Abibiman Foundation is calling for independent committee to assess impact of oil spillage in Tema

PRESS RELEASE

June 4, 2018

INVESTIGATE & ASSESS IMPACT OF OIL SPILLAGE IN TEMA

Abibiman Foundation is calling on Government of Ghana to immediately set up a independent committee to conduct an immediate investigations and environmental assessments on the impacts of the oil spillage at Tema port and its environs on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 9:42pm, the vessel which was carrying 1,200 metric tons of light crude oil. 

Articles 10 and 11 of Abidjan Convention require Parties to take all appropriate measures to prevent, reduce, combat and control coastal

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 14) Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution

The impact of this spillage must be monitored to ensure that both the environment and livelihoods of the fishermen and other local dependents within the catchment area are adequately compensated and protected.

Abibiman is worried about the current lack of capacity in oil spillage response and the failure to ensure compliance and enforcement of quality standards to prevent avoidable accidents from occurring.

These failings, once again, has culminated into huge environmental destruction of coastal and inland biodiversity which rural community livelihoods depend on. 

We urge the Ministry of Transport, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Ghana Navy, Ghana Maritime Authority and Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development through its regulatory agencies to recognize the urgent need for a new independent mechanism that would conform to international best practice to prevent, identify, and respond to such oil spills in Ghana and clean up contaminated sites for the benefit of local communities and people living in the affected area.  

Abibiman urge agencies responsible to ensure immediate clean up and restoration of the damaged environment in the affected areas since it plays a critical role in the livelihoods of residents within the Tema metropolis and the country at large.

Government must put all necessary measures in place to avoid reoccurrences of similar oil spillage in the future.

                        

Signed: Kenneth Nana Amoateng-http://www.abibimmanfoundation.org/info@abibimanfoundation.org