saltpond oil field
Ghana is grappling with a costly conundrum: decommissioning the Saltpond Oil Field, an offshore relic that produced less than $10 million in revenue over five decades.
According to the Ghanaian political economist, Bright Simons, the operation, initially estimated at $100 million, has already consumed nearly half that amount with little to show for it. The final cost could balloon to $200 million, raising questions about management, accountability, and the role of a shadowy contractor, Hans & Co.
The Saltpond Oil Field, commissioned in the 1970s, has long been a symbol of Ghana’s modest oil exploration efforts. Production dwindled by the 1980s, and by 2010, it was effectively abandoned. Left behind was a deteriorating oil rig and six wells, presenting environmental hazards that could no longer be ignored. The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) launched a decommissioning exercise in 2021, hoping to clean up the site.
The Hans & Co, Mystery Contractor
Central to the saga is Hans & Co, the company contracted for the decommissioning project. Despite their lack of a track record in petroleum or environmental engineering, Hans & Co secured a lucrative deal to manage the high-stakes operation. The firm is part of the Hans Group, whose Executive Chair, Ms. Gloria Bartels, is a socialite known more for her fashion sense and high-society affiliations than her business acumen.
Hans & Co has been described as “mysterious” by analysts and industry insiders. The company’s website offers sparse details about its capabilities or leadership. Ms. Bartels, who splits her time between the UK and Accra’s upscale Dzorwulu neighborhood, occasionally appears in society magazines like Ovation, often in connection with high-profile events.
The lack of transparency surrounding Hans & Co’s qualifications has fueled speculation. Some reports link the firm to charismatic churches and influential figures in Ghanaian politics, though these associations remain unverified. What is certain is that Hans & Co’s powerful allies seem to have insulated it from oversight, even when its cooperation with technical experts was called into question.
The Role of TSB-Ensol
Adding another layer to the controversy is TSB-Ensol, a consortium formed between TSB, a specialist in decommissioning oil field equipment since 1987, and Ensol, a local Ghanaian firm. The consortium was awarded a $3 million contract to provide project management and oversight for the Saltpond decommissioning. However, Hans & Co refused to cooperate with TSB-Ensol, effectively sidelining their involvement.
Industry insiders suggest Hans & Co’s influence extends to the highest levels of government, undermining the technical agencies responsible for contract oversight. This lack of coordination has delayed progress and contributed to escalating costs.
A Legacy of Neglect
The Saltpond Oil Field’s troubled history is emblematic of Ghana’s challenges in managing its natural resources. Agripetco, the original operator, abandoned the field in the 1980s, leaving behind hazardous infrastructure. PFI, which took over in 1984, reportedly left funds for decommissioning. However, those resources were either mismanaged or ignored, leaving the problem to fester for decades.
Now, Ghana faces the daunting task of cleaning up a long-neglected site at an exorbitant cost. The decision to entrust this responsibility to Hans & Co—an unproven entity—has only deepened public skepticism.
The Cost of Incompetence
The Saltpond saga has sparked outrage among Ghanaians, who question why a project meant to mitigate environmental risks has turned into a financial black hole. Analysts warn that unless accountability is enforced, the Saltpond debacle could set a troubling precedent for Ghana’s nascent oil and gas industry.
For now, the spotlight remains on Hans & Co and its enigmatic leader, Ms. Gloria Bartels. With $200 million potentially at stake, the question lingers: will this operation finally resolve the decades-old problem, or will it cement Saltpond’s legacy as a cautionary tale of mismanagement and misplaced priorities?
A Broader Tale of Corruption
The Saltpond Oil Field saga is a microcosm of Ghana’s broader struggles with corruption and weak institutional oversight. Despite its reputation as a stable democracy in West Africa, Ghana continues to grapple with allegations of mismanagement, cronyism, and opaque contracting processes. High-profile scandals, from inflated infrastructure costs to the misuse of public funds, have eroded public trust. The mysterious dealings with Hans & Co highlight how influential individuals and companies often sidestep due process, turning state projects into opportunities for personal enrichment.
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