MPs want location of oilfields defined of oilfields defined

Page13, Dec 13, 2007
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah

THE three Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Nzema area have suggested that the location of the recently discovered oilfields be defined within the geographical context to avoid future misunderstanding and conflict.
The MPs are Mr Freddie Blay, Ellembelle; Mr Kojo Armah, Evalue Gwira; and Mr Lee Ocran, Jomoro.
A statement signed and issued by the three MPs in Accra last Monday said it was reported recently that oil in commercial quantities had been found at Cape Three Points and the Deep Water Tano Basin by the Cosmos Energy and the Tullow Oil respectively.
It said what the announcement failed to mention was that the oil-find was in the Tano Basin, located in the territorial waters of the Nzema area.
It explained that the Tano Basin is divided into three geological blocks, namely, the Shallow Water Tano, Deep Water Tano and West Cape Three Points, all located in the Nzema area.
The statement added that the Tano Basin is 65 kilometres off Half Assini, about 80 kilometres off Axim and over 100 kilometres south-westward of Cape Three Points.
It further explained that taking co-ordinates into the sea, there is no doubt that the oilfields are closer to Half Assini, Beyin, Esiama and Axim, and farther away from Cape Three Points.
“While we recognise that Cape Three Points is also in the Western Region, we believe it would be better appreciated if the location of the Oil Find could be properly defined within the geographical context to avoid future misunderstanding and conflict”, the statement added.