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The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, who represented President John Mahama during a strategic meeting with members of affected communities and the Coalition of Concerned Nzema Citizens (CCNC), has called for stronger collaboration between stakeholders in the petroleum hub to boost Ghana’s crude oil production in a crisis-free manner.
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Speaking to pressmen at the Jubilee House in Accra on March 18, 2025, the leader of the Coalition of Concerned Nzema People (CCNP), Mr. Isaac Kojo Ndede, acknowledged the recent progress in the petroleum sector under President Mahama’s administration, surpassing that of the previous government.
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According to Mr. Ndede, the President has officially received a petition from members of affected communities and the Coalition of Concerned Nzema Citizens. The Chief of Staff assured them that within three weeks, an official response addressing the matters raised in the petition would be provided.
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”The response from the Chief of Staff gives us hope that our petition will be considered for the benefit of the people of Western Nzema,” Mr. Ndede stated.
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Key Demands from Affected Communities
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On behalf of the affected communities, Mr. Ndede demanded:
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An immediate direct negotiation with the people.
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A 15% employment share for local residents.
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A generational land-use compensation equity share for the people.
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Call for Industry-Wide Cooperation
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During the press briefing, Mr. Ndede urged all industries operating in their communities, local leaders, community representatives, and security agencies to identify specific challenges affecting the petroleum hub and work together to implement inclusive and practical solutions.
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This call for cooperation aims to ensure that local communities benefit equitably from Ghana’s petroleum resources while fostering a harmonious and productive industry environment.
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By Frank Owusu Obimpeh
