Fishermen, the oil and gas industries agree on a framework on safety practices

Fishermen, the oil and gas industries agree on a framework on safety practices

Canoe fishermen and upstream oil and gas industry stakeholders have agreed to adopt a framework for safe access to the sea (SSAF) in their respective activities in strict compliance with safety rules and good practices. to increase productivity.

Another element of the framework is the support of oil companies for the modernization of small-scale fishing and awareness programs to illegal fishing practices, the realization of strategic social investments to manage expectations, to ensure ethical use of marine resources and provide a regulatory provision to extend the safety zone for more fishermen. ships.

Until now, artisbad fishermen have followed the light emitted by floating, production, storage and unloading (FPSO) vessels to fish. This practice, close to high-seas oil rigs, posed a threat to multi-million dollar investments.

This was announced at the second national multi-stakeholder SSAF workshop in Takoradi yesterday.

Importance

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The Director of Local Content at the Petroleum Commission (CP), Mr. Kwaku Boateng, said that prior to the discovery of oil and gas, the country's maritime area was used for transportation, fishing , research, among others.

He noted, however, that these activities resulted in an annual increase in canoe incursion rates in the oil fields, putting the lives of fishermen and oil facilities at risk.

"So we took the initiative to develop a framework through broad consultations and the views of all stakeholders.

"Last year, there was a meeting at which all participants made contributions that were incorporated into the final project," he added.

In addition to the framework, said Mr Boateng, other safety programs have been set up to help manage upstream oil block operations and other players in the country's marine industry.

He mentioned that the PC, the Ministry of Fisheries, the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other regulatory bodies were contributing to the development of SSAF.

advice

The project consultant, Dr. Yaw Amoyaw-Osei of the Environmental and Health Research and Training Center, advised oil companies in the region to provide resources for the effective management of the framework by a consortium.

He urged them to create a forum for regular interactions with residents and to conduct community needs badessments in affected districts.