The Ministry of Energy has debunked claims by the Minority in Parliament of a looming $7 billion dollar judgment to hit the government.
The Minority in Parliament last week warned the government of a looming danger of the legal dispute between ENI/Vitol and Springfield Ghana that may lead to $7 billion dollar judgment debt.
ENI/Vitol challenged a decision of then Energy Minister, John Peter Amewu, for a Unitization and Unit Operating Agreement with Springfield Ghana, at the Sankofa and Afina fields.
A legal tussle subsequently ensued, with ENI/Vitol eventually initiating action in the International Court of Arbitration for 7 billion dollars against the Government of Ghana.
In this vein, the Minority has expressed worry over the development and urged President Akufo-Addo to intervene to avoid the judgment debt.
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A statement signed by a ranking member of the Mines and Energy Committee, John Jinapor indicated that the legal tussle has negative implications for attracting investment into the oil sector.
He further urged the government to do all within its powers in getting an amicable solution to the matter.
But, the Ministry of Energy in a rejoinder stated that the legal case in Ghana is a commercial case between ENI and Springfield and has nothing to do with the government.
The Ministry, however, added that the government recognizes the independence of the judiciary and therefore cannot intervene.
“We also want to clarify that it was ENI that took the Government to arbitration so it is up to ENI to withdraw the case and together with Government find a solution without breaking the law. Furthermore, Government is not aware of any $ 7 billion dollar claim in ENI’s submission, which will be the basis of a judgment debt.
“Ghanaians should therefore ignore the misrepresentation by the minority,” the Ministry retorted.
Attached is the full statement by the Ministry of Energy
