Western Regional Minister, Mr. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, has called on the Jubilee Partners (Tullow /ENI) to as a matter of urgency implement the proposals in the spatial plan for the six coastal districts to ensure growth and development.

The idea of spatial planning for the affected districts where the oil and gas operations have bearing was strengthened in 2013 when Mr. Paul Victor Obeng, the then Senior Presidential Advisor underscored the need for effective spatial planning for the six coastal districts along the Jubilee Oil Field in the Region.

The spatial plan was to address the fast destruction of the environment and natural resources to ensure proper management and coastal governance.

The oil industry had brought in its wake socio-economic challenges to the six coastal districts that called for immediate attention.

The districts are Ahanta West, Shama, Nzema East/West, Jomoro, Elembelle and Sekondi-Takoradi.

Speaking at the meetings, Mr. Darko-Mensah said the 2019 engagement organised by Tullow and the Jubilee Partners for planners, assembly members and DCEs within the six affected districts said, "it's about time to speed up on the provision of tangible results, let implement the findings in the spatial plan to avoid wastage of monies spent on developing the plan in the first place".

The engagement by the Jubilee Partners has become an annual ritual to inform stakeholders about their state of operations and what must be anticipated in the coming year.

The Regional Minister also urged the companies to do business with local enterprises within the Region to strengthen and give real credence to local content adding,”We indeed need to change the way we do things for better results, We have to change the paradigm".

Mr. David Yanteh, the Takoradi Area Manager for Tullow noted that it was a requirement under the public Consultation and Disclosure Plan to ensure that stakeholders were in the known of their operations and any emerging impacts.

Mr. Fifi Enchill, In-charge of Social Performance of Tullow said the engagement offered the Partners and stakeholders opportunity to measure progress, chart a common course for growth and development.

He mentioned that the Partners have done lots in terms of Corporate Social Investment adding, “we are now focusing on legacy and sustainable projects"
Mrs. Korkor Ohene Gyan, who spoke on the environment said the company was handling all aspects of environmental concerns including waste management, gas flaring, marine mammals and waste disposal.