Govt will take precautionary measures in oil exploitation

Accra, Dec. 14, GNA - Vice President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday reassured Ghanaians that government would implement all necessary precautionary measures that would help avoid the mistakes of other oil rich countries.

"We started learning from other countries that had over the years exploited oil and I can assure you that they have been very generous in sharing their experiences in order that we do not suffer the fate they went through."

Vice President Mahama gave this assurance when the leadership of Tullow Oil paid him a visit at the Castle, Osu, as an ice-breaker before the first flow of oil tomorrow, December 15, 2010.

Years after the discovery of oil in the country, there had been mixed feelings on the exploration, exploitation and management of the commodity, drawing the find into all sorts of socio-economic and political debates and controversies.

The Vice President commended Tullow Oil International for their successful management of the resource in other countries, particularly in the third world, where their expertise had gained international commendations. "Your performance in other countries has been commendable and we are very sure that you will repeat such performances in this country as we begin work on the Jubilee Oil field tomorrow." He said government would continue to play its role to ensure that the oil discovery becomes a blessing for every Ghanaian. Mr. Aidan Heowey, Chief Executive Officer of Tullow International, expressed the company's happiness to partner Ghana in oil exploitation and gave the assurance that everything would be done to achieve positive results in the partnership. 14 Dec. 10