PNC rolls out energy policy

A People's National Convention (PNC) led administration would adopt a mixed approach and strategy to build more hydro-electric dams to meet Ghana's energy requirements for industrialization and public consumption, according to the party's 2012 manifesto titled: "Service with honesty", obtained by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) indicates. It explained that a PNC government would exploit; the abundant wind along Ghana's coastal areas to generate more electricity, the sunshine in the country to generate additional electricity, and explore the possibility of using Ghana's nuclear reactor to generate further electricity. GNA scrutiny of the manifesto showed that the party believes putting these strategies together would propel Ghana to achieve self-sufficiency in energy production. The PNC said since no country could develop without regular and dependable sources of energy, whereas it also takes some time to tap these resources, a PNC administration would be swift in exploiting the non-renewable energy resources such as oil in a manner that would satisfy both investors and Ghanaians. It noted that Ghana was blessed with abundant natural resources in energy, including renewable types, meanwhile "The energy from the Volta Dam is already proving inadequate for our industrial and other requirements". The PNC added that it was aware the total power output from both Kpong and Akosombo Dams was insufficient for additionally projected exploitation of Iron ore deposits near Oppong-Manso, the Bauxite project at Kibi and Nyinahin and several others. Proponents of the manifesto opined Ghana was gradually becoming a major exporter of energy to its neighbours, and that called for constant exploration for additional sources of energy. PNC is of the view that given the available sophisticated transmission technology, the present energy situation in the country made building of more dam projects more urgent than ever before. A PNC administration would therefore re-enter into negotiations with appropriate foreign investors, for the development of mini-hydro projects on some of the smaller rivers such as the Ankobra, Pra, Oti, and Tano, it declared. GNA analysis discovers the party has pledged to vigorously pursue Oil and gas exploration under such terms that derived maximum benefit for the ordinary people. The party has indicated that with more oil and gas reserves discoveries in the country, PNC would give greater attention to unexplored inland basin, where the cost of exploration would not be as capital-intensive as offshore types. "A PNC led government would vigorously promote the use of natural gas for the thermal generation of electric power and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for household to save trees from being turned into charcoal and firewood," the PNC stated. This according to the party would also serve as an alternative auto fuel, since it will be cheaper than petrol and gasoline, as well as being environmentally friendly by emitting less greenhouse gases. The PNC is convinced that along with the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) coming on stream and the already known abundant deposits of gas in Ghana, wider use of gas would stimulate both local and foreign investment in the gas industry. The PNC indicated that in its previous manifestos, it promised to establish a National Petroleum Commission as the umbrella for effective operation of all the various government and parastatal agencies engaged in the petroleum industry. "It is gratifying to note that our nation now has a Petroleum Commission with the responsibility to supervise prospecting for crude oil, exploitation, refining and distribution of oil products". However, a PNC administration would critically examine the operations of this body, so as to remove bottlenecks and related inefficiencies that had recently been alleged to be detrimental to its operations. A PNC government would expand and modify the existing plant capacity of our refinery in Tema so as to enable it refine a much wider spectrum of grades of crude oil and also use more advanced technologies for deriving other products of crude oil such as hydro solvents, paraffin wax, lubricating oils and bitumen. The PNC assured Ghanaians that if voted into power it would lay firm foundations for a viable petrochemical industry to serve the needs of the Ghanaian population and sister countries in Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The party said in its medium and long-term policies, it would actively explore the use of non-conventional sources of renewable energy such as those of solar, nuclear and thermal sources. Drawing on experiences from Eastern and Southern Africa where solar energy is contributing immensely to rural life, GNA has established that a PNC administration would continue the rural electrification program and where practical economics dictates, solar energy would be used for isolated or target spots and localities that are distant from power lines, the party envisioned. GNA findings on the manifesto also revealed a PNC administration intends to partner the private sector to encourage large-scale developments of other renewable natural fuels in the areas of: "The production of diesel from the phyxic nut (Jatropha) that a highly enterprising Ghanaian scientist has been able to develop-for all practical purposes this product has a limitless market at home and abroad. "Tree planting for providing firewood and charcoal-these elements shall play a vital role in our projected iron and steel industry", "The manufacture of charcoal briquettes from saw dust and wood waste. "The production of biogas from animal droppings and sewage for household fuel". GNA has also established that PNC plans to revive the sugar industry in some parts of the country to use the byproduct, sugarcane biogases, for generating electricity. The areas under consideration are Asutsuare Komenda and new sites such as Fumbisi in Upper East region, Katanga (between Kpembi and Kpandai) and other suitable locations in the nation. Meanwhile, a National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) survey on "Election 2012: matters of concern to the Ghanaian voter", reveals that 489 responses received, the highest proportion of 289 (59.1 per cent) responses said power outages should stop. The nationwide survey ranked energy as the eleven out 14 matters of concern to the electorates in Election 2012. A copy of the survey report, made available to the GNA, indicate that Ghanaians abhor the frequent power outrages, which they said was destroying electrical gadgets and also rendering some newly established industries dormant. They also wanted the government to extend electricity to the rural area, whilst another 143 (29.3 per cent) responses wanted government to have more subsidies on energy, other responses 27 (5.5 per cent) said that there should be uninterrupted gas supply for Ghanaians. According to the NCCE survey, 17 (3.5 per cent) respondents agreed that oil and gas proceeds should be used to finance the economy, but, 11(2.2 per cent) wanted government to create jobs in the oil and gas sector for the youth. Respondents mentioned that the rate at which expatriates were infiltrating the oil industry to compete with Ghanaians for jobs was quite alarming. The survey said an insignificant number of respondents, 2 (0.4 per cent), said the youth should be trained to take up jobs in the oil and gas sector.
GNA