The Management of Ghana Gas has clarified that the helicopters were procured for the security surveillance of the oil and gas enclave in the Western Region are currently stationed at the Air Force Headquarters at Burma Camp.
There were claims that some helicopters purchased by the Mahama administration in 2015 for Ghana Gas are missing.
But responding to allegations concerning the whereabouts of the helicopters, Ghana Gas in a statement explained that “four (4) helicopters in total, not seven (7) as reported by some media outlets, were acquired.”
“The said helicopters were procured from China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC). The contract to that effect was signed on 21st December, 2017. The helicopters are currently stationed at the Air Force Headquarters at Burma Camp.”
The statement also noted that Ghana Gas does not have the expertise and hangars to operate and maintain the helicopters hence the reliance on the Air Force.
“The Ghana Air Force, however, possesses such facilities. Ghana Gas, therefore, mandated the Ghana Air Force to operate and maintain them on its behalf. The helicopters are in good working condition and not “broken down” as erroneously reported.”
At the time of commissioning of the four Z-9 EH helicopters, it was noted that they were going to be operated by the Ghana Airforce.
The allegations on the helicopters followed claims by the Co-chair of the Ghana Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (GHEITI), Dr. Steve Manteaw that the $1 billion cost of the Atuabo Gas plant was overpriced by $40 million.
He also alleged that Chinese company which undertook the project, SINOPEC, engaged in fraudulent activities in the execution of the project.
The Management of Ghana Gas wishes to respond to an allegation circulating in the media regarding the whereabouts of the helicopters, procured to provide surveillance services to the oil and gas installations in the Western Region.
The Company wishes to make it known to all stakeholders and the public that on Wednesday, 23rd September 2015, then President, His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama commissioned the four Z-9 EH helicopters at the Air Force Station at Burma Camp. The helicopters were to ensure adequate security surveillance of the nation’s oil and gas enclave in the Western Region.
Four (4) helicopters in total, not seven (7) as reported by some media outlets, were acquired. The said helicopters were procured from China National Aero Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC). The contract to that effect was signed on 21st December, 2017. The helicopters are currently stationed at the Air Force Headquarters at Burma Camp.
Ghana Gas does not have the expertise and hangars to operate and maintain the helicopters. The Ghana Air Force, however, possesses such facilities. Ghana Gas, therefore, mandated the Ghana Air Force to operate and maintain them on its behalf. The helicopters are in good working condition and not “broken down” as erroneously reported.
It is worth noting that, there is a helipad at the Atuabo Main Camp.
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(Via: CitiFM Online Ghana)
