The National Chairman of the Pre-mix Fuel Secretariat under the Ministry of Fisheries and Aqua-Culture Development in the Republic of Ghana, West Africa, says the secretariat is seeking the support of the National Security Operatives to clampdown on middlemen who buy the product and hoard and resell it later at exorbitant prices.
There were several reports of pre-mix fuel diversion leading to the NPA banning 14 companies from lifting the product.
However, Mr Edward Patrick Nii Lante Bannerman, who is the National Chairman of the Secretariat, said his outfit had succeeded in eliminating the diversion of the product due to some stringent measures they put in place which made it difficult for the OMCs that lift the product to divert it.
“What we have done so far is that, largely we have been able to eliminate the issues of diversions and issues of shortages of pre-mix for some time now. At least, in the last two years, we have not heard of shortages; we have not heard of diversions. We are making sure that the fuel gets to its intended destinations and the people who are to utilise this fuel get it. The people to use this fuel are the fishers and the transporters,” he said.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with energynewsafrica.com in Accra, he stressed that Ghanaians bear ample evidence that issues of pre-mix diversion and shortage in the country are things of the past.
He said records from the downstream petroleum regulator, National Petroleum Authority (NPA) point to this effect.
“As part of measures to control diversion of pre-mix, we wrote to the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to give us the opportunity to also monitor the pre-mix trucks in transit right from our offices, which they did. So from November 2017, we have been able to monitor all our pre-mix trucks that are in transit,” he explained.
Additionally, platforms have been created for stakeholders, Regional Ministers, Members of Parliament, MMDCEs and operation officers, among others in the monitoring of the product to evaluate how daily loaded vehicles in transit move and accounted for in the industry.
He said it would be very difficult to divert pre-mix now since “you have to connive with all the above stakeholders before it could done.”
According to him, “The challenge we have now is the hoarding and resale of the pre-mix fuel after it has been delivered at the beach. And that is where the challenge is. And that is where we are looking at getting the National Security Operatives to step in to help us.”
Mr Bannerman told energynewsafrica.com, that his outfit has started engagement with the Regional Ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives who are at places where pre-mix is used to get to the final users.
He said they completed their engagement in the Volta Region last week and would soon go to the other areas.
He was of the view that MMDCEs should ensure that the product gets to the right users to avoid problems in the sector.
He disclosed that the National Pre-mix Committee intends to digitise the sale of the product in future through the use of cards by fishers to prevent hoarding and inflated prices in the industry.
He said that canoes in the lake areas in the country have not been registered, unlike those around the coastal areas.
He, however, promising to do so soon to get all fishers on the digital platform for smooth and effective management of the sector.
Source: www.energynewsafrica.com
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has achieved a new world record in electricity Customer Minutes Lost (CML) per year.
DEWA recorded 1.86 minutes, in Dubai, compared to around 15 minutes recorded by leading electricity companies in the European Union.
This is a new addition to DEWA’s record of international achievements in electricity and water services.
“Our strategies and business plans are inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, to provide a robust infrastructure according to the highest international standards. We continuously work to enhance the capacity and efficiency of transmission and distribution networks to provide electricity and water services according to the highest standards of reliability, availability, efficiency, and sustainability. This is to meet the growing demand for energy and water and keep pace with Dubai’s ambitious urban and economic plans. We are proud that DEWA is part of the UAE’s global achievements that are accomplished by Emirati men and women who do their best to provide state-of-the-art services to make Dubai the smartest and happiest city in the world,” H.E Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA said.
Al Tayer noted that DEWA adopts the latest technologies for energy production, transmission, and distribution.
DEWA is also building an integrated smart grid, which is a key component of its strategy to develop an advanced infrastructure to support Dubai’s efforts to become a smart and happy city.
The smart grid strategy contains 10 programmes to be completed over the short, medium and long-term by 2035. These include Advanced Metering Infrastructure for Electricity, Advanced Metering Infrastructure for Water, Asset Management, Distribution Automation, Information Technology Infrastructure, Transmission Automation, System Integration, Telecommunications, Big Data and Analytics, and Security.
DEWA’s results surpass major European and American utilities in several indicators.
In 2018, losses from electricity transmission and distribution networks were 3.3% compared to 6-7% in Europe and the USA.
Water network losses were also reduced to 6.5% compared to around 15% in North America.
The UAE, represented by DEWA, ranked first for the third consecutive year in Getting Electricity, as per the World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 report.
The report measures the ease of doing business in 190 economies around the world.
DEWA achieved 100% in all of the Getting Electricity indicators, including procedures required to obtain an electricity connection; the time needed to complete each procedure; costs associated with each criterion; and reliability and transparency of tariffs.
Source:www.energynewsafrica.com
Ghana will continue to work to increase its renewable energy resources in the national grid to fast-track socioeconomic development, the country’s Minister for Energy, John-Peter Amewu has said.
According to him, the Energy Ministry is working with the country’s leading power generation company, Volta River Authority (VRA) to ensure that Ghana builds enough capacity in the area of clean and renewable energy to complement the country’s hydro dams.
The Minister said this during a sod cutting ceremony to start a 17MW solar power project in Kaleo in the Upper West Region, Ghana.
“The 4MWp capacity will be connected to the 34.5kV distribution network at Lawra and the 13MW capacity will be connected to the 161kV transmission system at the GRIDCo substation at Wa. I am happy to mention that the 17MWp solar power project is the perfect complement to the hydro dams at Akosombo and Kpong,” said Amewu, the Minister.
He explained that the project culminated many studies on grid impact assessment and others which have resulted in realising this objective.
“These will enable these dams (Akosombo and Kpong) to store water during the day so as to supply power to the people of Ghana during the evening, when the grid sees its highest peak,” the Energy Minister said.
Source:www.energynewsafrica.com
US Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette has stated that the novel coronavirus has not had a dramatic effect on energy markets.
However, he noted that the effect on the market could worsen if the virus continues to spread.
“I think the impact has been marginal,” Brouillette said as carried by Reuters.
The oil price slide since the beginning of the year—trigged by the coronavirus epidemic.
The price of a WTI barrel that was trading at $62.70 just one month ago is now trading at $50.45 per barrel—a drop of more than $12 per barrel, or nearly 20%, in just 30 days.
The price of a Brent barrel, trading at $68.91 a month ago, has sunk to $54.52, a drop of over $14 per barrel, or nearly 21%.
And it’s more than just fearful trades.
OPEC, too, feels that the effects have been dramatic enough to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the possibility of deeper or longer production cuts, even as OPEC member Libya is already producing 1 million bpd under its typical amount.
The death toll from the coronavirus has risen to over 638, with all but two of them limited to China. More than 31,000 people have been affected.
Source: www.energynewsafrica.com
Africa focused oil and gas giant, Tullow Oil Plc has planned to cut back its employees in the West African nation, Ghana, by 25 percent.
The top management level is expected to see a 35 percent reduction.
The oil and gas firm also plans to cut back its global workforce by 35 percent this year.
The UK firm has interests in 80 exploration and production licences across 15 countries, which are managed as three Business Teams: West Africa, East Africa and New Ventures.
In Ghana, Tullow Oil operates the country’s Jubilee and TEN fields.
An insider who spoke to energynewsafrica.com, said the company has decided to cut back its workforce in a bid to restructure its business due to some challenges in 2019, which impacted negatively on the company’s revenue portfolios.
“Everywhere, Tullow is present. We are in Kenya, Dublin, Cape Town, London etc all that in total, the cut back is 35 percent. Where I’m not sure is Guyana because that office is very small, and don’t forget we’re currently doing exploratory activities so there is not much work there.”
According to the insider, the company’s value dropped by 30 percent in 2019, hence the need to downsize the workforce in order to remain in business and be able do what it has planned to do this year and beyond.
“Our company lost or its value dropped by 30 percent last year. That is what has caused it the decision to cut back workforce because by losing 30 percent of the value of the business, you lose 30 percent of your potential revenues. This means less money to what you want to do so you cut your coat,” our insider source said.
In December last year, Tullow’s shares fell by 60 percent following announcement by Tullow’s CEO, Mr Paul McDade and Angus McCoss, Exploration Director that they had quit the firm.
More than £1.05bn was wiped off Tullow’s market value, leaving the company reeling, valued at £801.7m.
The company is yet to announce a new CEO after the resignation of Mr Paul McDade.Source: www.energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s leading indigenous oil marketing company, GOIL Company Limited has held its third and final ultimate reward of its ‘Efie ne Fie’ promotion at Cape Coast, with 780 more customers receiving free fuel ranging from GH¢300 to GH¢1,000.
At the third and final reward ceremony, 90 drivers received GH¢1,000 worth of fuel, 250 customers got GH¢500 fuel while 440 customers were rewarded with GH¢300 worth of fuel.
The top five customers who accrued the highest points during the three months of promotion were also given 33inches brand new flat screen television sets each.In all, 2,500 customers across the country benefitted from the ultimate reward scheme during the period of the promotion.
This is in addition to the 773,642 customers who received instant rewards such as airtime, tissue boxes, face-towels, t-shirts, key rings and gift vouchers after buying fuel from any of the over 400 fuel stations in the country.
The Managing Director and Group CEO, Kwame Osei Prempeh, congratulated the drivers for keeping faith with the company, adding that GOIL will always strive to give the best of quality service.
He mentioned that GOIL and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) have jointly constructed model premix stations in the Central and Western regions to serve the people.
The Board Chairman, Kwamena Bartels, thanked the numerous customers of GOIL who turned up in their numbers to patronize GOIL products during the promotion, urging them to continue to stay with the company and help keep money back in the economy.He noted that the diverse backgrounds of recipients of the reward scheme were an example that GOIL belonged to all Ghanaians.
The recipients were made up of private saloon cars, taxis, trotros, trucks, mini-buses, private SUVs and motor as well as tri-cycles.
Mr. Kwamena Duncan the Central Regional Minister commended GOIL for contributing to stabilizing fuel prices in the country, adding that the company will remain a prized national asset, urging the management and board to continue efforts at expanding the company to create more jobs for the youth.
The Omanhene of the Ogua Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, who chaired the occasion, commended GOIL for the strides it had made and appealed to Ghanaians to patronize made in Ghana products, as a way of strengthening Ghana’s economy.
The occasion coincided with the official reopening of the modernized Cape Coast by-pass service station which had enhanced services such as a well-stocked and expanded GO CAFÉ, a GO lube centre and an auto service centre.Source: www.energynewsafrica.com
French oil major Total booked an increase in quarterly profit despite a lower price environment as its production grew during the period fuelled by new project start-ups and ramp-ups.
Total’s adjusted net income in 4Q 2019 was $3.2 billion, stable compared to last year thanks to the stable adjusted net operating income of the segments.
Adjusted net income excludes the after-tax inventory effect, special items and the impact of effects of changes in fair value.
Total recorded a net income of $2.6 billion in the fourth quarter 2019 compared to $1.13 billion in the same period of 2018.
Total posted a net income of $11.3 billion in 2019, a 2% decrease compared to 2018.
Total Chairman and CEO, Patrick Pouyanné, said: “The group reported solid fourth quarter 2019 results with cash flow (DACF) of $7.4 billion, an increase of more than 20% compared to the fourth quarter 2018, and adjusted net income stable at $3.2 billion, despite a lower price environment.
Hydrocarbon production was 3,113 thousand barrels of oil equivalent (kboe/d) in the fourth quarter 2019, an increase of 8% compared to last year, due to a 13% increase related to the start-up and ramp-up of new projects, including Yamal LNG in Russia, Egina in Nigeria, Ichthys in Australia, Kaombo in Angola, Culzean in the United Kingdom and Johan Sverdrup in Norway.
This was offset by 3% due to the natural decline of the fields and by 2% due to maintenance and Tyra redevelopment project in Denmark.
The company’s total hydrocarbon production in 2019 was 3,014 kboe/d, an increase of 9% compared to 2018.
According to Total, the environment remains volatile, given the uncertainty about hydrocarbon demand related to the outlook for global economic growth and a context of geopolitical instability.
The group has strong capacity to generate cash flow and, in a $60/b environment, expects to increase it by approximately $1 billion per year starting from 2019.
Spending discipline is maintained and the group continues its cost reduction program with an objective of more than $5 billion in cumulative savings in 2020. Net investments in 2020 should be on the order of $18 billion, and the group will complete its $5 billion asset sale program over the years 2019-2020, with $3 billion already announced.
Source: www.energynewsafrica.com
The Minority in Parliament in Ghana is accusing the Akufo-Addo administration of attempting to rip off the West African nation by bloating the cost of the 60MW solar power project.
The project is part of the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam project in the Upper East Region in the Republic of Ghana.
The 60MW solar power project is expected to cost the Ghanaian taxpayer US$366 million.
This, the Minority believes is unacceptable and extremely exorbitant.
“We maintain that the cost of the dam is highly inflated and unacceptable when compared to the cost of similar projects within and outside Ghana.”
At a press conference in Accra, the capital of Ghana, which was addressed by the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, the opposition Minority said they vehemently opposed to the outrageous cost of the project, “which, by all standards, has been hugely and unconscionably padded.”
He mentioned some similar projects, their capacity, unit cost and total cost to buttress his point that the US$366 million for a 60MW Hydro Power Dam at Pwalugu was unacceptable and extremely exorbitant.
He cited the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Ugandan Isimba Dam, Zambia’s Kafue Dam and Gilgel Gebe III Dam, which all had their unit cost pegged at US$1 million and the Ghana Bui Dam, which was constructed under the erstwhile former President Kufuor’s administration at a unit cost of US$1.9 million.
“The Pwalugu Dam at 60MW facility, which is expected to cost a whopping US$366 million is unacceptable and extremely exorbitant. What this means is that the unit cost of the Pwalugu Dam is a whopping 6 million dollars per megawatt.”
Touching on what he described as breach in parliamentary, he noted that the 2020 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the government had no budgetary provision for the construction of the Pwalugu Dam.
“Even more interesting is the fact that the necessary approvals had not been secured prior to the sod cutting. The critical question is why the government would hasten to commission a dam project when approval for the contract has not been approved,” he quizzed.
The Minority also questioned why the entire project had been awarded to PowerChina International Group without a Ghanaian participation.
“How come local companies are not involved in a giant project such as this which in the words of the President, is fully funded by the Ghanaian taxpayer? Why is the government not adopting an open competitive process,” he quizzed.
The Minority called on President Akufo-Addo and the Majority side of the House to immediately depart from what they described as unlawful and unfortunate conduct, failing which the Minority shall adopt legitimate processes to save the nation from this unbearable financial loss.
Source: www.energynewsafrica.com
The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), an energy think tank in the Republic of Ghana, West Africa, has launched Persons With Disability (PWDs) report titled: ‘Enabling the disabled-A mapping report on disability interventions in Ghana’.
The 40-page report looks at the various interventions the West African nation had put in place and the various gaps in these interventions.
Ghana is a signatory to a number of international conventions and has enacted laws and regulations, all aimed at the inclusion of persons with disability in the national development process.
To achieve these goals and ensure PWDs’ inclusions, the report mapped out the various interventions and policies aimed at enhancing the condition of PWDs in Ghana and identify key state and non-state actors to address the challenge of their exclusion in the country’s socio-economic participation as citizens of equal rights.
The research interviewed 81 respondents across the 16 regions in Ghana, covering institutions and organisations having the responsibility to ensure inclusion of people with disabilities.
The result of the mapping study revealed that some interventions implementations to alleviate the plight of PWDs and ensure their inclusion in the country.
The report said, though there are numerous challenges, nothing is being done to support persons with disabilities.
Other key findings showed that in health, no interventions are targeted at pregnant women with disabilities for their access to maternal healthcare, as well as children with disabilities.
Benjamin Boakye, Executive Director of ACEP
Again, the research said while the law provides for physical accessibility to all public spaces including hospitals and other health care centres, the evidence on ground shows that this is not being implemented in several health facilities in Ghana.
In the area of education, it said, while government is operating an inclusive education policy, the implementation had not been as inclusive as would be desired.
Children with disabilities and other developmental challenges still face barriers to accessing inclusive education in Ghana.
The report also said social interventions programmes such as Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) are key interventions implemented by the state, which is aimed at eliminating poverty among the PWDs and providing affordable health care to them respectively.In the area of political participation of PWDs, it found out that the government’s framework and strategies in Disability Mainstreaming in Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) outdoored in 2018, mandates reservation of a percentage of general assembly membership for PWDs, and they are also encouraged to participate in the assemblies by contesting for position during district assembly elections.
Based on the findings found during the research concerning the PWDs, the report proposed timely release of budgetary allocations for intervention programmes.
It also called for people with disabilities to be involved in decision making processes and also properly plan their implementations programmes to help them have equal access to livelihood in the country.
It further recommended that improved research on disability issues and changing of public mindset, as well as discarding stereotype attitude towards PWDs among others, would help them to enjoy better lives.
Commenting on the report, the 2016 presidential candidate of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Ivor Greenstreet, who described the report as timely, commended ACEP for the initiative.
On his part, Mr Ablor Mawutor who represented Ghana’s Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, said the report was timely because it would help the ministry to factor some of the issues raised in the ongoing review of the PWD Act.Source:www.energynewsafrica.com
General Electric (GE) has announced that it has been selected by Azito Energie SA to provide gas turbine technology and services for Azito phase IV power plant, located in the Yopougon district of Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire.
The extension of the power plant will generate 253 megawatts (MW) and will play a significant role in supporting the country’s energy plan.
“We have a long-standing relationship with GE and are thrilled that the Azito phase IV power plant, will also be one of the most efficient power plants in the region and will serve as a model for the development of similar power projects in Africa”, Luc Aye, Managing Director, Azito Energie S.A commented in a press release copied to energynewsafrica.com.
“Providing reliable and sustainable power is a priority for us. Our plant makes use of Côte d’Ivoire’s supplies of natural gas and with this expansion we will continue to contribute significantly to country’s energy security and stability”.
Under this contract, GE will supply its GT13E2 gas turbine in combined-cycle configuration, one heat recovery steam generator, one steam turbine generator, condenser and associated systems and maintenance services for 20 years.
GE’s GT13E2 gas turbine offers industry leading efficiency in the E-class segment. It delivers power and performance while offering a flexible extended maintenance concept that reduces operating costs while saving fuel.
Upon completion of the Azito phase IV extension, the entire power plant is expected to generate approximately 710MW, representing up to 30% of the nations’ power supply.
“GE has been committed to the development of Côte d’Ivoire’s power sector and plays a critical role in laying the foundational infrastructure needed to build a modern economy,” Elisee Sezan, CEO for GE’s Gas Power business in sub–Saharan Africa said.
“We are honored to continue to support Azito Energie, with our offering of full range of local capabilities, expertise and unique power generation solutions.”
Since 1999, GE has provided maintenance services at Azito power plant, with the first combined cycle power plant connected to the grid in 2015. Earlier this year, GE announced the successful execution of GE’s MXL2 upgrade solution for the GT13E2 gas turbines at Azito III site as part of a contract which will increase the power plant’s production by 30MW, equivalent power for up to 24,000 homes.
About Azito Energie S.A:
Azito Energie S.A. develops, owns, and operates the Azito power plant that produces electricity using natural gas resources in Ivory Coast. The company was founded in 1997 and is based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. As of November 1, 2010, Azito Energie S.A. is owned by Globeleq and Industrial Promotion Services (West Africa). Azito Operations and Management (Azito O&M), a subsidiary of Globeleq, is operating and maintaining the plant under an operation and maintenance agreement between Azito O&M and Azito Energie.
Oil rich African country, Equatorial Guinea has offered to support China’s fight against the coronavirus with a US$2 million solidarity contribution this week.
The decision was taken by the country’s Council of Ministers which is chaired by H.E. President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
The Council of Ministers expressed its deepest support and solidarity to the Chinese Government in their fight against the global outbreak.
According to the latest updates, the coronavirus has killed almost 500 people worldwide, mostly Chinese citizens and infected over 24,000 people.
The decision of Equatorial Guinea’s Council of Minister to financially support China’s fight against the virus reflects the deep and long-standing relationship between both countries, whose cooperation has only grown stronger in recent years.
“China has always been a very strong and loyal supporter of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and this contribution is a demonstration that Equatorial Guinea stands in solidarity with China and its people as it fights a global outbreak that has already cost too many lives,” H.E. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons said a press statement copied to energynewsafrica.com.
“Our ongoing Year of Investment Initiative will be a testimony to the depth of our cooperation and relationship with China. It is a pleasure for Equatorial Guinea to support its partner in times of need,” he said.
China and Equatorial Guinea have been enjoying successful economic and technical cooperation for decades.
China has supported the development of Equatorial Guinea through the construction of critical telecommunications and road infrastructure, along with supporting social infrastructure in the country.
Equatorial Guinea has been a long-standing supporter of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Last year, both countries agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation during a meeting between President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s special representative Yang Jiechi.
Source:www.energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s Energy Minister, Hon John-Peter Amewu on Thursday paid a courtesy call on His Eminence Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam of the Republic of Ghana at his residence in Fadama, Accra.
The visit was to officially introduce himself to the Islamic leader as Minister of Energy since assuming this role.
The National Chief Imam warmly received Hon John-Peter Amewu and his team and also offered Adua (prayers) for John-Peter Amewu.
Mr. Amewu also took the opportunity to inform the National Chief Imam of his intention to contest for the Hohoe parliamentary seat and requested for his blessings and prayers.
Hon John-Peter Amewu took the opportunity to express his appreciation for the love and support he has received from the Muslim community over the years especially those within the Hohoe constituency.
Mr Amewu also assured the National Chief Imam that his office is readily available to work with the chief Imam’s office towards achieving a greater Muslim community.
Hon Amewu emphasized that he would continue to offer his support to Muslims, especially those within the Hohoe Zongo community to demonstrate his gratitude for their love and support for him.
The Minister offered his appreciation and gratitude to the chief Imam and his team for granting him this rare opportunity.
The National Chief Imam willingly gave his blessings to John-Peter Amewu and offered prayers to support him in his endeavor.Source: www.energynewsafrica.com
The African Development Fund has approved a US$34.74 million grant and loan to boost renewable energy access and promote an attractive investment climate in Liberia.
Under the first project – the Renewable Energy for Electrification in Liberia – more than $33 million, primarily in the form of a grant from the Bank and the Strategic Climate Fund’s Scaling-up Renewable Energy programme, is to support renewable energy sector growth.
The funds will go towards the construction of a mini dam on the St. John River in Nimba County in northeastern Liberia and the development of the Gbedin Hydropower Falls with a total capacity of 9.34MW of power, to be transmitted through an 8km, 33kV line connecting 7,000 households.
The system would allow for grid expansion to isolated communities and support the connection of schools, health centres, businesses and industries to the national grid, increasing the renewable energy access rate in Liberia.
Liberia’s Minister of Finance & Development Planning Samuel Tweah Jr., said the project, scheduled for completion by 2024, would help unlock one of the main constraints to economic development – access to a reliable, affordable and sustainable supply of electricity.
The second project – Support to Investment Promotion Agencies in Transition Countries – received approval for an additional $1 million to assist in promoting business investment in Liberia and building the capacity of the National Investment Commission. The funds will come from the Bank’s Transition Support Facility.
“As a Bank we understand the challenges faced by Government and the efforts underway to attract Foreign Direct Investment,” said Dr Orison Amu, the African Development Bank’s country manager in Liberia “This project aims at contributing to those ongoing efforts by (the Liberian) government.”
Source: www.energynewsafrica.com
The Republic of Togo has performed a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of 50MW Mohamed Bin Zayed Photovoltaic Solar Power Complex in Blitta.
The project was launched in presence of H.E. Faure E. Gnassingbe, President of the Republic of Togo, and Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power, the company in charge of designing, financing, building, launching, operating and maintaining the facility.
The Moyamed Bin Zayed Solar PV Complex is West Africa’s largest ongoing solar PV project, and supports Togo’s ambitions to increase its rural electrification rate to 50% by 2022, and 100% by 2030.
“AMEA Power is a foreign investor who understands Africa and has demonstrated a commitment to supporting local content wherever it operates,” Nj Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber and CEO of the Centurion Law Group said in a press release copied to energynewsafrica.com.
“As public and private sector interest for Africa grows in the Middle East, such players are most welcomed. Their work in and with Africa contributes to the development of a sustainable and prosperous future.”
The project further confirms the growing presence of AMEA Power in the continent.
The UAE-based company has become a serious investor in Africa’s energy sector and represents the growing appetite of private players and investors from the Middle East to invest in Africa.
At the end of 2019, Saudi Arabia-based ACWA Power signed two long-term power purchase agreements for 250MW of solar PV projects in Ethiopia, while state-owned ADNOC is reportedly looking at several investments into the African upstream oil & gas sector.
Source:www.energynewsafrica.com
In all, 2,500 customers across the country benefitted from the ultimate reward scheme during the period of the promotion.
This is in addition to the 773,642 customers who received instant rewards such as airtime, tissue boxes, face-towels, t-shirts, key rings and gift vouchers after buying fuel from any of the over 400 fuel stations in the country.
The Managing Director and Group CEO, Kwame Osei Prempeh, congratulated the drivers for keeping faith with the company, adding that GOIL will always strive to give the best of quality service.
He mentioned that GOIL and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) have jointly constructed model premix stations in the Central and Western regions to serve the people.
The Board Chairman, Kwamena Bartels, thanked the numerous customers of GOIL who turned up in their numbers to patronize GOIL products during the promotion, urging them to continue to stay with the company and help keep money back in the economy.
He noted that the diverse backgrounds of recipients of the reward scheme were an example that GOIL belonged to all Ghanaians.
The recipients were made up of private saloon cars, taxis, trotros, trucks, mini-buses, private SUVs and motor as well as tri-cycles.
Mr. Kwamena Duncan the Central Regional Minister commended GOIL for contributing to stabilizing fuel prices in the country, adding that the company will remain a prized national asset, urging the management and board to continue efforts at expanding the company to create more jobs for the youth.
The Omanhene of the Ogua Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, who chaired the occasion, commended GOIL for the strides it had made and appealed to Ghanaians to patronize made in Ghana products, as a way of strengthening Ghana’s economy.
The occasion coincided with the official reopening of the modernized Cape Coast by-pass service station which had enhanced services such as a well-stocked and expanded GO CAFÉ, a GO lube centre and an auto service centre.
Source: www.energynewsafrica.com
In the area of political participation of PWDs, it found out that the government’s framework and strategies in Disability Mainstreaming in Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) outdoored in 2018, mandates reservation of a percentage of general assembly membership for PWDs, and they are also encouraged to participate in the assemblies by contesting for position during district assembly elections.
Based on the findings found during the research concerning the PWDs, the report proposed timely release of budgetary allocations for intervention programmes.
It also called for people with disabilities to be involved in decision making processes and also properly plan their implementations programmes to help them have equal access to livelihood in the country.
It further recommended that improved research on disability issues and changing of public mindset, as well as discarding stereotype attitude towards PWDs among others, would help them to enjoy better lives.
Commenting on the report, the 2016 presidential candidate of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Ivor Greenstreet, who described the report as timely, commended ACEP for the initiative.
On his part, Mr Ablor Mawutor who represented Ghana’s Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, said the report was timely because it would help the ministry to factor some of the issues raised in the ongoing review of the PWD Act.
Source:www.energynewsafrica.com 
Source: www.energynewsafrica.com
