Former BOST MD Awuah Darko returns to Ghana; turns himself in to EOCO
Embattled former Managing Director of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST), Kwame Awuah Darko has arrived in Ghana after what some have described as over two years of self-imposed exile abroad.
According to impeccable sources, Mr Awuah Darko turned himself in to the Economic and Organized Crime Organization (EOCO) shortly after he arrived in the country.
He’s said to have flown out of Ghana soon after the Mahama administration lost the 2016 general election and had not been seen ever since.
The EOCO reportedly mounted a manhunt for Mr Awuah-Darko, following a warrant secured for his arrest for him to explain his alleged role in the ‘rot’ at BOST.
The failed NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon, according to sources at EOCO, was declared ‘wanted’ after he allegedly turned down several invitations to explain some alleged payments and withdrawals from BOST’s account while he was in office.
Sources say there are several issues EOCO wants Mr. Awuah-Darko to explain, key among them being the allegation that he supervised the transfer of a whopping GH¢40.5 million from BOST to the presidency under John Mahama.
He is also wanted in connection with several cases of alleged loss of oil and dubious payments.
But Mr Awuah Darko maintains that his hands are clean as he never engaged in any shady deals while in office.
Source: kasapafmonline.com
Tema: Burnt pipelines belong to Cirrus Oil Services not VRA
Energynewsafrica.com can confirm that the pipelines which some suspected arsonists attempted to set ablaze in Tema belong to Cirrus Oil and not VRA as reported in the media.
Head of Communications at the Ministry of Energy Nana Kofi Damoah revealed yesterday that some suspected arsonists attempted to set ablaze gas pipelines in Tema exclave apparently to cause power outages.
Some online portals reported that the pipelines belonged to the state power generation company Volta River Authority.
However, a visit to the scene confirmed that the said pipelines rather belonged to private oil firm Cirrus Oil Services Limited.
Environment, Health and Safety Manager at Cirrus Oil Services Limited, Dan Amehoe, confirmed the development to energynewsafrica.com.
He explained that the pipelines in question are not in use at the moment because they are newly constructed ones.
We’ll shoot and kill saboteurs if we see them – Head of GRIDCo Security
Head of Security at the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), Major Lawrence Appiah (Rtd) says they will not hesitate to shoot and kill anyone who will be caught attempting to temper with power installations in the Tema enclave.
According to him, they will go to that extent if that is what will deter those who have made it their business, to destroy power installations.
His warning followed attempts by some suspected arsonists to set ablaze pipelines belonging private oil firm Cirrus Oil Services Limited in Tema on Sunday evening.
Some suspected arsonists piled car tyres on pipelines of Cirrus Oil Services behind the wall of Volta River Authority, in Tema, and set them ablaze.
However, a security man at Red Sea Estates saw the smoke and raised an alarm, attracting Fire Service personnel from VRA to quickly move to the scene to quench the fire.
Speaking to the press, Major Lawrence Appiah, who expressed worry over the recent attack on power installations, said his outfit has brought onboard the National Security, the Military and the police and that they would not spare anyone who wanted to engage in any negative acts that would throw the country into power crisis.
“We want to tell those who are doing this because they do not want the good of Ghana to be very careful in what they intend to do. We are ready with the soldiers. We know the rules of engagement but we will not hesitate if the arrest will not work; to shoot to kill because Ghana must succeed.”
“We all know how the government is working hard to improve power for all to enjoy. Unfortunately, some people are not interested and are trying to do things to bring it down. We are not going to sit down and allow it, so we have done all that we need to do. We have soldiers, police, the BNI and National Security assisting us to ensure that we nip it in the bud”, he told the media.
He wondered why some persons would be bent on pulling the country backward when the power sector agencies are doing their best to ensure sustainable power supply to Ghanaians.
Western Region: Two ‘goro boys’ arrested for engaging in illegal connection
Suspects: Benjamin Okai and Gabriel Akpabli
Two persons have been arrested by the Revenue Protection Taskforce of the Western Regional Office of the Power Distribution Service Ghana (PDS) for illegally drawing out power and further issuing a meter connection to a prospective customer.
The two have been identified as Benjamin Okai and Gabriel Akpabli both aged 34 and residents of Kwesimintsim.
Speaking to Empire News about the arrest of the two, Western Region Manager of Revenue Protection for PDS John Quayson – Dadzie explained their monitoring team on Tuesday April 2 visited a cold store at Kwesimentsim and upon inspection realized the smart meter being used is in the wrong operational zone.
When interrogated the owner of the cold store mentioned the name of 34 year old Benjamin Okai, an electrician, who helped her secure the smart meter.
Benjamin Okai was arrested and in his statement mentioned the name of Gabriel Akpabli, who is also an electrician, as his supplier.
An inspection of receipts showed the diversion was done in September 2018.
The Regional Manager Revenue Protection Department for PDS, Mr Quayson-Dadzie, advised prospective customers to visit their office when in need of a new service.
He also mentioned a reward scheme for people who report illegal connections to PDS.
The two have since been handed over to the Kwesimentsim Police Command to face the full rigorous of the law.
Ghana: Gas pipelines in Tema torched by suspected arsonists
Reports reaching energynewsafrica.com has it that some suspected arsonists have torched some gas pipelines within the Tema enclave.
According to the Head of Communications at the Ministry of Energy, Nana Kofi Damoah, some security men who were doing some regular checks along the pipelines discovered that some persons had packed car tyres over some of the pipelines and set them ablaze.
“This is a very sad development for all of us. It gets more confusing and it gets sadder that as we are facing challenges and working hard to get the people of Ghana out of the challenges that we are facing, there are some very determined persons who also wish that we will stay in the condition for a longer period. Investigations into this development have began,” he added.
Mr. Damoah was however quick to add that the gas pipelines could be repaired, adding that the development will not affect power supply “in anyway”.
He additionally said the Energy Ministry is working hard to ensure that persons seeking to destroy properties belonging to the Energy Ministry are dealt with.
The incident comes barely a month when some suspected persons hack down GRIDCo’s transmission tower in Tema.
Benin to install an advanced distribution management system
GE Renewable Energy has secured a contract to modernise energy transmission and distribution networks in Benin.
GE has signed contracts with the government of Benin to help the country to meet growing energy needs while developing self-sustaining electricity systems.
In Benin, GE will supply the country’s first advanced distribution management system (ADMS) to increase energy reliability and efficiency.
The ADMS will be provide utility Société Béninoise d’Energie Electrique with algorithms and predictive analytics to enable grid automation.
For instance, the system will be able to predict issues, identify the faults on the grid and propose a restoration plan.
GE will also upgrade the utility’s substations and telecommunication infrastructure at the National Distribution Control Center in Cotonou.
The project will help Benin to reduce its energy imports, currently at 85% of the country’s total energy demand.
“The Distribution Management System (ADMS) will help optimise energy distribution, reduce electricity losses and minimise shortages.
“This project is aligned with the government’s ambition to efficiently manage the generation from power plants, microgrids and other grid infrastructure to improve the quality, efficiency and availability of power to our customers.
“This system will also help manage the security and maintain control of the grid, “according to the National Coordinator for MCA-Benin II.
Source: Esi-Africa.com
Oil Minister Denies Reports Of Exxon Leaving Nigeria
Nigeria’s Petroleum Minister Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu has said that he isn’t aware of any plans of U.S. oil and gas supermajor ExxonMobil to exit upstream operations in OPEC’s African member.
ExxonMobil is considering selling some of its stakes in onshore and offshore fields in Nigeria, and those stakes could potentially raise US$3 billion, Reuters reported earlier this week, citing banking and industry sources.
Exxon has recently held talks with Nigerian companies to see if there is interest in its assets in Nigeria, some of Reuters’ sources said, as the U.S. supermajor is now predominantly focused on boosting production in the Permian and developing the huge oil discoveries offshore Guyana.
Exxon is set to soon open in Nigeria the so-called data room with details about the oil and gas fields it plans to divest from, one source told Reuters.
According to the sources, Exxon officials have recently discussed with Nigerian companies stakes in onshore oil fields, in which Exxon participates in joint ventures with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
The U.S. major, however, is also mulling over selling stakes in offshore oil fields.
Exxon is one of Nigeria’s largest foreign oil operators and its production in 2017 stood at 225,000 bpd.
Speaking to reporters at an oil industry event in Nigeria this week, Minister Kachikwu said, as carried by Nigerian outlet The Guardian:
“I am not aware of that. I have not been officially informed. You saw the chairman of ExxonMobil today talking about their long-term plan and he didn’t mention that.”
“Obviously, we will engage them, whether this is true or not,” the minister added.
“I am connected enough to the ExxonMobil system worldwide and I haven’t seen anything like that. It will be a bit of surprise to me and I would not believe this until I am sure,” The Guardian quoted Kachikwu as saying.
Source: Oilprice.com
Aker Energy announces 4.5 million dollar support for capacity building
Jan Helge Skogen,Country Manager of Aker Energy
Aker Energy has announced a 4.5 million dollar support for government’s Accelerated Oil and Gas Capacity-Building Programme (AOGC) aimed at enhancing the capacity of Ghanaians to enable them work in the oil and gas sector.
The programme, to be in effect for five years, would train individuals in various technical and vocational areas, build the capacity of educational institutions to train students and provide internationally recognized certificates.
Additionally, the programme will provide business and management training for Small and Medium Enterprises and ensure the continuous professional development of employees of various public institutions in the oil and gas sector.
In all, 1,000 Ghanaians are expected to be trained to be gainfully employed in the oil and gas industry, with about 300 employees in public institutions to also be adequately equipped to meet international standards.
Hajia Samira Bawumia, the Second Lady, who was the Guest Speaker at the official announcement of the Aker Energy’s support, said the programme was part of government’s move to ensure local content in the oil and gas sector.
“President Nana Akufo-Addo came out with this initiative as part of efforts to build local capacity and provide opportunity for young people to work in the oil and gas sector,” she said.
She said they would ensure that the funds were used for the success and sustainability of the programme to benefit future generations.
She commended Aker Energy, a global leader in the oil and gas industry, for supporting government’s laudable initiative, which was launched in November 2017 at the RMU.
“We hope other companies would come on board to support such initiatives aimed at providing training and employment for the Ghanaian youth,” she said.
She urged the youth to take advantage of the programme and help the country to develop the oil and gas sector.
Launching Aker Energy’s Support, Country Manager for the outfit, Mr. Jan Helge Skogen said human capital was very essential in the oil and gas sector and developing Ghanaian competence in the sector would make Ghana to compete favourably at the global level.
“It all starts with education and competency building, the main pillars of the AOGC programme. Aker Energy’s goal is that through our operations in Ghana, we will support the development of the oil and gas sector, “he stressed.
“Under the AOGC, we will seek support from and utilize Ghanaian educational institutions to increase competency levels through a training of local trainers programme,” he added.
The company, he said, want to get a lot out of the 4.5 million dollar contribution and was confident that, this would happen through the project framework and the good cooperation already established between the Petroleum Commission and Aker Energy.
Mr Egbert Faibille Jnr, Acting Chief Executive Officer, the Petroleum Commission, said the AOGC programme aimed to deliberately and strategically trained the Ghanaian youth to work in Ghana and elsewhere in from exploration through to decommissioning.
He said the involvement of Ghanaians in the upstream sector was expected to rise to levels that would prove that the AOGC was the boldest attempt by any government to ensure that Ghanaians take their rightful places in the industry.
Prof. Elvis Nyarko, Vice Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University, who chaired the ceremony commended Aker for the support to enhance the technical and vocational skills of Ghanaians.
“This is a huge platform to get manpower for the country and we are always assured of continuous support by the Norwegian government as they have been with the country since oil has been discovered,” he stated.
“We can do more as a country as other corporate entities must follow Aker’s support. We also commend the government of Ghana for ensuring the President’s vision has come to reality, “he added.
Source: GNA
Heavy rainstorm causes power outages in Accra
A heavy rainstorm that hit Ghana’s capital, Accra, and its environs on Sunday evening is said to have caused power outages in some areas within the capital.
This is according to the Power Distribution Services(PDS).
In a press statement, PDS urged “affected customers to note that PDS engineers are working assiduously to rectify the faults and restore power supply.”
They have since appealed to affected customers to bear with the company.
Be transparent and tackle financial challenges in energy sector – John Jinapor to government
A former Deputy Power Minister, John Jinapor has questioned the financial standing of the country’s energy sector.
His comments follow weeks of constant nationwide erratic power supply experienced by Ghanaians.
Less than twenty-four hours after the Power Distribution Services (PDS) published a load shedding timetable, the schedule has been suspended on the directives of GRIDCO over claims that has enough energy for the entire country.
But Mr. Jinapor has said, sustainable measures need to be taken to address the challenges facing the energy sector.
“The other thing is the long term sustainability of the power sector. Gas alone is not a challenge. The major challenge today is the financial well being of the energy sector and until that is addressed we are going to continue to have a major challenge”.
“So, I think that the industry players and the stakeholders should just look beyond, the tie in of the gas and ensure that, we deal with the financial challenge confronting the energy sector. Everyone wants to have continuous power but it ought to be done in a transparent manner”, he noted.
Financial challenges not to blame for erratic power supply – Energy Ministry
Assurances from the Energy Ministry are that the erratic state of power supply in the country is not a result of financial problems or mismanagement.
Nana Oppong Damoah, the Head of Communication at the Energy Ministry, blamed the issue on logistical challenges noting that the deep-seated financial problems in the energy sector are not new.
“We’ve had logistical challenges with the supply of the fuel. Not that we haven’t been able to buy. We have had challenges financially in the energy sector for a long time, which is why we have called it a legacy debt situation.” he stated.
He cited the partial shutdown of gas infrastructure over the last few weeks and challenges with fuel supply as contributory factors to the recent power challenges that have led to some form of load shedding in the country.
“Unfortunately, we’ve had a slip in the supply of fuel along the value chain because there are some processes that have delayed and that is what has led to the current situation we are seeing,” he explained.
Dumsor or no dumsor’?
Energy Minister, John Peter Amewu had called on Ghanaians to dismiss claims by the Minority in Parliament that government has returned the country to an era of erratic power supply popularly called “Dumsor”.
The Minority has been tough on government to be candid with Ghanaians and on the recent power outages across the country.
They say, the recent power outages are a reflection of the financial troubles facing the energy sector due to government’s mismanagement of the sector.
Many parts of the country continue to be hit with widespread blackout on a daily basis.
The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) has also urged more transparency from the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) as Ghanaians grow more concerned about a possible return to the load shedding that marked the country’s power crisis some six years ago.
Souce: Citinewsroom.com
Ghana: Financial Analyst wants increases in electricity tariff to stop ‘dumsor’
A Financial Analyst, Toma Imihere believes an increase in the cost of electricity will help the companies within the power distribution chain generate enough revenue to bring to an end, the continuous erratic power supply saddling the country.
Speaking on Accra based Citi FM on Saturday, he said, the move if considered and rolled out will relieve the ordinary citizen from the much dreaded blackouts.
“If you have to increase tariffs, you better increase it. It is better to have expensive power than to have no power at all”, he said.
Although the Power Distribution Services has suspended an initial load shedding plan due to assurances of enough generation by the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), Ghanaians are still on tenterhooks as the country’s power situation worsens by the day.
Many businesses, according to analysts, are taking a nose dive as a result of unreliable power supply.
The call by the Financial Analyst may be received with mixed reactions as it is not uncommon for governments to be in the bad books of voters for the upward adjustments in basic utilities and social amenities.
When asked if the action will not have a toll on the governing party as the next general election draws closer, Mr. Imihere mounted a strong defense for his argument saying: “it is better than having the lights off. At least if there is expensive power, you can choose to have your power on or off. Even when there is ‘dumsor’ and you want to pay for the power, you won’t get it.”
Six persons remanded over ‘dumsor’ protest against PDS
Six persons who were part of a protest against Power Distribution Services (PDS) on Wednesday have been remanded into prison custody by Odumase Krobo District Court in the Eastern Region.
The court presided over by His honour Frank Gbegby remanded the six for a week to reappear before the court on Friday 12 April, 2019.
The prosecutor, DSP Akwasi Yeboah pleaded with the court to extend the time for two weeks to enable the police conduct further investigations to begin prosecution.
However, his plea was not taken by the Judge who insisted a week was enough.
The protesters claimed their lights have been off for the past three days and wondered why PDS has been treating them badly.
The protesters started at Nuaso in the Odumase Krobo before spreading to other nearby communities including Somanya with the intention of attacking the PDS/ECG office.
They set car tyres on fire blocking main roads among others prompting the police to swiftly move in to restore law and order
Meanwhile, three more persons who were shot by the Police have been discovered bringing the number of injured persons to five.
Prosper Akutey, 21, had bullet penetrate through his lower back and other bullets through his right arm while Clement Nanor, 23, also suffered multiple fractures.
They have been transferred from St. Martin de Porres Hospital, Agormanya to Eastern Regional Hospital, Koforidua.
The third victim, Tettey Stella, is receiving treatment at the St. Martin de Porres Hospital, Agormanya.
The police have accounted for the injuries of only two persons – Kwame Asare,39, and Teye Kwame,35.
Ghana: ‘No more power outages’-PDS declares
Ghanaians will no longer endure irksome power outages, which recently hit parts of Ghana, until further notice, the Power Distribution Services (PDS), has announced.
According to PDS, the load management programme released earlier on Friday, April 5, 2019 has been suspended.
PDS said the suspension is due to “sufficient generation.”
According to the distributor, GRIDCo has directed it to “suspend with immediate effect the load management programme until further notice because there is sufficient generation.”
“The Load Management Programme has therefore been suspended accordingly until further notice,” a public notice from PDS Ghana said.
The oil-rich West African country has over the past weeks been hit with intermittent blackouts in parts of the country due to shortfalls in generation capacity.
There was huge public uproar as citizens feared Ghana had returned to the era of incessant blackouts three years.
Update: PDS releases load shedding timetable for Saturday
The Power Distribution Services, PDS, has released a load shedding management timetable for Saturday, 6th April, 2019, to guide consumers in planning their activities for the weekend.
According to the release copied to energynewsafrica.com, the temporal load shedding management timetable has become necessary following the shutdown of Atuabo Gas Processing Plant for the completion of Takoradi-Tema Interconnectivity Project.
The shutdown of Atuabo Gas Processing Plant has resulted in a shortfall of 300MW of power.
The temporal load shedding covers Greater Accra, Ashanti Region, Eastern Region, Central Region, Western Region and Volta Region.Power supply is expected to be normalized when the Takoradi-Tema Inter Connectivity Project is completed in the next few days.Below is the load shedding timetable