The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in the Republic of Ghana has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the country’s downstream petroleum regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), to enforce its regulations to deal with miscreants in the downstream sector.
Speaking during a visit to the Authority last week, the Executive Director of EOCO, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, said her visit was aimed at establishing a collaborative relationship between the two-state institutions.
“COP Maame Tiwaa Addo-Danquah expressed the availability and eagerness of EOCO to support the NPA in enforcing their laws and assisting their task force whose aim is to recover debts owed it.
“She also mentioned that it also falls within the mandate of EOCO to assist institutions of state like the NPA with the recovery of their funds,” a post on the NPA Facebook page stated.
The Chief Executive Officer of NPA, Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, was pleased with the proposal and assured EOCO that the NPA was going to engage the office to assist its task force recover all funds that were owed it.Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Recently, the former Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ing Samuel Boakye-Appiah, hosted Michael Creg Afful, editor of energynewsafrica.com, in an over one-hour interview.
The interview delved into the early life of Ing Boakye-Appiah, his working life at ECG and what he is currently doing for a living as he is on retirement.
Click on the link below to watch the full interview:https://fb.watch/e6l8sOsa6L/
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s Minister for Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has dismissed claims by the Minority Group in Parliament that the Government is spending US$35 million on the planned relocation of the Ameri Power plant to Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.
According to the Minister, no contract has been signed by the government yet and this, according to him, is contrary to the claims by the Minority Group.
He explained that if the government signed a contract for the relocation of the plant, it would send it to Parliament for scrutiny and approval.
The Government of Ghana, last year, announced its decision to relocate the Ameri Power Plant to the Ashanti Region to help stabilise the country’s national electricity grid.
Commenting on the relocation of the Ameri Plant in an interview with a section of the Ghanaian media, Ranking Member on Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament and Member of Parliament for the Yapei Kusawgu Constituency, John Jinapor, served notice to the government that the Minority would continue to resist the deal.
“They confirmed that they had entered into an agreement with Mytilineos company for pre-financing. The project will cost about $35 million. And they have even forwarded the contract to the Attorney-General so they can execute the contract.
“More importantly, this company is an international company, and by Article 181(5) of the Constitution, such international agreements must even be brought to Parliament. This Nicodemus attempt to sign this contract will not be countenanced,” he added.
However, answering questions on the proposed plan in Parliament, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh said “no contract has yet been signed with Mytilineos SA.”
The Minister said Volta River Authority (VRA) is currently engaged in negotiations with Mytilineos towards a contract for the relocation of the Ameri Power Plant from Aboadze, Western Region, to Kumasi.
He said it would be premature to put out any figure as negotiations are still ongoing.
“The Ministry is providing the necessary support and guidance to the VRA to ensure that the interest of the Republic of Ghana is upheld in this particular negotiation.
“In line with the dictates of transparency, accountability and good governance, we shall ensure value for money and seek all requisite and statutory approvals to achieve the government’s objective of improving power supply in the middle and northern sectors of the country,” he said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Muhammad Sanusi Barkindo, has died at 63.
Sanusi, who hails from an oil-rich West African nation, Nigeria, reportedly died at about 11 pm on Tuesday, 5th July 2022.
Nigeria’s NNPC Limited Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari, wrote via his Twitter handle on Wednesday morning: “We lost our esteemed Dr Muhammad Sanusi Barkindo. He died at about 11 pm yesterday 5th July 2022.
“Certainly a great loss to his immediate family, the NNPC, our country Nigeria, the OPEC and the global energy community. Burial arrangements will be announced shortly,’’ he said.
In a statement, the oil cartel said, “OPEC extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, loved ones and his home country, Nigeria. It is a day in which words are not enough, but it is also important to express our deep gratitude for the over 40 years of selfless service that HE Barkindo gave to OPEC.
We lost our esteemed Dr Muhammad Sanusi Barkindo. He died at about 11pm yesterday 5th July 2022. Certainly a great loss to his immediate family, the NNPC, our country Nigeria, the OPEC and the global energy community. Burial arrangements will be announced shortly.
“His dedication and leadership will inspire OPEC for many years and decades to come.’’
Barkindo’s death occurred a few hours after he was celebrated by President Muhammadu Buhari for his good service.
Barkindo’s tenure as OPEC Secretary-General would have ended on July 31.
Praising Barkindo yesterday, Buhari said: “You have indeed been a worthy ambassador of our country.
“We are proud of your achievements before and during your appointment at OPEC and the proud legacies you will leave behind.
“Your time in charge of the affairs of OPEC has been a very challenging one for the global oil industry.”
The Ministry of Petroleum Resources is thrown into mourning over the passing of H.E Muhammad Barkindo Sanusi.
This is a great loss to Nigeria, to OPEC, to the Energy sector and most compassionately to his family which we have in our prayers and thoughts. H. E. Timipre Sylva pic.twitter.com/Hn7NMsgnWR
— Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria (@FMPRng) July 6, 2022
The Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company in the Republic of Nigeria has lost N238, 701,800:65 (US$ 574,077.83) between January and June 2022 as a result of the vandalism of its electrical equipment.
According to the power distribution company, 158 distribution sub-stations were vandalised across its four franchise states.
In a statement issued by KEDC, Chief Engineering and Technical Services Officer of the Company, Engineer Bello Musa noted that the company also lost N147,953,449:01 (one hundred and forty-seven million, nine hundred and fifty-three thousand, four hundred and forty-nine naira, one Kobo) in expected revenue during the period under review.
According to him, some of the prolonged outages and service disruption suffered by the customers are a result of vandalism and theft of power supply assets of the Company by some selfish and criminal elements in the society.
He described the vandalism of power supply assets as a “despicable act of sabotage and heinous crime against the society”.
“The destruction of critical national assets like power supply infrastructure by a few unpatriotic elements is a despicable act of sabotage, a mindless criminality and the pinnacle of irresponsibility which we must collectively fight as a society,” he said.
Engr. Bello Musa disclosed that 54 distribution sub-stations out of the 158 vandalized have been repaired and supply restored to the affected customers while efforts are being made to bring the remaining back to service.
He called on security agencies and the prosecuting authorities to bring the full weight of the law against the perpetrators of this crime.
He also appealed for more vigilance by communities and neighbourhood vigilante groups to arrest the situation
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s power transmission company, GRIDCo, has been ranked as the best 5th performing state-owned enterprise among 50 enterprises at the Maiden Public Enterprise League Table (PELT) held last Thursday at the plush Kempinski Hotel in Accra.
GRIDCo 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 position.
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.
Currently, GRIDCo has a total transmission network of about 6472.23 kilometres.
Apart from operating the National Interconnection Transmission System (NITS), the company also manages GRIDTEL, a subsidiary which provides services for telecommunication companies and radio and TV stations in the West African nation.
The company is looking to invest US$990 million in several projects between 2023 and 2027 to ensure power transmission reliability.
Among the projects GRIDCo wants to undertake in the medium term to improve power reliability, minimise system interruptions, lower transmission losses and be able to meet increasing demand are the Dunkwa Substation project, 3rd Kumasi Bulk Supply Point (BSP), Upgrading of 161kV Western Corridor Transmission Lines (Aboadze-Takoradi, Takoradi-Tarkwa, Tarkwa-New Tarkwa, New Tarkwa-Prestea, Bogoso-Dunkwa, Dunkwa-New Obuasi, Dunkwa-Ayanfuri, Ayanfuri-Asawinso, construction and upgrading of 161kV middle corridor transmission lines (Akosombo-Tafo, Tafo-Nkawkaw, Nkawkaw-Konongo, Konongo-Kumasi, 161kV Mallam to Pokuase (A4BSP) Transmission Line, 330kV Pokuase-Nkawkaw-Anwomaso Project (Transmission Line and Substation).
Commenting on the Public Enterprises League Table Ranking, Board Chairman of GRIDCo, Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere, said, “We are grateful that our labour for Ghana has been recognized. I wish to recognise the great selfless work by the last Board and Management from 2017- 2020 under whose watch GRIDCo achieved this feat. Winning a prize is always good but for the current Board and Management and staff, we pledge to fulfill our core mandate of being the backbone of power delivery to Ghana and beyond.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has suspended the General Manager for Commerce, Charles Awuah, for one month without salary.
Mr Awuah was suspended a few days after this portal reported that the refinery had sold 260,000 litres of slop oil in a shady deal.
Documents signed by Mr. Charles Awuah and available to this portal show that the refinery sold 130 metric tonnes of slop oil to K-Moy Ghana Limited and Petro XP Ghana Limited.
Checks by energynewsafrica.com revealed that the two entities have not been licensed by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to engage in the downstream petroleum business.
Interestingly, the NPA database showed that Petrol XP Ghana Limited which has (L) to the initial name has been registered but is not in good standing.
In a statement issued, following energynewsafrica.com’s report, TOR admitted selling slop to Petro XP Ghana Limited.
The company said Petrol XP Ghana Limited and Petro XP Ghana Limited have the same directors.
The statement explained that Petrol XP Ghana Limited is their registered name while Petro XP is their trade name.
The companied denied selling slop to K-Moy Ghana Limited.
It is clear to this portal that the company wants to deceive the general public in the sense that documents available clearly show that they also sold slop to K-Moy Ghana Limited, an unlicensed company.
Energynewsafrica.com has petitioned the Special Prosecutor to carry out independent investigations into the matter.
Meanwhile, energynewsafrica.com sources at TOR indicate that 12 out of the 14 staff who were interdicted for their alleged involvement in acts that caused financial losses to the company have resumed work.
This should be a caution to any investor who would like to partner with TOR to ensure that control measures are put in place to stem criminal activities in the refinery.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Gambia has reduced fuel prices despite the rising cost of the commodity on the international market fueled by the Ukraine-Russia war and low investments in oil and gas.
Petrol will now sell at 78.76 dalasi per litre(US$1.44) and diesel 73.78 dalasi (US$1.35) per litre in the month of July.
The move forms part of Gambian Government’s decision to cushion consumers.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy said fuel prices for the month of July 2022 would have been D92.95(US$1.70) for PMS( premium spirit or petrol) and D94.11 (US$1.72) for AGO( diesel).
According to the statement, Government considering the interests of all players has forgone all its revenue from petroleum products and agreed with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to also reduce their margins in order to reduce the burden of the fuel price increment on the general public.
“With these efforts, the calculated pump price for PMS is D78.76 and AGOD73.78,” the statement said.
Government affirmed it’s commitment to ensuring that fuel is accessible and cost effective for the general public
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The National Petroleum Authority has commissioned a 3-unit and 2-unit classroom blocks with ancillary facilities for two schools who were studying under shed roofs in the Eastern Region.
The Authority fully funded the construction of the 3-unit classroom block for the Asifaw Junior High School in the Okere District Assembly and a 2-unit Kindergarten block for the Pakro Presby Basic School in Akuapim South Municipal Assembly.
The District Assemblies in the later part of last year reached out to NPA to assist in the construction of the classroom blocks.
The school had been without a classroom block, hence, teaching and learning was done under a temporary bamboo structure which was in a deplorable state.
At a brief ceremony to hand-over the school blocks to the District Education Directorates in both districts, the Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid said the donation forms part of the Authority’s corporate social responsibilities of giving back to the society.
He stated the project would benefit the pupils in these schools as well as its surrounding communities. “It is our belief that this support will improve the fortunes of students from this community.”
Challenging staff and students of the school to take good care of the facility, he said with quality teaching and learning in these schools, he had no doubt the students would compete with their colleagues in other resourceful and upscale schools in the country.
On their part, the District Chief Executives in these areas, Mr. Daniel Kenneth for Okere and Frank Aidoo for Akuapim hailed the NPA for the support rendered the schools, describing it as worthy course.
They, therefore, called on the teachers of the school to soldier on their responsibilities of encouraging students to learn hard as they aspire to become future leaders.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc has decried the spate of destruction within its network.
According to IBEDC, the activities of vandals are beginning to cripple power distribution to its esteemed customers.
A statement signed by the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Company, Engr John Ayodele, said on the night of 29th June, unknown civilians and armed men, cladded in police and civil defence uniforms, carted away IBEDC 33kV underground cables at the Mokola round-about in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“The stolen cables feed Agodi Injection Substation, where Government House, the State Secretariat, Agodi and majority of Bodija area and thousands of other urban customers are serviced. This means the economic power and livelihood of these people have been grossly disrupted, as we are incapacitated by the stolen cables to meet the supply-demand. And this is just one of the various instances of the nefarious activities of vandals within our franchise,” Engr Ayodele said.
IBEDC losses over fifty million Naira every month to vandals through stolen cables damaged transformers and other network infrastructure.
He appealed to IBEDC customers to jealously guard electrical installations within their environments to avoid being plunged into unexpected darkness, as the company cannot afford to replace any vandalised installations for now.
“We implore all residents and customers to report any act suspected to be vandalism to the nearest Police Station, Civil Defence and the Department of State Service. IBEDC does not operate late nights and all activities that occur after 8 pm should be suspected and reported accordingly,” he said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Tullow Ghana Limited (Tullow), operator of the offshore Jubilee and TEN fields, has awarded a five-year contract to Petrofac Ghana (Petrofac) to support operations and maintenance activities on the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah (KNK).
Petrofac is the largest amongst a number of companies, all of which are either indigenous Ghanaian firms or local joint ventures, which will assume the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of the KNK FPSO following the expiry of Tullow’s contract with MODEC Production Services Ghana JV Ltd (MODEC) which ended on 30th June 2022.
Tullow as the field operator remains accountable for the safe and reliable operations in Jubilee including the KNK FPSO.
The transition of the management of the KNK, prompted by the expiry of the MODEC contract forms part of Tullow’s long-term vision to become a top quartile production company in terms of safe operations, emissions control, increased reliability, and cost efficiency. The transition is expected to deliver improved safety performance, reduced operating costs and sustained production efficiency.
Commenting on the new partnership with Petrofac, Tullow chief executive officer, Rahul Dhir said: “this new partnership with Petrofac will leverage Petrofac’s years of experience in operating onshore and offshore facilities and will deliver improved operations on KNK.
Rahur Dhir, CEO of Tullow Oil PLC
In particular, Petrofac’s experience in workforce training will be key in helping Tullow develop Ghanaian talent in leadership roles in the management of Ghana’s offshore facilities. As we embark on this change, I want to thank MODEC for the support they have provided us over the last twelve years.
Nick Shorten, chief operating officer for Petrofac’s Asset Solutions business said: “I’m delighted that we are continuing to grow our presence in Africa with valued long-term partner Tullow Oil.
“We bring our considerable global FPSO experience to Ghana, also putting us in a good position to support other similar facilities in the region. Petrofac has been in North Africa for more than two decades and now we are building our presence across the continent, growing local jobs, developing local skills and collaborating with local partners.”
Tullow and MODEC worked on a smooth transition of O&M services and achieved a seamless transition
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s second state largest power generation company, Bui Power Authority, will soon commence the construction of a 50 Megawatts peak (MWp) Solar Project in Yendi in the Northern Region of Ghana.
BPA is currently the Renewable Energy leader in the Republic of Ghana.
The company is constructing a 250 MWp solar project in phases with phase one already completed and supplying power to the national grid.
It also operates 1MW floating solar on the Bui River and 45kW mini hydro power on Tsatsadu River at Alavanyo -Abehenease in the Hohoe Constituency in the Volta Region.
Last Wednesday, the Chief Executive Officer of BPA, Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, led a delegation from BPA to inspect the site of the upcoming 50MWp Solar Project in Yendi.
Accompanied by the Municipal Chief Executive of Yendi, Ahmed Yussuf Abubakar, the team, first, called on the Chief of Galgu, Galgu-Naa, in whose locality the 50MWp Solar farm would be situated.
The Galgu-Naa expressed his excitement about the project and prayed for its successful execution.
Samuel Kofi Dzamesi and his entourage also paid a courtesy call on the King of Dagbon, Nidan Ya Na Abukari II.
Receiving the delegation, Ya Na Abukari II, through his linguist, thanked the BPA as well as the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, for choosing to undertake the 50MWp Solar Project in Yendi.
Ya-Na Abukari II assured the contractor ,First Sky Group, of his maximum support and that of the indigenes of Yendi for the successful execution of the project.
Mr. Samuel Kofi Dzamesi commended the Ya-Na for his hospitality and assured him that the project would be carried out professionally and efficiently, maintaining the highest standards. He also promised that the contractor (First Sky Group), would complete the project ahead of the scheduled duration of 13 months.
The project would create jobs and boost economic activities in the area upon completion.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
A former Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ing Samuel Boakye- Appiah, has revealed that there were several attempts by some people to get him out of office.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with energynewsafrica.com, Ing Samuel Boakye-Appiah said plots to get him out of office were too much for him to bear.
“Every day, I got some kind of information about my removal and I don’t think it augers well,” he said in pain.
Asked what could be the possible reason for the attempt to get him out, Ing Samuel Boakye-Appiah responded: “Some people didn’t just want me to be there,” adding, “it is one challenge I had to manage.”
Continuing, Ing Samuel Boakye-Appiah said apart from the internal machinations that he had to deal with, he also suffered blackmail from a section of Ghanaian journalists.
He said one journalist demanded Gh¢5 million (US $611,000) from him to trash a supposed negative story about him.
Ing Samuel Boakye-Appiah, who did not want to go into the details of the supposed negative story, said he reported the journalist to the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and he was dealt with.
Watch the video by clicking on the link below
https://fb.watch/e2qYAJ7MJG/Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company ( BOST) has been ranked as the best 8th performing state-owned enterprise among 50 enterprises at the Maiden Public Enterprise League Table (PELT) held last Thursday at the plush Kempinski Hotel in Accra.
BOST beat Energy Sector Agencies such as Volta River Authority which secured 11th position, GNPC 14th position, Ghana National Gas Company 21st position, Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) 35th position and Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company (GCMCL) 46th position.
BOST has seen a transformation over the last four years under the current Managing Director, Edwin Provencal.
At the time he assumed office in 2019, BOST’s assets, such as pipeline infrastructure, storage tanks, barges, tugboats and other vital installations had been abandoned for years without repairs.
Besides, BOST was saddled with huge legacy debts which dated back to the National Democratic Congress administration.
However, the sordid state of BOST has seen a massive improvement in the company’s assets.
In 2020, BOST recorded a profit-before tax of GHc9.84 million.
Previously, it took about four hours for Bulk Road Vehicle (BRV) drivers who went to BOST depots to load fuel.
However, after a restructuring exercise at the depots, it now takes less than two hours for the drivers to go through the pre-loading and post-loading process and exit the depots.
Speaking at the unveiling of the 2020 Public Enterprise League Table in Accra, Ghana’s Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia noted that State Entities play an important role in the economy of Ghana.
He said there is no doubt that they would continue to play critical roles in the economy going forward, and the government would give them all the support to achieve profitable and sustainable operations.
“Since 2017, however, we have seen improvements that provide hope that the measures being put in place by the government of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo are beginning to yield results.
“This is why I believe the theme: ‘Improving Public Sector Business Outcomes’ is particularly relevant to these maiden Public Enterprises League Table,” Dr Bawumia said.
Dr. Bawumia expressed worry about entities that had not presented their audited accounts over a long period.
“While stating this, however, I would like to admit that there are still several non-complying entities when it comes to financial reporting. I would like to also state that relative to timely financial reporting, the honeymoon is long over and severe sanctions will follow from now onwards for those who fail to meet required deadlines as specified in the law,” he warned.
According to Dr Bawumia, the state must generate beneficial economic and social outcomes from its investments in these entities, and the efforts made to improve reporting. The use of digital technology should make reporting much easier and seamless going forward.
He commended the Minister for Public Enterprises, Joseph Cudjoe, for the initiative.
The Minister for Public Enterprises, Joseph Cudjoe, explained that when an entity is last on this league table, it does not mean it is going on relegation, but needs more attention including training and capacity building and possibly further capitalisation by the shareholder.
On the other hand, he said when an entity is first, it means, to a large extent, it is doing the right thing and must be encouraged to do more.
“This is why the PELT must be understood as management by exception tool.
“Let the PELT keep reminding you that these issues of profitability, payment of dividends, timely reporting, efficiency in service delivery and many others, remain a challenge for us to solve after receiving or not receiving an award tonight,” he said.
The Director-General of State Interest and Governance Authority ( SIGA), Edward Boateng said SIGA, as an authority, would continue to use the PELT and other enhanced management tools available to demand growth, accountability and performance from the specified entities.
He, therefore, encouraged all SEs to take the performance contract signing seriously going forward because of this new dimension of a league table and award scheme.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 
