NGOs hold workshop to build capacities of local communities in oil and gas

Friends of the Nation (FoN) and OXFAM,  both non-governmental organizations (NGOs),  on Wednesday organized a “Policy Dialogue on Oil and Gas Development” at Half Assini.

It was on the theme: “Strengthening Participation, Transparency and Accountability for Effective Oil and Gas Governance”.

The programme was attended by 55 assembly members from the Jomoro and Ellembelle Districts Assemblies and traditional authorities, including Awulae Annor Adjaye 111, Omanhene of Western Nzema Traditional Area.

Speaking at the function, Mr. Solomon Kusi Ampofo, Oil and Gas Coordinator of FoN, said the dialogue was to build the capacity of people in the six oil districts in the Western Region.

He said this would enable the people to effectively engage authorities on issues arising from oil and gas exploration.

Mr Ampofo said similar programmes would be held at Axim, Sekondi-Takoradi, Agona-Nkwanta and Shama.

Flying Officer Kwamena Halm of the Ghana Airforce, who spoke on “Aerial Surveillance in the Oil and Gas Monitoring”, said the Airforce was helping the Ghana Navy to monitor the oil and gas industry.

He said the Government had provided the Ghana Airforce with three light aircraft and two cameras for aerial surveillance of the country’s oil and gas industry.

Flying Officer Halm said: “Although aerial surveillance is flexible, it has endurance cost and weather as its challenges”.

Flying Officer Halm commended the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its work in the oil and gas industry and said efforts were being made to incorporate the Ghana Navy, Fisheries Commission and the EPA in surveillance.

Source: GNA