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The 2nd edition of the annual stakeholders meeting with the Western Regional house of Chiefs was held in the western region during the festive season.

The two days event was under the theme “Development in the petroleum sector – The role of our traditional leaders”. The event was tailored to inform chiefs and traditional rulers about the current happenings in the industry, and also address their concerns.

Speaking at the meeting, Petroleum Minister and Member of Parliament for Ellembele Constituency, Hon Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah assured the Chiefs that Government is working assiduously to ensure Ghana’s oil and gas becomes a blessing and not a curse. Hon Buah also used the opportunity to highlight key achievements in the petroleum sector. He also used the occasion to update them on progress made in the implementation of programs and projects in the petroleum sector such as the US$7 billion OCTP Sankofa Gas project which will usher in Ghana’s 3rd FPSO and how Government is eradicating the use of solid fuel through the Rural LPG Distribution Programme.

Chief Executive Officer of Petroleum Commission, Mr Theophilus Ahwireng spoke on specific happenings in the industry especially the steps Petroleum Commission is taking to build Ghanaian capacity and local content.

Other discussions included the Atuabo Free Port and gas flaring. The Free Port is an outstanding infrastructure, strategically located within the Gulf of Guinea and in the heart of Ghana's oil and gas enclave. It will provide 18.5m deep channel and three quays of varying depths from 16.5m, 12m and 9m, clear activity zones including Offshore Logistics, Subsea Fabrication, Rig and Vessel Repair, Business Technology Park and General Business Support Infrastructure.

Hon Buah ended the event by assuring the Chiefs that, Government will continue to involve them in all decisions regarding the sector.

Other key attendees included personnel from Ministry of Petroleum, ENI, GNPC, Tullow Oil and Petroleum Commission.