Ghana commits to assist in development of oil and gas sector

─ Ghanaian President urges formation of strategic relations to this end 

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, June 12, 2019

The Republic of Ghana has committed to the development of Guyana’s oil and gas sector. This was among several areas highlighted in the bilateral agreement, signed between the two nations on Tuesday.

Ghana has been producing oil commercially since 2010, and given its experience, it can help ensure that Guyana’s emerging sector is managed effectively. The West African nation’s oil production is set to substantially increase as it made a new discovery of large oil deposits in the Western Region. The country currently produces 200,000 barrels of oil per day and the new oilfield would add another 200,000 barrels daily by 2021.

During his state visit, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo urged that strategic relations are formed to this end.

“We should explore promptly the possibility of establishing a joint vehicle to assist in the effective management of oil and gas. With our experiences, I believe Ghana is well-equipped to share the ‘do’s and don’ts’ and make available free quality technical assistance to you,” he stated.

Director-General (DG) of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon told the media moments after the signing, that Ghana made “a very clear offer” to assist Guyana with technical cooperation and the personnel to develop the oil and gas sector.

Harmon explained “what they did was to commit to paying salaries and transportation to get them [skilled personnel] here and what we will need to do is find accommodation for them… I think this was a very clear commitment of the part of the Ghanaians to the development of our oil and gas sector.”

He added that focus was also placed on the capacity of the Department of Energy and the ultimate establishment of a Ministry of Energy.

Image: Keno George