Ghana: Special Prosecutor Investigates TOR Over Shady Sale Of Slop Oil
The Office Of The Special Prosecutor (OSP) has written to the editor of energynewsafrica.com, Michael Creg Afful, to acknowledge receipt of his petition to investigate Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) over the alleged shady sale of 260,000 litres of slop oil to two unlicensed companies.
“The OSP will commence investigation into the matter if I determine the complainant to be within the mandate of the Office. You may be invited to further assist the office in the investigations,” part of the letter from the OSP read.
It would be recalled that the editor of this portal, Michael Creg Afful, petitioned the Special Prosecutor on 29th June 2022 to investigate the Tema Oil Refinery over the alleged shady sale of slop oil to two unlicensed companies.
The refinery, in May 2022, sold 230 metric tonnes (260,000) of slop oil to K-Moy Ghana Limited and Petro XP Ghana Limited.
Each of the companies received 130MT(130,000 litres) of slop oil.
Investigations conducted by energynewsafrica.com revealed the two companies were not licensed by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).
This portal’s editor went to the refinery to speak to Charles Awuah, General Manager in charge of Commerce after a telephone conversation.
Mr. Awuah requested that the editor submit an official letter for their response to the transaction, which the editor did.
Unfortunately, TOR refused to respond to the letter as it demanded, thus compelling energynewsafrica.com to publish the story on 30th June 2022.
Interestingly, a day after this portal had published the story, TOR respond, admitting that it sold the slop oil to Petro XP Ghana Limited and not K-Moy Ghana Limited.
The refinery claimed that Petro XP Ghana Limited and Petro XP Ghana Limited have the same directors and that Petrol XP Ghana Limited is their registered name and Petro XP Ghana Limited is their trade name.
Surprisingly, TOR denied selling slop to K-Moy Ghana Limited, when documents available showed that the former sold the product to K-Moy Ghana Limited and Petro XP Ghana Limited.
It is important to inform readers that Charles Awuah, GM Commerce, has since this portal’s publication, been suspended for one month without salary.
Our sources indicate that some persons involved in the alleged shady deal are hunting for persons who might have leaked the information on the transaction to this portal.
Tema Oil Refinery has been recording product losses resulting in huge indebtedness to its clients.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Concerned TOR Workers Fight UNICOF
A group of concerned workers of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) have expressed worry about the activities of members of Union of Industry, Commerce and Finance Workers (UNICOF), which is unhealthy for the progress of the refinery.
The group, in a statement, noted that UNICOF, led by their chairman, frustrated the Interim Management Committee (IMC) which was constituted by the Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh to oversee the running of the refinery, following the dismissal of the Managing Director Francis Boateng and his deputy, Ato Morrison.
The group alleged that the chairman of UNICOF and some people in the refinery were engaged in buying slop but the IMC stopped the activity.
The group said the IMC’s decision did not sit well with the UNICOF members who were in the slop business and started scheming for their removal.
The group disputed claims made by UNICOF recently that IMC failed in their mandate.
“After the members of the IMC were sworn into office, they unravelled a lot of corrupt practices that led to some officials of TOR being interdicted. A Disciplinary Committee was instituted to investigate the members’ offences case by case.
“The committee had finished their obligation and report submitted to management and Board of Directors to decide the way forward. So it’s never true that the IMC failed in their line of action, even though some might be affected negatively,” the concerned workers argued.
The concerned workers commended the Minister for Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, for his effort to ensure that the refinery gradually bounces back.
“Workers of TOR are of the view that Napo is our rescuer. But for his intervention, the Refinery might be shut by now,” they said.
“We want to categorically states that through the Minister of Energy (Napo) TOR still exist and workers continue to earn their salaries.
“We want to state that Dr. Opoku Prempeh and the IMC led by Mr. Norbert Anku have done marvelously well for the sustainability of the refinery and it’s our fervent prayer that TOR new MD and BOD would get an investor to partner the refinery in order to reduce government and other self-centered people interferences,’’ the concerned workers concluded.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: PURC Defers Tariff Announcement For The Second Time
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has, for the second time, postponed its tariff decision for the 2022-2027 Multi-Year Major Tariff.
On June 27, 2022, the Commission, in a press statement, indicated that it would be unable to announce its decision on 1 July 2022, as promised and deferred the announcement to 15th July,2022.
The Commission explained that it had become necessary to do so to further engage some stakeholders.
However, Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr. Ishmael Ackah, said the Commission would not be able to announce the new tariff on Friday 15 July 2022 and so had deferred it.
According to him, the Commission has identified several issues during the analysis and examination of the tariff proposals, which necessitates further deliberations and engagements with the utilities to ensure that such pertinent issues are addressed.
Dr. Ackah further stated that the Commission has scheduled a meeting with the regulated utilities to afford them the opportunity of providing clarity and justifications for some of the figures quoted in their proposals, and to respond to some important issues raised during the tariff analysis.
According to the Executive Secretary, the Commission has adopted these steps to ensure that only prudent and efficient costs are passed on to consumers of the regulated utilities, while sustaining the financial viability of the utilities.
Dr Ackah assured consumers of the Commission’s commitment to having a transparent and fair process, which would inure to the benefit of both consumers and the regulated utilities.
He indicated that a new date for the announcement of electricity and water tariffs would be communicated to the public as soon as these issues have been addressed.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GRIDCo Demolishes Illegal Structures Under Its Pylons In Bawaleshie, Other Areas
Ghana’s power transmission company, GRIDCo, has demolished several illegal structures sited under its transmission lines in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Municipality in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
The exercise covered areas behind the Fiesta Royale Hotel, Ayigbe Town, Bawaleshie, Adjiringano and American House.
A task force comprising officials of GRIDCo, police and military officers demolished the illegal structures.
The exercise, which started around 5am saw the demolition of makeshift wooden structures, kiosks and other structures used by mechanics, and other artisans as their business premises.
It forms part of a nationwide exercise the power transmitter will be undertaking to reduce the growing human activities around its transmission pylons.
According to GRIDCo, the site is not suitable for human habitation.
GRIDCo undertook a similar exercise in March 2020 when it demolished illegal structures under its pylons from the American House through to Dzorwulu, a suburb of Accra.
Hundreds of the squatters at Bawaleshie rushed to salvage their personal belongings before they were bulldozed by the team.
Amid tears, many affected individuals pleaded with the task force to give them some time to pack out their belongings from their makeshift structures.
“It is not all of us who can afford to rent, and that is why we live in areas like these. So we need help and the government should help us.
“Now that we have been ejected, where should we go? We can’t go and steal, so government should come in,” one of the victims cried.
In a statement issued by Ing Bernard Kwabena Gyan, Communications Manager, it said the exercise is to rid GRIDCo’s right of way of encroachers whose activities pose a threat to its transmission towers and a danger to human lives.
The statement said in October 2021, GRIDCo, in partnership with identified District Assemblies and the media undertook a nationwide right of way sensitisation exercise to educate squatters about the risk associated with their activities along the company’s right of way.
“During that sensitisation exercise, GRIDCo urged compliance with timelines provided in media publications to prevent any inconveniences.
“Under the Transmission Line Protection Regulations, 1967 (LI 542) as amended by Regulation
No. LI 1737 of 2004, it is an offence for persons or institutions to conduct any form of activity about the lands around the location of power transmission lines and towers in Ghana.”
GRIDCo pointed out that operations included drilling, excavation works, lorry parks, shops, garages, barns and real estate undertaken within the RoW reservations is strictly prohibited.
“These activities pose danger to human life and property as transmission line faults can result in human casualties and property damage.”
The company said it would continue to collaborate with all relevant state institutions to remove property and structures identified as illegal human activities, within its Right-of-Way (RoW) to safeguard public safety and ensure the reliability of power transmission.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
According to GRIDCo, the site is not suitable for human habitation.
GRIDCo undertook a similar exercise in March 2020 when it demolished illegal structures under its pylons from the American House through to Dzorwulu, a suburb of Accra.
Hundreds of the squatters at Bawaleshie rushed to salvage their personal belongings before they were bulldozed by the team.
Amid tears, many affected individuals pleaded with the task force to give them some time to pack out their belongings from their makeshift structures.
“It is not all of us who can afford to rent, and that is why we live in areas like these. So we need help and the government should help us.
“Now that we have been ejected, where should we go? We can’t go and steal, so government should come in,” one of the victims cried.
In a statement issued by Ing Bernard Kwabena Gyan, Communications Manager, it said the exercise is to rid GRIDCo’s right of way of encroachers whose activities pose a threat to its transmission towers and a danger to human lives.
The statement said in October 2021, GRIDCo, in partnership with identified District Assemblies and the media undertook a nationwide right of way sensitisation exercise to educate squatters about the risk associated with their activities along the company’s right of way.
“During that sensitisation exercise, GRIDCo urged compliance with timelines provided in media publications to prevent any inconveniences.
“Under the Transmission Line Protection Regulations, 1967 (LI 542) as amended by Regulation
No. LI 1737 of 2004, it is an offence for persons or institutions to conduct any form of activity about the lands around the location of power transmission lines and towers in Ghana.”
GRIDCo pointed out that operations included drilling, excavation works, lorry parks, shops, garages, barns and real estate undertaken within the RoW reservations is strictly prohibited.
“These activities pose danger to human life and property as transmission line faults can result in human casualties and property damage.”
The company said it would continue to collaborate with all relevant state institutions to remove property and structures identified as illegal human activities, within its Right-of-Way (RoW) to safeguard public safety and ensure the reliability of power transmission.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: High Court Orders BEDC To Pay N20M Damages For Unlawful Disconnection
A High Court in Delta State in the Republic of Nigeria has ordered the Benin Electricity Development Company (BEDC) to pay a sum of N20million (US$48,100)as damages to the Edjemuonyavwe community in Oghara and reconnect the community to the national grid.
The community was said to have been disconnected from the national grid since November 2017.
The trial judge, Justice A. A. Ighoverio, delivering the judgment in the suit marked HCH/29/2018, and filed by the Urhobo community against the BEDC, declared the disconnection of the community from the power grid as unlawful since BEDC failed to comply with the existing electricity regulations.
Consequently, the court ordered the immediate reconnection of electricity in the claimants’ community and further ordered the defendant, BEDC, to pay to the community the sum of N20 million as general damages.
The court dismissed the counter-claim of BEDC for the payment of N174, 210,449.92 alleged to be an outstanding bill.
The agrarian community welcomed the news with jubilation.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GRIDCo Employs Dzifa Bampoh As Head Of Communications
The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) has employed one of Ghana’s seasoned media personalities, Mrs. Dzifa Gbeho-Bampoh, as its Head of Communications.
She is expected to start work in the coming days.
She recently resigned from Media General, operators of media organisations including TV3 where she was the host of the station’s Saturday political and current affairs programme: ‘The Key Point’.
The ace journalist has worked in the media space for almost 20 years.
She started her career at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) and later moved to Multimedia, where she spent 12 years.
She later moved to Tullow Ghana Limited where she worked for three years and later joined Media General where she spent almost 18 months.
GRIDCo is the operator of Ghana’s National Interconnection Transmission System.
The company has a total transmission line of 6472.23 kilometres.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Bui Power Authority Ranked 6th Best Performing Public Enterprise In 2020
The Bui Power Authority has been ranked the 6th Best Performing state-owned enterprise among 50 enterprises at the maiden Public Enterprises League Table (PELT) and Awards held in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
BPA beat energy sector agencies such as Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) which secured 8th position, Volta River Authority 11th position, GNPC 14th position, Ghana National Gas Company 21st position, Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) 35th position and Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company (GCMCL) which placed 46th.
The Public Enterprises League Table was introduced by the Minister for Public Enterprises, Joseph Cudjoe, to engender competition among state enterprises.
It was designed to be a technical ranking system on several dimensions ranging from financials, efficiency and productivity, management improvement and innovation.
The Board Chairman of Bui Power Authority, Kwasi Ameyaw Cheremeh, the CEO of BPA, Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi, and the DCEO (F&S), Dr. George Tettey, represented the Authority.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: CBOD Appoints New CEO
The Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors(CBOD), an advocacy and lobby body for Bulk Import, Distribution and Export Companies(BIDECs) in the Republic of Ghana has appointed Dr. Patrick Kwaku Ofori as its new Chief Executive Officer.
His appointment takes effect from August 1, 2022.
Dr Patrick Ofori, who is a former Manager responsible for Crude Oil and Products Marketing at the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, was appointed to replace
Senyo Hosi, the founding CEO of CBOD, is stepping down after years of meritorious service.
The new CEO has more than 16 years of varied executive professional experience spanning Higher Education, Sports and the Oil and Gas industry.
Patrick Kwaku Ofori (PhD) is a Chartered Sports and Exercise Psychologist and an experienced Management Executive with a varied background.
Dr Patrick Ofori holds a PhD in Sports Psychology from the University of Stirling, Scotland and an MSc in Accounting and Finance from the University of Ghana.
He is a Commonwealth Scholar and an International Convention on Science, Education and Medicine in Sports (ICSEMIS) Scholar.
He had previously occupied the position of Manager responsible for Institutional Reporting and Stakeholder Relations at GNPC.
He is also the Founding Head of the Department of Sports Science at the University of Cape Coast.
“Patrick has been selected to replace him (Mr. Hosi) after a rigorous assessment and interview process, and the Chamber believes that he has what it takes to lead this chamber to greater heights,” says Ivy Apnea Owusu, chair of CBOD.
“We cannot thank Senyo enough and we wish him the very best in all his future endeavours.”
The Chamber expressed its immense gratitude to Mr Hosi for being an excellent torchbearer and effective advocate for businesses in the downstream sector of Ghana’s petroleum industry.
“I was strongly attracted to this role because CBOD is known nationally for its contribution in the downstream sector, as well as its relationship with stakeholders in the industry,” Dr Ofori says after his new appointment.
“The foundations have been laid by my predecessor to create an excellent chamber. Together, we will leapfrog on this for continued effectiveness. I am aware that the CBOD community is interested in excellence, and so am I. We will work well to meet the expectations of our members and partners.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GOIL Opens Zonal Office In Sunyani
Ghana’s leading indigenous Oil Marketing Company, GOIL PLC, has opened a new zonal office for the Upper and Middle Belt Zone in Sunyani in the Bono Region.
The new facility will oversee the activities of GOIL in Bono, East Bono, Ahafo, Western North and some parts of the Ashanti Region.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Group CEO & MD of GOIL PLC, Kwame Osei Prempeh, said the decision to build a new office in Sunyani was to ensure that the services of GOIL are made accessible to the people within the confines of the region and other neighbouring communities.
According to him, the office has been strategically positioned to publicise the company’s operations in the area and also offer the company an opportunity to identify and solve the problems of its customers.
The Bono Regional Minister, Madam Awo Banahene, in her address, commended the management of GOIL for extending their operations to the region, noting that her outfit was ready to offer all the needed assistance to the company for them to succeed in their operations.
The Queen of Sunyani, Nana Akosua Asor Brayie, who represented the Paramount Chief of the Sunyani Traditional Council, Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri, appealed to the management of GOIL and other regulatory bodies to ensure that dealers adhere to all safety measures to avert disasters.
Mr. Samuel Owusu Bennett, Managing Director of Eusbeth Hotel, who spoke on behalf of petroleum dealers in the region, said the new zonal office in Sunyani would benefit dealers who had to travel outside the region to the Kumasi Zonal office to transact business.
He commended the management of GOIL for addressing their concerns and assured them that they would also work hard to push the GOIL brand in the Bono Region.
Present at the event were the Regional Police Commander, Mr Oklu Gyamera; the Head of Human Resource and Administration, Mr Olu Davies; Head of Operations, Mr Denis Amui; Head of Fuels Marketing, Mr Augustine Boateng, and the Acting Head of Corporate Affairs & Public Relations Manager, Mr Robert Kyere, all of GOIL.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Queen of Sunyani, Nana Akosua Asor Brayie, who represented the Paramount Chief of the Sunyani Traditional Council, Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri, appealed to the management of GOIL and other regulatory bodies to ensure that dealers adhere to all safety measures to avert disasters.
Mr. Samuel Owusu Bennett, Managing Director of Eusbeth Hotel, who spoke on behalf of petroleum dealers in the region, said the new zonal office in Sunyani would benefit dealers who had to travel outside the region to the Kumasi Zonal office to transact business.
He commended the management of GOIL for addressing their concerns and assured them that they would also work hard to push the GOIL brand in the Bono Region.
Present at the event were the Regional Police Commander, Mr Oklu Gyamera; the Head of Human Resource and Administration, Mr Olu Davies; Head of Operations, Mr Denis Amui; Head of Fuels Marketing, Mr Augustine Boateng, and the Acting Head of Corporate Affairs & Public Relations Manager, Mr Robert Kyere, all of GOIL.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Fully Loaded Fuel Tanker Burnt In Accident
A fully loaded fuel tanker with registration number GT 6490-Y was burnt beyond repairs in an accident at Hotel Junction in Nkawkaw, in the Eastern Region of Ghana, last Friday.
Eyewitnesses’ accounts indicate that the accident occurred at about 4:30 am on Friday when the driver of the truck allegedly failed in an attempt to climb a hill.
According to multiple reports, the tanker turned over into a ditch, causing it to spark fire which later engulfed the entire vehicle.
Speaking to journalists, the Municipal Fire Commander for West Kwawu, D03 Kofi Agbortsu, said preliminary investigations indicate the fire was a result of contact of electricity with the fuel.
He said the tanker had connections with some electrical wires which reacted negatively and caused the explosion.
He revealed that the situation was out of hand when the firefighters arrived at the scene.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Sri Lanka: Fuel Scarcity, Others Force President To Resign
Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has announced his decision to step down on Wednesday, 13th July, 2022 to allow for peace to prevail in the Asian nation.
Sri Lankans have been lamenting over mismanagement of the country’s economy amidst fuel shortages.
Drivers in the country have been queuing to buy fuel, which has been unavailable.
The anger of the Sri Lankans escalated on Saturday when protesters stormed the official residence of the country’s leader and also set the Prime Minister’s house ablaze.
Reports suggest that neither the PM nor the President was in the buildings.
The protesters have been demanding that the country’s leader resigns.
While the President is set to step down on Tuesday, 13th July 2022, the Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has also agreed to resign.
Parliamentary Speaker, Mahinda Abeywardana, said the President decided to step down “to ensure a peaceful handover of power.
“I, therefore, request the public to respect the law and maintain peace,” he said.
Ghana: Senyo Hosi To Quit CBOD After 10 Years Of Meritorious Service
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bulk Import Distributors and Export Companies (BIDECs), formerly known as Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), Senyo Hosi, will be stepping down by the end of July 2022.
He is stepping down after 10 years of meritorious service to the organisation and the West African nation’s petroleum downstream sector.
Mr. Hosi, a finance and economic policy analyst and founding CEO of the Chamber, championed several reforms in the petroleum downstream sector.
He is credited for being the catalyst for key policy decisions including the petroleum price deregulation as well as the low Sulphur policy that introduced cleaner fuels by adopting low Sulphur petroleum standards (from 3000ppm to 50ppm).
He developed the conceptual framework for the adoption of the Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA) and the structuring and ring-fencing of the proceeds from the levies as collateral for Ghana’s first energy bonds to address the energy sector’s debt of about US$2.5 billion.
These contributions to the industry provided a remarkable turnaround for the dwindling economic fortunes of a hitherto heavily indebted energy sector.
Mr. Hosi has been integral to practically all the major policy and regulatory interventions in the downstream sector.
His intellect, experience and knack for innovation led to his appointment as a Ministerial Adviser under both the Mahama (NDC) and Akufo-Addo (NPP) administrations.
“It has been a decade of service working with you all to defend and promote the sustainable good of our industry for the good of Mother Ghana,” Hosi said in his final address at CBOD’s Annual General Meeting.
“One thing has been clear: the aggregation of collective purpose is more beneficial than individual effort. I am extremely grateful to all members and staff of the Chamber’s Secretariat for the enormous support and co-operation that I have enjoyed all these years.”
The Chairperson of the Board of CBOD, Ivy Apnea Owusu, commended Mr Hosi for his decade-long service to the Chamber.
“We cannot thank Senyo enough for his stellar advocacy on behalf of all our members,” she said.
“He has been an exemplary leader at the secretariat. He’s contributed his intellect and passion towards the resolution of some of the many challenges we face in the petroleum downstream sector and with that, we cannot over-emphasise his influence on the Ghanaian economy as a whole. We wish we could keep him forever but that is impossible. And so, for now, we wish him the very best in all his future endeavours.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: IBEDC Urges Nigerians To Demonstrate Love During Eid-Adha, Assures Customers Of Good Service Delivery
The Management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has congratulated Muslims and Nigerians at large on the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir.
A statement signed by its Chief Operating Officer (COO), Engr. John Ayodele, said the Eid-el-Kabir festival exemplifies the virtues of love and sacrifice as some of the pillars for the existence of humanity.
He urged Muslim faithfuls and all Nigerians to epitomise the spirit of love for the continuous prosperity of the country.
Engr. Ayodele explained further that IBEDC would ensure good service delivery during the holidays.
“We are aware that our customers are looking forward to enjoying power supply during the holidays, so our technical crew are available to speedily resolve faults that may arise during this period, and our customer care line, 0700123999, will remain active to respond to complaints and reports promptly.”
The COO also admonished consumers not to engage quacks to fix faults on any electrical installation around them.
“It is illegal and dangerous for anyone to trade, live or work near electricity installations or even tamper with them. Motorists are also advised to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol and observe traffic rules to prevent collision with electrical poles and other accidents,’’ he said.
He further encouraged customers to take advantage of IBEDEC’s hassle free channels such as Quick teller, Payarena, Jumia, Watu, Buypower and ATM to pay bills and vend to avoid disconnection during the holiday period.
“Our offices will also remain open during the public holidays from 9 am-3 pm; or email us at [email protected],” he added.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Suspected Thief Electrocuted While Cutting Transformer Cables
A man suspected to be electric accessories thief has been electrocuted while cutting cables connected to a transformer at Amoji-Ukwu village in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State in Nigeria, West Africa.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, caused panic in the community.
According to a report filed by conclave, a local portal, an eyewitness, Chinenye Agomuo, said: “At about 4 am, last Friday, we heard an explosion suspected to be from a transformer.”
After the explosion, he said he began to receive phone calls from his brother living near the transformer, asking him to go to the scene.
He said his brother told him that someone climbed the transformer and was electrocuted.
“When we reached there, it was a young man.
“He had climbed up to cut the armoured cables but unfortunately for him, the current killed him,” he disclosed.
Agomuo stated that the locals reported the incident to the police, adding that the body of the suspect was deposited at a mortuary with the assistance of the police.
The incident was confirmed by the Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna, saying the suspected thief was electrocuted in the early hours of Friday while cutting two cables linked to a transformer.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com