Strike in Nigeria could affect oil flow in Ghana

The Accra Mail says even as Ghanaians continue to be assailed by stories of alleged "malfeasance" in connection with a contract signed early this year between Ghana and Nigeria, an even bigger force could sweep the inquisitors and their victims aside and bring the Tema Oil Refinery to its knees within the next couple of weeks.

According to the paper, international oil sources indicate that what in every standard contract is called "force majeur" has come into play because workers of NNPC have carried out a strike threat and downed their tools.

As at the time of going to press, loading of crude oil had come to a standstill at many of the loading bays. The most affected is Bonny Light, which the Tema Oil Refinery is most comfortable with. Ghana and other clients of NNPC have therefore been compelled to start scrounging around for substitutes. The other alternative, Brass River is suitable for TOR but the time element has become critical.

Frantic officials are working round the clock to resolve the impasse in Nigeria and also patch up emergency arrangements that would ensure that TOR does not dry up completely.