March 11, 2016

But, Mr.Ampadu-Agyei puts it this way "We want to work in Ghana for decades, but I will say that our target for now is the next thirty years"

The management of Tullow oil gave the hint of their operations in the country when they paid a courtesy call on the Western Regional Minister Mr. Paul Evans Aidoo, in Takoradi.

They promised briefing the minister on their activities in the region and where they have reached so far as far as the exploration exercise is concerned.

Mr. Kofi Esson, the Government and External Affairs Officer of Tullow oil who led the company’s delegation to the Minister also explained their mission for the courtesy call.

He said it was primarily to brief the Minister about their activities. ‘For us to understand the security situation in the region, the socio cultural issues, it would be important to liaise with your office’ he noted.

Mr. Esson also stressed the need for a collaborative effort among the stakeholders particularly Tullow, to deepen their relationship with the Government of Ghana.

On his part, Mr. Aidoo commended the management of the company for recognizing his office as an important stakeholder in running their activities. He however warned them to desist from dealing with people who claim to be representing government.

As the Chairman of the Regional Security (RECSEC), he cautioned warned the company against any transaction with such people, else it could bring problem to the people of the region looking at what is happening in other oil countries in the sub region.

"The impression I get is that a lot of people who claim they are working for government deals with you directly, But, I am not saying you should not deal with them as partners, but you must be careful with the kind of people you deal with, because we all know what is happening in Nigeria and others places"

Continuing, the Minister added.

"If you start dealing directly with some of these people without our knowledge, it will come to some time you will need our assistance and if we say we are unaware of what is happening, then you can imagine what will happen, because that is when you will need the national security"

In response, Mr. Esson denied emphatically that Tullow has been dealing with people who claim to be working for the government "We are not dealing with people directly" he said. Another issue that was brought before the notice of the minister was a proposed stakeholder meeting with the company, the Regional office, the Fisher folk and all those who matter ion the oil business to possible try to address many of the issues concerning their operations.

Mr. Esson has meanwhile announced their effort to woo many other oil companies who are currently leaving Angola and Nigeria to come to Ghana, particularly to the western region where he said they believe there is relative peace among the people that would guarantee investors security to ply their trade.

Ghanadot