News

Friday, March 11, 2016

Complete comprehensive policy framework before production of oil in 2010 - CSOs tell gov’t
By Masahudu Ankiilu Kunateh, Ghanadot

Accra, Nov 30, Ghanadot - Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Ghana have passionately called on the government as a matter of urgency to complete the comprehensive policy framework that would guide the development of the necessary legal and institutional frameworks for the effective management of the emerging oil and gas industry before the first production of oil in 2010.

In a communiqué issued at the just ended two day Research and Advocacy Organisations Annual Convention on oil and gas in Accra, they stressed to government to ensure that accountability and transparency must be the key elements of the institutional framework.

Furthermore, to ensure the development of strategies that prioritize the key issues for their short, medium and long term goals and objectives and to provide a clear time table by the end of this year.

The CSOs urged the government to put in place equitable social protection policies and measures aimed at addressing the probable social dislocations and related problems, such as the livelihood of fish folks, and the negative environmental impact that may arise during the exploration of oil and gas resources in the country.

The government must develop a legal and financial framework to empower and support indigenous local business for effective local participation in the oil and gas industry.

For instance, setting up an empowerment fund and working with the banking sector to provide the requisite capital for local businesses, they indicated.

The CSOs audaciously told the government to take urgent steps to secure and enhance the necessary human, technical and logistical resources and capacities in readiness for effective governance of the oil and gas industry.

According to them, to ensure that gender is mainstreamed into all policies, strategies and programmes related to the emerging oil and gas industry.

To the private sector, the CSOs appealed to them to actively engage the government in the development of the local content policy and relevant policies and laws.

The private sector must also pull resources together in order to put itself in readiness to take advantage of opportunities in the emerging sector.

For CSOs, they encouraged them to build a strong and united front to demand accountability and ensure transparency from the government, state institutions, parliament and the oil companies for effective governance of the ‘black gold’ industry.

“We are calling on our colleague civil society organizations to build our capacities for effective engagement with the state, its agencies and parliament and for monitoring and tracking of the oil industry”, they added.

Mrs. Angela Dwumena Aboagye, the Executive Director of Ark Foundation also appealed to the media to actively step up their watchdog role to ensure accountability and transparency of state institutions, oil companies and civil society in the governance of the oil industry.

She urged the media to extend its watchdog role to ensure the promotion of the human rights of citizens in the oil producing communities.

Ghanadot