ACEP refutes claims of targeting local businesses in oil and gas sector

The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) has issued a rebuttal to an article titled “The Endless Struggles of Ghanaian Business (Part 1)”, written by Paul Herzuah and published online on 20 January 2024.

The article accuses ACEP of deliberately undermining Ghanaian businesses, citing its stance on the protracted legal and regulatory disputes between Springfield E&P and ENI Ghana.

In its response, ACEP described the claims as misinformed and a deliberate attempt to tarnish its reputation. The organisation reaffirmed its openness to constructive criticism but expressed concern over what it views as an ignorant and unfair portrayal of its work in the oil and gas sector.

Herzuah’s article alleges that ACEP targeted Springfield E&P during the highly publicised unitisation dispute involving the Afina-1x and OCTP fields. According to the author, ACEP’s position on the matter reflects a bias toward foreign businesses, a claim the organisation dismissed as baseless.

ACEP clarified that its advocacy in the case was rooted in upholding due process and globally accepted industry standards. The organisation noted that contrary to the article’s assertions, the case ultimately reached the International Court of Arbitration, which ruled in July 2024 in favor of ENI.

The tribunal found that Ghana’s Ministry of Energy prematurely issued the unitisation directive without sufficient evidence to justify the move.

In its ruling, the tribunal highlighted key issues, including the lack of a statutory trigger for unitisation, the imposition of flawed unitisation terms, and an arbitrary determination of tract participation. ACEP stated that its consistent call for proper appraisal of Springfield’s Afina field before any unitisation was vindicated by the tribunal’s findings.

The energy policy think tank also rejected the notion that its insistence on procedural integrity undermines local businesses. “Promoting local businesses should not come at the expense of globally accepted standards, especially when Ghana aspires to be a preferred destination for investment,” ACEP emphasised.

The organisation detailed its efforts to support local participation in the oil and gas sector, citing publications and forums aimed at addressing structural and financial barriers faced by Ghanaian businesses. ACEP added that it remains committed to fostering transparency, accountability, and sustainable practices in the industry.

Touching on Springfield’s subsequent actions, ACEP revealed that the company’s re-entry exercise, submitted as an appraisal program in late 2024, has yet to produce a comprehensive report for review by the Petroleum Commission. ACEP criticised what it called institutional inefficiencies that undermine national interests in the oil and gas sector.

The rebuttal also highlighted alleged media campaigns aimed at discrediting ACEP and other organisations advocating for accountability. While acknowledging past instances of targeted attacks, ACEP warned that it would respond robustly to any deliberate misinformation campaigns.

ACEP concluded its statement by reiterating its dedication to Ghana’s energy sector, dismissing claims of bias, and urging stakeholders to prioritise professionalism and adherence to industry regulations.

Reporting by Philip Abutiate in Accra

Asaase Broadcasting Company airs on Asaase 99.5 Accra, Asaase 98.5 Kumasi, Asaase 99.7 Tamale, Asaase 100.3 Cape Coast, AsaasePa 107.3 (Accra).
Affiliates: Bawku FM 101.5, Bead FM 99.9 (Bimbilla), Mining City Radio 89.5 (Tarkwa), Nandom FM 101.9, Nyatefe Radio 94.5 (Dzodze), Sissala Radio 96.3 (Tumu), Somuaa FM 89.9 (Gushegu), Stone City 90.7 (Ho) and Wale FM 106.9 (Walewale).
Listen online: asaaseradio.com, Sound Garden and TuneIn.
Follow us:
X: @asaaseradio995, @Asaase985ksi, @Asaase997tamale, @asaase1003, asaasepa1073
Instagram: asaaseradio99.5, asaase985ksi, asaase100.3, asaase99.7tamale, asaasepa107.3
LinkedIn: company/asaaseradio995. TikTok: @asaaseradio99.5
Facebook: asaase99.5, asaase985ksi, Asaase100.3, asaase99.7, AsaasePa107.3.
YouTube: AsaaseRadioXtra.
Join the conversation. Accra: call 020 000 9951/054 888 8995, WhatsApp 020 000 0995. Kumasi: call 059 415 7985 or call/WhatsApp 020 631 5260. Tamale: call/WhatsApp/SMS 053 554 6468. Cape Coast: call/WhatsApp 059 388 2652.
#AsaaseRadio
#AsaasePa
#TheVoiceofOurLand

The post ACEP refutes claims of targeting local businesses in oil and gas sector appeared first on Asaase Radio.