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Public hearing on
jubilee oil fields held at Sekondi
Sekondi, Nov 17, Ghanadot/GNA - Dr Edward Omane-Boamah, the
Deputy Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, has
appealed to the people especially the youth in the Western
Region to acquire specialized skills relevant to the oil
industry.
"It is only specialized training that will enable you get
employment in the oil industry," he said and added his Ministry
was putting in place training programmes on the oil industry for
the youth.
Dr Omane-Boamah was speaking at a public hearing on phase one
development of the jubilee oil fields organised by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
He said adequate environmental safeguards should be designed to
protect the country's environment and natural resources when
drilling for oil begins.
The hearing, according to Dr Omane-Boamah, was to ensure that
the chiefs and people are extensively consulted and their
concerns fully captured and addressed so that the project would
be implemented in an environmentally sound and socially
acceptable manner.
Dr Omane-Boamah advised Tullow Oil Company against adversely
affecting the livelihood of the people in its catchments area
through its operations.
He said despite its abundant natural resources, the region
lagged behind in development and expressed the hope that the
discovery of oil would redress some of the developmental
challenges in the area.
Dr Omane-Boamah appealed to the company to ensure transparency
in their dealings and observe the human rights of people who
would be engaged.
Awulae Annor Adjaye 111, the Omanhene of Western Nzema
Traditional Area, expressed concern about how hazardous waste
from oil operations would be properly disposed because of the
environmental problems of some oil producing countries.
The chiefs also expressed concern about the influx of foreigners
into the country as a result of the oil find and food security.
"Security of the country, truancy of school children and the
payment of royalties to landowners by oil companies would be
among the emerging problems that the region is likely to face
when oil drilling begins."
Mr Kofi Essoun, Country and International Relations Manager of
Tullow Oil Cmpany, said the company had developed a long-term
waste management strategy to ensure safe and proper disposal of
its waste.
He said the company would observe international standards and
local laws in its operation and make health and safety a top
priority.
Mr Essoun spoke of the company's waste management plan,
emergency response, oil spill contingency, transport management,
waste water and ballast water management and preventive
maintenance, testing and inspection among others.
He said the company and its partners would continue to work with
government and communities concerned to help ensure that the
discovery of oil and gas could be managed well and sustained for
the benefit of all Ghanaians.
GNA |
