Ivorian authorities are calling for talks with Ghana's political administration

The Ivorian authorities are calling for talks with Ghana's political administration over the possible environmental and social impact on Côte d'Ivoire of the Bui HEP dam project.

 

In a letter dated 17 June and reported locally, the Ivorian government claims that Ghana?s failure to consult them on plans for the dam is, “in total violation of the international regulations in force, as regards cross-border projects”. The letter also indicates that the Ivorians received no communications from the Ghana government regarding the dam's construction despite numerous invitations sent for discussions on the project.

 

Speaking on local radio on 8 July, Deputy Minister for Energy and Petroleum, John Jinapor, said that although government had not received any correspondence from the Ivorians, he was sure that it would be open to discussions concerning the dam's potential impact. The Bui Hydro-electric Dam is located 50km from the Ghana-Côte d'Ivoire border, on the Black Volta River at Bui Village. It is expected to provide some 400 MW of power to Ghana when it is fully operational.

 

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