Dr Amin Adam (middle) in a pose with officials of Petroleum Commission, Civil Society members shortly after the launch
Government yesterday launched the Ghana Petroleum Register in Accra to make the award of all petroleum contracts in the country transparent henceforth.
The register, which comes in electronic form, is in accordance with Section 56 of the Petroleum Act (Act 2016) and contains information on petroleum agreements, licences, permits, authorizations and all the already signed 17 petroleum contracts.
It is also in fulfillment of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) 2016 pledge to improve transparency in the country’s upstream petroleum subsector to ensure maximum benefits for Ghanaians and also provide a source of monitoring petroleum activities in Ghana.
Deputy Minister of Energy in-charge of Petroleum, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, in a speech, indicated that “the people of Ghana will have full disclosure of petroleum agreements, permits, certificates, authorizations, approval and consents.”
According to him, the register, which is accessible at www.ghanapetroleumregister.com, will ensure efficient and effective utilization of Ghana’s petroleum resources.
“It will serve as a significant guide to investors and investors will get to know the state of exploration activities, petroleum blocks available, occupied and farm-in opportunities,” he added.
He was of the opinion that the creation of a transparent and predictable environment through fiscal and non-fiscal measures delivers massive economic benefits to drive Ghana’s upstream sector.
“In this regard, the vision of making Ghana a petroleum hub can be achieved within the shortest possible time. The implementation of this Petroleum Register is a critical landmark in our quest to achieve our vision.”
He entreated the Petroleum Commission to continually update the information in the Register for the benefit of all and sundry.
As an online portal aimed at making public accountability possible, Egbert Faibille Jnr, acting Chief Executive Officer of Petroleum Commission, said the register was broken down into contract areas, adding that the commission would be responsible for its daily update.
By Melvin Tarlue