By Kizito CUDJOE
The Petroleum Commission (PC) has unveiled a 13-member Conflict Prevention and Resolution Committee aimed at promoting harmony and equitable practices within the upstream petroleum sector.
The move, according to the Commission, which regulates, manages and coordinates upstream petroleum activities, aims to address and resolve disputes that have arisen between fishermen and security personnel operating at sea.
The decision to establish the Committee follows a series of allegations and documented incidents of altercations between fishermen and security services within the country’s maritime territories, said Egbert Faibille Jnr., Chief Executive Officer of PC.
While some conflicts have been peacefully resolved, he noted that others remain under investigation by the Commission and relevant security agencies.
He noted the inevitability of disputes in complex environments such as the petroleum industry, where diverse interests intersect. “They can arise due to differing perspectives, miscommunication, or simply conflicting interests. However, how we manage these disputes ultimately impacts our collective success,” he stated.
The Conflict Resolution Committee therefore demonstrates the Commission’s commitment to fostering collaboration, respect and fairness within the industry, he said.
By providing a structured and impartial mechanism for dispute resolution, Mr. Faibille said the Commission aims to prevent conflicts from escalating and negatively impacting the sector’s collective success, adding: “By doing so, we are not just addressing individual grievances; we are equally safeguarding our integrity and enhancing trust among all stakeholders in the industry”.
The committee, which is headed by a member of the Commission, comprises representatives from various stakeholders, including security agencies, industry players and stakeholders and community leaders.
It includes representatives of the Ghana Navy, Ghana National Fishermen and Canoe Council, Ghana Maritime Authority and the Marine Police. The rest are Pecan Energies, Fisheries Commission, Tullow Ghana Limited and ENI Ghana Exploration and Production Limited,
Its mandate includes mediating conflicts, facilitating dialogue between parties and recommending proactive measures to prevent future disputes.
The Commission’s CEO behalf the members to be guided by impartiality. “Your role is not to impose judgments but to facilitate constructive dialogue, explore mutually acceptable solutions and restore relationships wherever possible”.
The Director of Local Content at the Commission, Kwaku Boateng, who chairs the committee, in his acceptance remarks, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
“The call to duty has come at an appropriate time given the unique challenges facing the petroleum industry, especially in the era of energy transition. This gathering signifies a significant moment in our journey as we strive to tackle the challenges before us and we are optimistic that through effective collaboration, we will navigate through them,” he said.
He pledged the committee’s readiness to establish procedures and systems for promptly resolving conflicts related to trespassing.
Additionally, the committee aims to foster cooperation and communication between parties involved in incursion management, with the ultimate goal of establishing a harmonious workspace for the upstream petroleum industry.
