Namibia looks to Ghana to develop fuel policy
Country should establish similar systems
The committee also recommended the establishment of a public interest accountability committee that manages fuel revenues generated in Ghana.
The Namibian government has been urged to adopt best practices being implemented in Ghana regarding the management of oil and gas resources.
It follows a benchmarking exercise following a study visit by the National Council standing committee on agriculture, environment and natural resources to the parliament of Ghana in July this year.
The committee had found that Ghana’s approach to managing oil and gas resources was admirable.
“It is evident that Ghana has a progressive approach to managing petroleum revenues, with established laws and institutions governing operations in the sector,” the report said.
Independent oversight
The committee also recommended the establishment of a public interest accountability committee (PIAC) that manages fuel revenues generated in Ghana.
PIAC is an independent statutory body that works by monitoring and evaluating the laws of government and other institutions and providing independent assessments of petroleum production.
“The establishment of an accountability committee similar to the PIAC in Ghana is crucial; therefore, the Namibian government should ensure secured funding for this committee to facilitate smooth operation in the gas and oil sector,” the report said.
There is a willingness from the Ghanaian government to assist Namibia in creating a system similar to theirs where oil and gas dealings are concerned.
“The PIAC’s willingness to offer assistance to its Namibian counterparts vested with the same responsibility and mandate in promoting transparency and accountability in managing natural resources is a notable gesture for the promotion of information sharing and capacity building on the African continent,” the report said.
Government steps
Government was advised to consider a local policy to uplift locals keen to engage in petroleum activities.
“The Namibian government, through the ministry of mines, should speedily finalise its local content policy that is aimed at providing financial resources for citizens and indigenous Namibian companies engaged in petroleum activities,” the report said.
Namibia should also consider the multiple benefits stemming from the oil and gas industry.
“Apart from oil, Namibia should also explore more opportunities in the gas industry, as gas is a major player today across the world if it is managed well,” the report said.
Government was further urged to empower lawmakers to help them better understand the oil and gas industry.
“Members of parliament should play a role in the amendment and ratifying of legislation on extractive sector management, including laws governing fiscal regimes, revenue collection and management, and conditions for exploration and production.
It follows a benchmarking exercise following a study visit by the National Council standing committee on agriculture, environment and natural resources to the parliament of Ghana in July this year.
The committee had found that Ghana’s approach to managing oil and gas resources was admirable.
“It is evident that Ghana has a progressive approach to managing petroleum revenues, with established laws and institutions governing operations in the sector,” the report said.
Independent oversight
The committee also recommended the establishment of a public interest accountability committee (PIAC) that manages fuel revenues generated in Ghana.
PIAC is an independent statutory body that works by monitoring and evaluating the laws of government and other institutions and providing independent assessments of petroleum production.
“The establishment of an accountability committee similar to the PIAC in Ghana is crucial; therefore, the Namibian government should ensure secured funding for this committee to facilitate smooth operation in the gas and oil sector,” the report said.
There is a willingness from the Ghanaian government to assist Namibia in creating a system similar to theirs where oil and gas dealings are concerned.
“The PIAC’s willingness to offer assistance to its Namibian counterparts vested with the same responsibility and mandate in promoting transparency and accountability in managing natural resources is a notable gesture for the promotion of information sharing and capacity building on the African continent,” the report said.
Government steps
Government was advised to consider a local policy to uplift locals keen to engage in petroleum activities.
“The Namibian government, through the ministry of mines, should speedily finalise its local content policy that is aimed at providing financial resources for citizens and indigenous Namibian companies engaged in petroleum activities,” the report said.
Namibia should also consider the multiple benefits stemming from the oil and gas industry.
“Apart from oil, Namibia should also explore more opportunities in the gas industry, as gas is a major player today across the world if it is managed well,” the report said.
Government was further urged to empower lawmakers to help them better understand the oil and gas industry.
“Members of parliament should play a role in the amendment and ratifying of legislation on extractive sector management, including laws governing fiscal regimes, revenue collection and management, and conditions for exploration and production.
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