An unprecedented number of dead whales have come ashore in western Ghana, and environmentalists think the oil industry is responsible - seismic exploration can kill whales. Locals are worried that fish stocks have also been affected.
Oil exploitation in Ghana didn't begin until 2007 but has skyrocketed since producing over 110,000 barrels of oil per day. This might be good for the country’s economy – and it certainly produces profits for the oil industry - but it seems wildlife may be paying the price.
Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency is refusing to communicate with environmentalists or the general public, an unhelpful approach which just makes people more worried.
The EPA needs to investigate the cetacean deaths and, if the oil industry is responsible, take the necessary action. It must also become far more transparent about what is actually going on and what, if any, regulation is in place.
Tell Ghanaian officials to end the secrecy.
We the undersigned ask that you investigate the impact of offshore oil exploration on marine life, in particular on cetaceans. Environmentalists have raised concerns that the recent record numbers of beached whales are a result of seismic disturbances from the oil industry. Please take immediate action to have the environmental impact objectively evaluated.
If it turns out that oil industry activities are killing whales and/or adversely affecting marine ecosystems in other ways, urgent action is required. The oil industry might be profitable, but it is only ever going to be a short-term one. On the other hand, preserving marine ecosystems protects the livelihoods of coastal communities now and in the future.
We also request that you become more transparent about this and all other environmental issues. People have a right to know what is going on in their waters and the EPA’s refusal to share information with the public only increases anxiety.
Thank you for your attention.
