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
Ghana: EOCO To Collaborate With NPA To Sanitise Oil Industry
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
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Former ECG MD Speaks About His Early Life, Working Life And Retirement (Full Video)
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: No Contract Has Been Signed For Relocation Of Ameri Power Plant To Kumasi-Energy Minister
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
OPEC Secretary-General, Muhammad Barkindo Dies At Age 63
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.
“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.”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.
— Mele Kyari (@MKKyari) July 6, 2022
Source: https://energynewsafrica.comThe Ministry of Petroleum Resources is thrown into mourning over the passing of H.E Muhammad Barkindo Sanusi.
— Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria (@FMPRng) July 6, 2022
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
Nigeria: Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company Losses US$574,077.83 Worth Of Equipment In Vandalism At 158 Substations
The Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company in the Republic of Nigeria has lost N238, 701,800:65 (US$ 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: GRIDCo Ranked 5th Best Performing SOE In 2020
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
Ghana: TOR Suspends GM Commerce For One Month Without Salary
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
Gambia: Gov’t Forgoes All Revenue On Petroleum Products To Cushion Consumers
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
Ghana: NPA Commissions Classroom Blocks For Schools In Eastern Region
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
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com