By: Dzifa Tetteh Tay     On February 20, a group of journalists from Tema and Accra, both in the Greater Accra Region, were invited by the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) for a media interaction with the facility’s management. The event aimed to update the media on WAPCo’s ongoing maintenance activities, which commenced on February 5, as part of efforts to ensure the Company’s commitment to an efficient and reliable operation of their pipelines. WAPCo is an international gas transportation company noted for transportation of natural gas. The management demonstrated exceptional hospitality by arranging transportation for the journalists from vantage points with additional stops at convenient points, ensuring a seamless journey to its Tema Metering and Regulating Station, which was about 25 kilometres. This gesture was particularly noteworthy, as it highlighted WAPCo’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and security of media personnel. In an era where such considerations from corporate institutions are increasingly rare, WAPCo’s courtesy was a refreshing departure from the norm.

The company’s recognition of the media’s vital role in disseminating information about their activities and the energy sector as a whole was evident throughout the event. By engaging with the media in such a thoughtful and considerate manner, WAPCo demonstrated its dedication to transparency and public awareness. Security Briefings and Inductions Upon arrival at the facility, the journalists underwent thorough security checks, along with the vehicle provided by WAPCo, to ensure a safe and secure environment. This attention to detail underscored WAPCo’s unwavering commitment to safety and security. As part of their standard operating procedure, the Senior Process Operator, Eric Aguda, conducted a comprehensive visitor site induction. He briefed the media personnel on the essential rules and regulations. These included the company’s drugs and alcohol policy, environmental awareness, restricted areas, personal protective equipment and special hazards. Others were health awareness, fire safety alarms, emergency contact numbers, and motor vehicle safety. “For WAPCo, safety is paramount and we are environmentally conscious. We always want to do things right,” he explained. The General Security Superintendent, Samuel Ephraim, also provided a detailed security briefing, covering local security manning, security procedures, workplace violence and security emergency procedures. He also talked about identity card issuance and administration, lost or misplaced ID cards, and tag management. “We encourage you to ask questions so that we give you a feedback before you go onto the field. Kindly ensure you do the right thing for your safety and also for others,” he advised. Safety Measures and Equipment Before exploring the premises, all media personnel were issued personal protective equipment, including reflective jackets, helmets, and safety glasses. This emphasis on safety measures demonstrated WAPCo’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its visitors. Security Policy Statement WAPCo’s security policy statement, displayed prominently in both English and French, emphasizes the company’s commitment to ensuring the protection of its personnel from harm and its assets from damage or loss. The statement also assures personnel and visitors of WAPCo’s determination to provide a workplace free of acts or threats of violence or harassment. Notably, WAPCo’s security policy statement expresses the company’s support for the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, recognizing the importance of promoting and protecting human rights.

A Commitment to Safety and Security In an interview, WAPCo’s Managing Director, Michelle Burkett, she emphasized that the safety and security of staff and visitors are the company’s top priorities. She expressed pride in WAPCo’s impressive safety record, stating that the company has not recorded any major incidents for over a decade which she considers a “tremendous accomplishment.” “If we cannot keep our people safe, our operations and right to operate in this environment will be challenged. You cannot operate a successful business without your people, and if you put them in harm’s way, the business won’t do well,” she said. She explained that by making safety their priority, the company demonstrates its unwavering commitment to responsible operations, employee well-being, and environmental stewardship. In a reaction to ensuring every visitor goes through a safety and security briefing, regardless of how little or much time they would spend with them, Ms. Burkett said they are poised to ensure an implementation of operational excellence in their management system. “We want every individual who sets foot on our site to understand the precautions we take are not just words we speak, but to protect them and the risks that could be present. We take safety seriously to ensure everyone is always equipped and motivated, so there is always an incident-free environment.” The Managing Director said their compliance with international best practices is also aimed at ensuring improved family well-being. She said the families of employees need to be assured that they are safe at work and will return home safely. The engagement with management and staff of the facility ended with journalists departing the facility safely and being transported back to their vantage locations. Indeed, any company that prioritizes the safety and security of its staff, the environment, the public, and the communities where they operate creates a lasting legacy and sense of security. Conclusion The WAPCo media engagement although primarily was not to showcase its safety and security measures, that came up strongly. Clearly, it was a testament to the company’s commitment to safety, security, and transparency. As a responsible corporate citizen, WAPCo’s dedication to prioritizing the well-being of its personnel, visitors, and the communities it serves is truly commendable and worth emulating by other corporate institutions. Another observation was their commitment to ensuring that they have a cordial relationship with the community in which they operate. WAPCo’s exemplary approach to safety and security serves as a model for other companies to follow. By prioritizing the welfare and safety of media personnel, WAPCo demonstrates its commitment to responsible operations and sets a high standard for industry excellence. As I conclude, I could only wish WAPCo continued success in its operations and commend them for their dedication to safety, security, and transparency. WAPCo, ayekoo! The writer Dzifa Tetteh Tay is a Freelance Journalist. [email protected] [email protected]