Tema, Aug. 31, — A delegation of members of the Ahanta West District Assembly has called on Mr Tsatsu Tsikata, Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), to discuss issues concerning the corporation’s operations in their area. Lieutenant-Colonel Ekow Jones, District Chief Executive, and Mr Samuel K. Kwofie, Member of Parliament for the area, who led the delegation said they wanted to find out about how GNPC’s operations will affect the economic activities of fishermen in the area as well as issues on the environment. Mr Tsikata said GNPC appreciates the sacrifices that people in the area, especially the fishermen, have been making towards the success of oil exploration, adding “we are happy with the good collaboration between GNPC and the assembly, especially the fishing community”. He said a number of field operations has been undertaken, followed by a survey, to determine where the jack-up drilling rig for the exploration will be located. By the third week of September, the Hunt Oil Company, which is undertaking the exploration will put the rig in location, he added. Mr Tsikata said it costs between six and eight million dollars to drill one well and that there is scientific evidence that justifies the venture. That is why, “we are pleading that there should not be any impediment from the side of the fishermen when the company begins its operations”. Mr Tsikata said GNPC is concerned about the activities of fishermen in the drilling area and promised to pay a visit there to explain the project to the people. “We are learning from other people’s experiences. That is why we are attaching importance to the involvement of the communities …”
