The African Center for Energy Policy (ACEP) has expressed worry about President John Dramani Mahama’s recent statement on the maritime border dispute between neighbours Ghana and La Cote d’Ivoire.

At the turning of the valve to usher in the commercial production of oil from the TEN Fields last Friday, President Mahama acknowledged the effect the dispute at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea had on the commencement of production.

ACEP in a statement welcoming Ghana’s new oil field at Tweneboa, Enyenra and Ntome (TEN) said the two governments should cooperate more on matters relating to harnessing their natural resources to address underdevelopment in their respective countries.

“Therefore, whilst we wait for the final ruling on the boundary dispute, we encourage the two countries to increase dialogue on the matter to ensure that the citizens of the two countries do not suffer any potential insecurity that could arise from the ruling.”

On the expectations of Ghanaians as regards proceeds from the oil find, ACEP called for moderation on the part of citizens but insisted that “moderating expectations should not be an excuse for the poor management of the limited oil and gas resources”.

“We, therefore, encourage Ghanaians to translate their high expectations into perpetual vigilance on the authorities for the transparent and accountable management of the resources.”

The Center welcomed the commercial production of oilf from the TEN Fields, saying it will aid in the transformation of the Ghanaian economy.

Source: 3news.com|Ghana

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