Wissam Al Monthiry
TULLOW GHANA says it has taken note of publications by a number of Ghanaian media outlets regarding a writ of summons issued against it by the Ghana Oil and Gas Service Providers Association (GOGSPA).
The company confirmed it has entered conditional appearance to the writ of summons by GOGSPA.
“The matter is now before the High Court, Accra and has been adjourned to 10th October, 2022 for the hearing of an application for interlocutory injunction filed by GOGSPA.
“Tullow Ghana assures all stakeholders of its commitment to indigenous Ghanaian participation in contracts awarded. From inception of its operations, Tullow Ghana always recognised the need to support and build local expertise and has undertaken several skills development programmes to support the growth of local participation and pursued targeted Supplier Development Initiatives aimed at enabling participation in the oil and gas industry in Ghana,” a statement issued by the company recently said.
It mentioned that as a result of these interventions, over 4,500 local entities have been impacted and benefited from various development initiatives and training programmes.
“From 2010 to date, Tullow Ghana has awarded over 4,000 contracts to indigenous companies, in addition to almost 3,000 contracts awarded to joint venture companies which includes indigenous participation. Out of the total contracts awarded valued at $16.83 billion between 2010 and 2021, $11.24 billion worth of those contracts were awarded with local Ghanaian participation.
“Over the years, Tullow Ghana has been consistent in steadily increasing contracts awarded to indigenous companies and has no desire to replace indigenous Ghanaian companies with foreign companies. On the contrary, between 2014 to 2021 when LI 2204 was passed, Tullow Ghana tripled its indigenous contract award spend to up to $1.47 billion compared to $500 million in 2014,” it intimated.
Tullow Ghana has assured all stakeholders of its commitment to work with and develop the capacity of local Ghanaians to participate in the oil and gas industry, consistent with our contractual obligations and applicable law.
“Tullow Ghana does not intend to prejudice the ongoing legal proceedings and therefore no further statements will be issued at this time.”