TIME WITH DAVID OIL & GAS SERIES
Background:
News of Ghana’s emerging oil and gas industry has been received with a mixture of excitement and trepidation given the image of the industry. The air of uncertainty is compounded by the lack of information and knowledge on the oil and gas industry. Oil exploration activity is perceived as harmful to the environment, without benefit to host communities and a source of civil conflict.
Through this series which initially focuses on the upstream sector, we seek to encourage an informed debate on the emerging industry and encourage transparency. The discovery of oil need not be a curse.
The Series:
WEEK 1 – 5: GOVERNMENT POSITIONS
Ministry of Energy/Ghana National Petroleum Company
We will examine the preparedness of government for the emerging industry. What plans are there to develop Ghana’s Jubilee offshore oil and gas deposits and how important will the gas deposits be to Ghana’s future energy mix? What kind of production deal has Ghana struck with the exploration companies? What kind of revenue stream does the government of Ghana expect from oil and how does it compare to its main exports of cocoa and gold? How does the Jubilee production rate compare to Nigeria and Angola, for example? What plans are there for the oil revenue? How do Ghanaians guarantee accountable management of this resource? How important is the gas and can Ghana finally be assured of a regular and constant supply of energy? The gold industry yielded relatively little in government revenues and local development and engendered increased conflict between companies and the local community. Will the oil industry be any different?
WEEK 6– 10: PRIVATE SECTOR POSITIONS & INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES
Baker Hughes /Tullow Oil/Ocean Rig/Afren Energy/Diplomatic Corps
We want to bring the industry to life; we want to draw out some of the leading agents, profile their companies and profile the individuals as well. Why Africa? Where else are they active? What motivates them? What has their track record been in other parts of the world? What are their concerns about doing business in Africa? How does Ghana compare? How committed are they to the partnership with Ghana in the development of the country’s offshore oil deposits?How were they able to find oil in such large quantities when much bigger companies have been searching for decades unsuccessfully?
We also want to discuss some operational issues. How is the oil and gas extracted? How far deep are these resources? What kinds of skills are required in the industry?
We also want to examine the key support services that make drilling and extraction possible as well as the full range of service opportunities. What is the impact of the offshore production on supply chain operations? What opportunities exist for business in the service area? What are some of the current challenges companies in this area face? What plans are there for the transfer of skills? Is training of Ghanaians on the table?
WEEK 11 – 13: COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVES
Representative of Chiefs/Representative of Youth in coastal communities
What are the views of the Chiefs and people in the local community about the oil find? How do the Chiefs, youth and fishermen in the Western Region of Ghana expect to be impacted by the industry? What kind of a relationship do they see developing with the oil companies? Are they ready to benefit from the industry?
Something to Say?
We would love to hear your comments, concerns, questions or suggestions.
Please email us at: mytimewithdavid@timewithdavid.tv
