Title: Ivory Coast accuses Ghana of breaching int'l law over Bui dam
The Ivorian authorities are demanding discussions with the Ghana government over the likely environmental and social impact of the Bui hydroelectric dam project on Ivory Coast.
According to the Ivorians, Ghana, in building the Dam, failed to consult them “in total violation of the international regulations in force, as regards cross-border projects”.
In a letter dated June 17, 2013 and published by The Herald newspaper, the Ivorian government also indicated that although they had sent several invitations to Ghana for discussions on the project, they were yet to receive a response.
The Ivorians want discussions with Ghana on how to mitigate the consequences which the operation of the dam would have on them.
But speaking on the Monday July 8 on Joy FM's Super Morning Show Deputy Minister for Energy and Petroleum, Mr John Jinapor, said although government had not received the letter, he was certain the Ghana government would readily accede reach out to the Ivorian authorities for discussions on the issue.
The Bui Hydro-electric Dam is located 50km from the Ghana-Ivory Coast border on the Black Volta.
The dam is expected to provide about 400 megawatts of the power to Ghana when it becomes fully operational.
Below is the full letter sent to Ghana's Ambassador to Ivory Coast:
Dear Ambassador,
I have the honour to inform you that the Regional Office of Waters and Forests of Bondoukou reported to the Ministry in charge of Waters and Forests informing it about the commissioning of hydroelectric Dam built by Ghana on the black Volta river in the Bui Village, which is located at about 50km from the northern border with Cote d'Ivoire and its possible consequences on our territory.
Indeed, according to the information we received, Ghana built this Dam without consulting Cote d'Ivoire, in total violation of the international regulations in force, as regards cross-border projects, and it has not yet responded to the requests made by our country to have discussions on this project.
In this regard, I would be grateful for the provisions you could take in order to report to the Ghanaian authorities for the purpose of carrying out an environmental and social impact study in the area and to agree with our Government on the measures to be taken to mitigate the consequences related to the exploitation of this Dam.
Please accept, Dear Ambassador, the assurance of my highest consideration.
Signed
Chief of Staff
KALOU Emmanuel
Credit/Source: http://edition.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201307/109076.php
Paulina says: I’m tooooooooo tired to comment but it’s
good to see that something is being done to supply Ghana with more electricity.
And 50km from any border –is surly far enough… I wonder if some ‘people’ want
free electricity without the hassle of financing it themselves or want to cause
trouble and get said power at some sort of premium rate.. So so laborious jagger-jaggerness…..
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