President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, yesterday cut sod for the construction of a Forward Operating Base in Ezilinbo, in Jomoro, in the Western Region, to protect the country’s oil and gas infrastructure.
He revealed that the ceremony was in fulfilment of a pledge he made to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAE) at this year’s WASSA, on March 21, 2019.
According to President Akufo-Addo, considering the enormous potentials of the oil and gas sector, and the need to confront the general maritime security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea, Government, through the Ministry of Defence, initiated plans for the establishment of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) at selected locations along the country’s coast to augment existing naval port infrastructures.
“These locations include Keta in the Volta Region, Winneba and Elmina in the Central Region, and Ezinlibo in the Western Region. Today, I am delighted to be cutting the sod for the first of these bases here in Ezinlibo,” he said.
The infrastructure, whose construction is to be executed by Messrs Amandi and Vuluxx, will include a breakwater and a jetty with double lane tarred road, berthing facilities, and accommodation for 150 military personnel.
“As part of the project, Government has also contracted Hawkmoor Co. Ltd. to supply six (6) Phantom boats, and provide other equipment to enhance operational efficiency of the Base. When completed, the Base will serve as an advance military, operational location from where the security of our offshore oil fields, Tweneboa, Ntomme and Enyenra (TEN), Sankofa and Jubilee, can be co-ordinated and maintained,” the President added.
Congratulating the Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, for bringing this maritime security operational plan, which has been on the drawing board since Ghana commenced the exploration of oil and gas in commercial quantities, to reality, President Akufo-Addo stated that the benefits the benefits of the oil and gas industry to the nation’s economy and citizenry are evident for all to see.
The oil and gas sector, the President explained, has witnessed continuous growth, offering jobs and sustainable livelihoods for many Ghanaians.
With more offshore explorations and discoveries being made, and with the country’s daily production rate rising from 80,000 barrels to over 200,000 barrels per day and this is expected to double to some 400,000 in the next four years.
“It is evident that huge capital investments in this nascent offshore oil and gas industry come with attendant security challenges, and should, thus, be jealously protected,” President Akufo-Addo added.
Currently, piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea continue to pose significant threats to national and regional maritime activities, including the operations of the facilities of the offshore oil and gas sector.
“Aside these major threats, incidents of theft, including illegal oil bunkering, kidnapping at sea for ransom, illegal fishing, terrorism and drug trafficking, are common threats across our territorial waters. These transnational crimes do not only affect national and regional peace and stability, but also impose significant costs on our economy and those of our neighbours, he stated.
The President was grateful to Chiefs and people of Ezinlibo for giving their full support to the project, stressing that it holds good prospects for Ezinlibo and surrounding communities, and the oil and gas industry.
“I expect the project to be completed on time, and I urge the contractors and the consultant to ensure the construction is done in accordance with the designs of the project. The Ministry of Defence, the Ghana Armed Forces, and all implementing agencies must monitor and provide adequate supervision for the smooth completion of the project,” he added.
Mr Dominic Ntiwul, the Defense Minister praised the Akufo Addo led government for the massive investment in the Ghana Armed Forces to enhance operational efficiency.
He said the coming on board of the FOB would advance security and create a deterrent environment against crime.
The Defence Minister said resource allocation under the President was marvelous adding, re-tooling the GAF over the last three years has improved performance”.
Mr Kobby Okyere Darko-Mensah, the Western Region Minister said the Region would continue to be the chicken that laid the golden eggs for the prosperity of all.
He called on the contractors to advance local content in its real sense in order to enjoy maximum cooperation from the locals during the execution phase.
He said, “This is a great day in the life of Western Region with such an asset to protect both individuals and businesses”.
Awulae Annor Adjaye III, Paramount Chief of Western Nzema was grateful for the project and pleaded with the government to ensure judicious spending of oil revenues to improve upon the lives of Ghanaians.
The Paramount Chief asked the President to improve road networks in the municipality to facilitate the economic well-being of the people.
Source: Elvis DARKO, thefinderonline.com