The Minister of Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh says the Ghana Government is using digitalization to increase revenue in the Energy sector.
According to him, in the downstream and upstream petroleum sectors, as well as the power sector, the Government continues to make progress in driving innovative digital solutions not just to improve efficiencies but also to better mobilise revenues.
The Minister said this at the 5th Ghana Energy Awards on Friday, 19th November 2021 at the Labadi Beach Hotel, on the theme, ‘Digitalised Energy Sector: The Key for a Resilient Economic Future’.
Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh said,”Within the downstream petroleum sector, in April 2021, His Excellency the Vice President launched the National Petroleum Authority’s National Retail Outlet Fuel Monitoring System at its head office here in Accra. Under this digital system, NPA is able to monitor the fuel in the tanks of all Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in Ghana in real time. This makes it virtually impossible for OMCs to receive illegal fuel from sources such as bunkering and smuggling activities in their tanks.”
He explained that, “The system is based on a state-of-the-art supervisory platform which includes the installation of Automatic Tank Gauges (ATG) and Forecourt/Dispenser Transaction Control System that will provide data on sales and in-tank volumes at the forecourt.”
He added that the fuel monitoring for filling stations is a comprehensive system that monitors fuel in their underground tanks and fuel sold at each pump.
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The Energy Minister also noted that in the upstream sector, the Ghana Petroleum Register, a digital platform where one can access information on the award of blocks, current petroleum agreements and contracts in the upstream petroleum industry have been employed.
This, the Minister said was launched in February 2018 in accordance with Act 919 to enhance transparency in the upstream petroleum sector.
In addition, he said the Local Content E-Portal System, a digital platform that allows for companies operating in the upstream petroleum industry to submit their local content plans and reports in real time has also been employed.
He explained that the platform enables the regulator to track local content progress of our country and also assess local content compliance by companies in accordance with LI2204.
Power Sector
In the power sector, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh said Government in September this year launched a Meter Management System (MMS) for the Electricity Company of Ghana.
The MMS, he said provides a common digitalized platform for the integration of all ECG’s smart prepaid meters for effective monitoring and management.
This, he said is to reduce commercial losses through effective monitoring of smart meters and replacement of obsolete and faulty ones, and to offer convenience in purchases of electricity everywhere to increase revenue growth.
“Every meter, its location and consumption pattern can be tracked and accounted for. This will help detect illegal connection activities, malfunctioning of meters, etc. for prompt rectification. Considering the global trends in the energy distribution business, ECG cannot afford to continue the current tangent which is not in tune with trends in the global energy sector. Smart meters need smart systems with smart processes, and we are moving from the era where physical inspection is giving way for a more digitalized era in line with the government’s digitalization agenda,” added.
Meanwhile, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh said the NPP-Government remains focused on digitalization in all sectors as an important catalyst in promoting a resilient economy.
“At the Ministry of Energy, we will continue to collaborate with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that this critical sector employs more innovative solutions to drive the President’s industrialization agenda in a most effective way,” He added.
Former President J.A. Kufuor and late President J.J.Rawlings, were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their contribution to the development of Ghana’s energy sector.
They each received a Citation and a portrait.
Dr Ezanetor Rawlings and her junior brother, Kimathi Rawlings received their father’s posthumous Award.
Mr. Emmanuel Antwi Darkwa, CEO of VRA, and Mrs. Cynthia Lumor, Deputy Managing Director of Tullow Ghana were adjudged the Energy Personality of the Year in the male and female category respectively.
The Ministry of Energy received the Excellence in Leadership and Governance Award of the Year.
Goil received the Energy Company of the Year Award (Petroleum division), and Bui Power Authority was awarded for Excellence in Power Generation.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
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