer base to 9,454,819 customers,” the company said in a statement on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
According to Kenya Power, the accelerated connectivity was driven by the availability of meters and the deployment of the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) which is meant to fast-track meter installation for new connections across the country.
The company explained that at the beginning of October 2023 when the Rapid Results Initiative was launched, the total pending new connections stood at 236,924.
It said the backlog resulted from protracted court battles that hindered procurement of meters and other materials.
“Following the improvement in meter availability, we recently initiated a metering initiative to accelerate connections.
We have exceeded our target for the half-year period and we are on course towards the attainment of our annual target, which will positively impact the journey towards universal access to electricity by the year 2030,” Dr Joseph Siror, Kenya Power’s Managing Director & CEO, said.
The company targets to connect 400,000 new customers to the national grid by the end of 2024.
To attain universal access to electricity, the company would sustain the connectivity drive, with an additional four million customers targeted to be connected by the year 2030.
Apart from the RRI, the company is also banking on the implementation of other projects such as the Last Mile Connectivity Project (LMCP) to achieve its annual connectivity targets.
So far 1,431,423 customers have been connected to the grid through the Last Mile Connectivity Project which is funded by the Government of Kenya and development partners including; the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), AFD, European Union (EU), European Investment Bank (EIB) and JICA.
Preparations are ongoing for the rollout of Phase ‘4’ of the Last Mile Connectivity Project which is financed by AFD/EU and EIB.
The project targets to connect 280,000 customers across 32 counties within eighteen months.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Exxon Threatens To Take Billions Of Dollars In Climate Investment Out Of The EU
Exxon has warned the European Union that it will leave and take billions of dollars in climate investment with it unless Brussels makes it easier to spend those billions on transition-related projects.
The Financial Times cited the company today as saying that there was way too much red tape in the EU and it took too long to get a project going, which prompted the supermajor to consider spending its $20 billion in decarbonization investments for 2022-2027 elsewhere.
“When we make investments, we’ve got very long time horizons in mind. I would say that recent developments in Europe have not instilled confidence in long-term, predictable policies,” Karen McKee, president of Exxon Product Solutions, told the FT.
“What we’re experiencing is the deindustrialization of the European economy and we’re concerned,” McKee also said.
The European Union’s leadership has promised time and again it will facilitate transition projects but it seems it has been slow to act on this promise.
According to Exxon—and a lot of other companies involved in the transition—getting a project off the ground in the EU is fraught with regulatory obstacles and “slow and torturous” permitting and funding procedures, per Exxon’s McKee.
The EU’s Green Deal plan features a “predictable and simplified regulatory environment” as one of its four pillars but judging from the reactions of the business world, this has yet to go from theory to practice.
Faster access to funding is the second pillar in the EU’s lineup but that, too, is taking quite long to materialize.
It is these delays in implementation that have prompted business leaders to meet today in Belgium to press the EU leadership into going from words to actions.
There is growing concern that the regulatory burden put on businesses is scaring them away, taking investments elsewhere.
There are also some European leaders, notably France’s Emmanuel Macron and Belgium’s Alexander de Croo, who have blamed red tape for the farmers’ protests.
Source:Oilprice.com
South Africa: Eskom Suspends Load Shedding
Eskom announced the suspension of load shedding at about 5 o’clock on Tuesday morning, until 4 pm, after which Stage 2 load shedding will be implemented.
The Power utility stated that this alternating pattern will be repeated daily until further notice.
According to Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena, the decision to suspend load shedding in the morning was due to sustained available generation capacity.
However, she emphasized the need to replenish emergency reserves for the upcoming week, which requires an increase in the stage of load shedding.
“While the available generation capacity has been sustained, the need to replenish the emergency reserves for the upcoming week necessitates an increase in the stage of load shedding.
Unplanned outages have further reduced to 13 350 MW of generating capacity,” Mokwena said.
Mokwena assured the public that Eskom’s power station general managers and their teams are diligently working to recover additional generating capacity.
This involves bringing units on planned maintenance and returning units from planned maintenance back into service.
Eskom has committed to closely monitoring the power system and will communicate any changes as necessary.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Eskom Cautions Against Building Under High-Voltage Power Lines
South Africa’s power utility company, Eskom, has cautioned against building houses and structures under its high-voltage power lines.
Eskom said such practices are very dangerous and wants South Africans to stop it.
In a statement issued Monday, February 19, 2024, by Eskom’s Senior Corporate Manager for Occupational Hygiene and Safety, Miranda Moahlodi, said the power utility company had observed an increase in such structures built within servitudes—the land below and adjacent to power lines.
“This is not only against Eskom regulations but also poses several safety risks,” the power utility said.
“This servitude belongs to the relevant landowner in that area, but Eskom has the sole right to this land since we must maintain and fix that line from time to time.”
Eskom said the “common belief” that power lines were harmless because of their size and distance from the ground must be corrected.
“It is challenging to ensure the safety of those who live within power line servitudes, and residents are prohibited from doing so to protect the safety of communities,” Eskom said.
The utility explained that the electric potential transmitted or distributed through power lines could be up to 765,000 volts.
“A fault anywhere on the power line may cause very high current to flow down to the ground. If somebody is close to the line, the current can flow through the person and kill him or her,” Eskom warned.
“Also, a line may break due to strong winds or bad weather and land on a house or a person, which could kill or seriously hurt the inhabitants.”
Eskom further said there had been incidents in which residents were injured due to metal objects making contact with live electricity.
“Metal is a very good conductor of electricity and there is a possibility of an arc to a shack built within a power line servitude,” it warned.
“If lightning hits the line, as it does in many cases due to the height of a line, a flashover of electricity may occur to the homes in the servitude.”
Eskom also gave specific advice to those in charge of allocating or developing land.
Eskom said chiefs or traditional authorities who wanted to give their people pieces of land close to an Eskom servitude needed to speak to a local Eskom office first.
“The traditional leaders and Eskom can then, together make sure that all the people are allocated land away from the power lines, ensuring their safety,” said Moahlodi.
Developers should also ensure the required clearance is maintained when access roads are built crossing Eskom’s servitudes.
“Beyond the direct safety issues this can cause, building close to and/or under power lines makes it difficult for Eskom to conduct infrastructure inspections, which can affect the supply of power in an area and hinder the early detection of issues that could cause major damage,” the power utility said.
“Eskom uses various types of machinery to maintain its power lines, such as big trucks, which require enough space to access the structure.”
“We also use helicopters to perform live line maintenance, and as such, it becomes risky to the people living under the lines.”
The utility service provider added that Eskom staff often needed to remove or replace pieces of equipment when they maintained or strengthened these lines.
“These pieces of equipment, which are often heavy, could fall on the dwellings or people below the line,” Eskom warned.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GNPC Secures Community Support For Saltpond Field Decommissioning Project
Ghana’s National Oil Company (GNPC) has convened a stakeholder meeting aimed at fostering transparency and collaboration regarding the ongoing Saltpond Field Decommissioning Project (SFDP) in the Central Region.
The corporation’s officials from the Social Performance, Local Content, CSR and Engineering departments, met with paramount chiefs, queen mothers, fisherfolk, canoe owners, the Ghana Police Service and other key stakeholders from the greater Mfantsiman area to provide update on project progress, new timelines, and safety measures while soliciting input and addressing community concerns.
Making a presentation to the gathering on the status of the project, Richard Asmah, Petroleum Engineer at the GNPC, said while the Corporation has completed many milestones, there is still work to be done to ensure its successful completion.
This, he added, requires all stakeholders to continue to uphold the regulations guiding, particularly, fishing activities around the project’s 500-metre exclusive zone to ensure that technical and safety requirements are not compromised on.
Madam Patience Lucinda Azuntaba, on behalf of the Social Performance, Local Content CSR team, re-affirmed GNPC’s unwavering position to continue to partner its host communities for development.
She highlighted several areas of GNPC’s investments in health and education among others and emphasised the importance of the community’s role in the success of the project, stating, “We are all about inclusive decision-making and recognise the significance of involving all stakeholders in our projects to ensure success and sustainability.”
Commending GNPC’s commitment to dialogue and transparency, Okogyeman Okese Essandoh IX, Omanhene of Nkuskum Traditional Area, remarked, “We appreciate GNPC’s sustained engagements with us.
This level of collaboration strengthens our partnership and fosters mutual trust.”
Calling for more development for the communities, he further, and on behalf of all the traditional leaders representing Saltpond, Kuntu, Nankesido, Biriwa, Anomabo, Kormantsir, Hini, Pebi, Egya, Ankaful and Yamoransa, pledged Mfantsiman’s support to help purge the communities of the few recalcitrant fishermen who are willfully flouting safety measures and, thus, exposing life and properties to danger while stifling smooth decommissioning operations.
On his part, however, the Mankessim Divisional Police Commander, ACP Dennis Fiakpui, reminded all stakeholders to adhere to the regulations set out to ensure the successful decommissioning of the project.
“While we understand the call to temper justice with mercy, that’s the duty of the court. Ours is to ensure that lives are safeguarded so we will keep upholding the law so no one person’s recalcitrance affects the entire community,” he stressed.
A Chief fisherman from Abandze, Nana Kwasi Essel V, expressed the importance of safety measures in protecting livelihoods and the environment, saying, “Our livelihoods depend on the sea, and it’s reassuring to know that GNPC continues to communicate steps to ensure the safety of all not only during this decommissioning process but in the aftermath, as well with the planned installation of a marker buoy to aid navigation.”
Dominic Ponu, Deputy Manager of Wells Engineering at GNPC, reiterated the Corporation’s dedication to safety and environmental stewardship and assured them of its full attention to the concerns raised by the community.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for continued dialogue and collaboration throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
A Chief fisherman from Abandze, Nana Kwasi Essel V, expressed the importance of safety measures in protecting livelihoods and the environment, saying, “Our livelihoods depend on the sea, and it’s reassuring to know that GNPC continues to communicate steps to ensure the safety of all not only during this decommissioning process but in the aftermath, as well with the planned installation of a marker buoy to aid navigation.”
Dominic Ponu, Deputy Manager of Wells Engineering at GNPC, reiterated the Corporation’s dedication to safety and environmental stewardship and assured them of its full attention to the concerns raised by the community.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for continued dialogue and collaboration throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com