Ghana had strong case in maritime dispute - Tsatsu Tsikata

Mr. Tsatsu Tsikata, former Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), has stated that Ghana had a stronger case going into the actual hearing of the substantive matter in the maritime dispute with the Ivory Coast.

According to him, Ivory Coast will struggle to convince the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea on the reliefs they are seeking against Ghana in the case.

“I don’t have any doubt at all from the provisional measures argument that Ghana’s position on the merit is even on stronger grounds.

Speaking to Accra base Joy FM, he said, “ Ghana drew attention to the whole history of the practice of Cote d’Ivoire itself with regards to the maritime boundary.

“Since 1970, the first President of Cote d’Ivoire, Houphouët-Boigny used the same maritime boundary that Ghana is using now in granting an award to Exon Mobil and they ( Ivory Coast ) have since used exactly the same map in transacting business over the years.”

Meanwhile, Government of Ghana said it welcomes the order adopted by the Special Chamber of the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) suspending the drilling of new oil wells in the disputed West Cape Three Points area.

According to a press release by the government, the ruling "carefully balances and protects the rights of both" Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire.

"Ghana will be able to continue to engage in offshore exploration and exploitation if it wishes grant new concessions.

"More significantly, Ghana will be able to continue to exploit all wells that have been drilled", the statement said.

The statement said further that exploitation of the TEN field which is about 60% complete will be able to proceed in accordance with the schedule in the disputed area.

"This should also provide ample reassurance to all Ghana’s investors that their rights and interests have been fully protected", the statement said.