The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) is in the Central Region, seeking the support of influencers to avert impending danger around the Saltpond Oil Fields decommissioning area.
The involvement, led by the Division of Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations (SSR), became necessary because some fishermen openly defied safety precautions and directives from the Navy and GNPC not to fish in the 500-meter Exclusive Zone of the project area.
Fishing activities are expected to undermine the safety and security of the area as it has caused disruption in the execution of the project.
Deputy Manager, Social Performance and Local Content, Ms Patience Lartey, in all engagements, has expressed the importance of respecting the exclusive zone directives by all fishermen.
In the latest meeting with fishing chiefs, political chiefs and opinion leaders in the area, he stressed that fishermen are at risk of losing their lives and property due to their activities.
“We don’t want fishermen to disturb the area because the project we are doing in the area is dangerous. Engines are being used in the area and it is not safe for about 10 fishermen in a canoe to walk under the engine. If any metal gets stuck in the canoe, the boat will capsize and people will die.
Ms Patience Lartey also mentioned that the gas component of the explored oil could have long-term effects on the health of the fishermen who attack the area but without protection.
“All the rig pillars you see deep in the bed are wells. It looks like there is no more oil exploration from that area, but that doesn’t mean the oil there has run out.
“From time to time the operation requires opening the oil cap. The oil has a gaseous component called hydrocarbons that can escape when the cap is opened. So if you invade the area and inhale this gas, you don’t know what the long-term effects will be,” he said in a statement. be careful with your stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive of Mfantseman Municipality, Ike Lord Ennu, said his assembly is also not happy with the development and thus called on his fellow assemblymen to ensure that the menace is contained.
Source: Peacefmonline.com
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