Mahama commissions 4 helicopters to police Ghana Gas project [Photos]

President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday commissioned four (4) helicopters to police the Ghana Gas project and ensure adequate security on the nation’s onshore pipelines.

The four Z-9 EH helicopters which would be operated by the Ghana Airforce will among other things ensure that the $1 billion Atuabo Gas Processing Plant is protected.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony at the Airforce Base in Burma Camp, President John Mahama said the helicopters will enable Ghana Gas handle challenges that hinder the production of gas in Ghana.

“This four new jet 9 helicopters is historic because it represents a unique collaboration of two state institutions, the Ghana National Gas Company and the Ghana Airforce. The helicopters are meant for Ghana Gas pipeline surveillance, security of oil installations and allied operations but will be maintained and operated by the Ghana Airforce.”

“The helicopter would assist in general security of all oil installations and our offshore oil fields and I’m happy because it will enhance our maritime security, our anti-piracy operations rebound casualty and medical evacuations, search and rescue operations, aerial photography and riot control,” the President added.

The commissioning of the helicopters comes just a week after President John Dramani Mahama inaugurated the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Gas Company, Dr. George Sipa Yankey said the arrival of the helicopters will allay fears of security concerns raised within the nation’s oil and gas industry.

He said it is a “very important part of our operations because as we build the infrastructure then we need to also secure the project site to ensure the safety of workers and national assets such as these installations.”

“This is the fourth component of the project which today we have come to commission and indeed I’m delighted that now our installations are fully and constantly being monitored and protected…It is in our interest to ensure that the oil industry feel protected with all installations fully secured because it is in our interest to ensure that the protection takes place so we can receive the oil and forward it to VRA who will use it to produce electricity for all of us,” Dr. Sipa Yankey added.

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By: Norvan Acquah – Hayford/citifmonline.com/Ghana