Energy Minister calls for collaboration

Minister for Energy & Petroleum, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has called for stronger collaboration among states along the Gulf of Guinea in order to successful monetize gas resources.

Speaking at the 16th Gulf of Guinea Gas Conference in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire recently, Mr Buah said even though the region has to cope with numerous challenges, natural gas resources could be exploited for maximum benefit if necessary investments are undertaken.

The minister led Ghana’s delegation, which included the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Marietta Brew Appiah Oppong and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini to the event. Hon. Buah said the Gulf of Guinea was undoubtedly emerging as an important place in the global economy with natural resources.

“We need to pool resources to ensure that we exploit this resource and add value for the benefit of our people,” he said, adding that the Gulf of Guinea must be a haven of stability in order to become a development zone.

Speakers at the conference underscored the need for synergy in oil and gas sector operations of the various countries. Adama Toungara, Ivorian Minister for Mines, Petroleum and Energy, who was host for the event, said the Gulf of Guinea represents a significant proportion of the world’s oil and gas potential.

He called for massive reduction in gas flaring and advocated intense efforts at collaboration to explore the region’s gas resources for maximum benefit.

Mr. Toungara urged governments to exchange ideas, share experiences and devise future strategies to increase the participation of indigenous players in gas activities and promote industrial and economic development.

The conference was attended by representatives from governments, national oil and gas companies and leading operators.