GOVT SNUBS VISITING GHANA ENERGY MINISTER

GHANA’S Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh was largely snubbed by the Trinidad and Tobago Government during a just-ended visit.

Prempeh and his large delegation of senior Government officials were not received by any representative of the Rowley Administration.

State companies also declined to sponsor activities for the high-ranking Ghanaian Minister, who is reportedly in line to succeed Nana Akufo-Addo as his country’s next President.

Prempeh was hosted by the T&T-based Caribbean chapter of Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP), which honoured him with an award.

In a well-received speech, the minister said T&T could be a valued partner in his country’s industrialisation agenda.

Mayaro Member of Parliament Rushton Paray delivered the feature address, in which he touched on the dynamics of the profession, modern technology, climate change, and energy relations between both countries.

Ghana, with a population of 34.7 million, has significant proven oil and gas reserves.

The country’s Government has made investments in renewable energy, some of which is deployed in generating electricity.

Prempeh’s few engagements with the public sector included being hosted by NESC Technical Institute and Lake Asphalt.

The Government’s lack of involvement in the Ghanaian Minister’s visit came despite earlier promises by Prime Minister Rowley of closer relations between both countries.

Rowley visited Ghana in May 2016 and March 2020.

On his second visit, Rowley attended functions commemorating Ghana’s 63^rd anniversary of independence.

Akufo-Addo visited T&T in June 2019.

Both countries previously signed cooperation agreements on air services, and on the joint development of commercial natural gas projects.

During Rowley’s 2016 visit, he signed a pact on “exploring and strengthening mutually beneficial economic ties.”

Government officials touted business and investment opportunities in the African country, citing the large potential market and cheaper energy costs.

Rowley brought samples of three varieties of yam on his return from the 2020 visit, and hailed the “good prospects” of the Ghanaian ground provision.

He also held out hope of direct travel between both countries.

But there is no evidence of follow-up action on any of the agreed matters.

The visit of Prempeh and his delegation – which included members of the media – was prominently reported in his home country.

He was quoted as saying he aimed to enhance linkages between the upstream and downstream petroleum sectors.

He spoke of knowledge exchange and that “we intend to enter into a marriage that benefits our two countries.”

Prempeh noted T&T’s “long history and expertise in hydrocarbon exploration, production, refining and transportation.”

He told of exploring “advanced technologies in various fields in the oil and gas value chain” and “fostering stronger ties and collaboration” between the energy sectors of T&T and Ghana.

But he had limited sessions with the State sector and no known meeting with top Government officials.

Last December, Prempeh was named Ghana’s Best Performing Minister and was awarded an Order of Merit at a colourful festival.

He was hailed for his “extraordinary passion and passion for human welfare.”

He was also credited with “transformational leadership in the energy sector.”

Prempeh, 55, is also a medical doctor.