News

The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible asset management, regulatory compliance, and sustained community engagement following a high-level meeting with traditional authorities of the Nkusukum Traditional Area.

The engagement, held at Petroleum House, brought together GNPC Management and the Paramount Chief of the Nkusukum Traditional Area, Nana Okese Asandoh IX, to discuss the status of the Saltpond Decommissioning Project and prospective upstream petroleum activities within the area.

The Paramount Chief was accompanied by Nana Kwame Ntsiful, Chief of Ankaful and Nifahene of the Traditional Area, and Nana Kwao Buko V, Chief of Biriwa and Ankobeahene of the Traditional Area.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of GNPC Management, the Deputy Chief Executive for Exploration and Production, Mr Michael Aryeetey, emphasised the Corporation’s longstanding commitment to maintaining open and continuous dialogue with host communities as a cornerstone of responsible petroleum operations.

Discussions centred on the ongoing decommissioning activities at Saltpond. The Paramount Chief conveyed concerns from local fisherfolk regarding project timelines and restricted access to certain areas of the facility due to safety protocols.

Management clarified that the project remains active and has not been abandoned. Current delays, Mr Aryeetey explained, are attributable to contractual processes and cost-related verifications, including mandatory third-party technical assessments required to ensure full regulatory compliance and operational safety before the next phase of works can proceed.

“Decommissioning is a complex and highly regulated technical process,” Mr Aryeetey noted. “Our responsibility is to ensure it is executed safely, in strict adherence to environmental and regulatory standards, and in a manner that safeguards both the marine ecosystem and the long-term interests of surrounding communities. The project remains a priority for GNPC.”

Management further reaffirmed that all activities are being undertaken in line with national regulatory requirements and international best practices. Upon completion, technical evaluations will determine environmentally sustainable post-decommissioning options, including potential marine enhancement opportunities.

Management also confirmed that its Social Performance team will engage directly with fisherfolk and community leaders through structured forums to provide regular updates and address emerging concerns.

Beyond the decommissioning programme, Management briefed the traditional leaders on planned seismic acquisition activities within the broader operational area, forming part of GNPC’s upstream exploration and development strategy. These activities may subsequently progress to drilling and production, subject to regulatory approvals and technical outcomes.

The engagement highlighted the importance of collaboration between GNPC and traditional authorities in facilitating safe, lawful, and environmentally responsible petroleum operations. The Chiefs expressed their support for GNPC’s initiatives and reiterated their commitment to peaceful cooperation within their jurisdiction.

The delegation also presented community development requests, including support for the construction of a Traditional Council Office and transport assistance under GNPC’s Corporate Social Investment framework.

Management acknowledged the requests and reasserted the Corporation’s commitment to structured community development initiatives aligned with its Corporate Social Investment policies, operational priorities, and long-term sustainability objectives.

Also present at the meeting were the Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Eric Pwadura; the Director of Projects, Dr Albert London-Nyewan; the Manager for Social Performance, Ms Patience Lartey; the Deputy Manager for Social Performance, Mr Osei Afriyie; the Manager for Wells Engineering, Mr Dominic Ponu; and the Manager for Corporate Communications, Mr Famous Kofi Ayivor.