EPA yet to issue permit to Swiss Company to explore oil/gas in Keta basin

The Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, says it has not given permit to any company to explore oil in the Keta basin. 

The Deputy Director in charge of Oil and Gas at the EPA, Efunam Agbenor, said there are processes Swiss African Oil Company, SWAOCO, which has an agreement with government to prospect for oil in the basin, has to follow before being issued with a permit by the EPA. 

Mr. Agbenor said the company has so far engaged stakeholders in all the districts where it will undertake its activities. 

The company is also expected to do an environmental impact studies, based on which the EPA may or may not issue it with the permit. 

Mr. Agbenor is assuring the residents that the EPA will adequately protect their interest.

Meanwhile, the Swiss Africa Oil Company, SWAOCO, has assured residents of Keta Municipality that nothing will be done to jeopardize their livelihood or the environment. 

PRO of the company, Mensah Peter Dagbui said a lot of stakeholder engagements were held in the past, and an environmental impact assessment was also done. 

He said the report is ready and will soon be discussed with the residents. 

Mr. Dagbui said Thursday’s demonstration by some of the residents is premature since the company has not started any work in the basin. 

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