President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has made it clear that his government is determined to build a robust oil and gas sector.
“A sector that will not only generate revenue for the country but also drives technical information, skills development and sustainable economic growth,” he added.
The President stated this when he commissioned the operational headquarters of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), christened ‘GNPC Energy House’ in Takoradi yesterday.
The seven-storey building, which has a 300-seater auditorium, a gymnasium, cafeteria and business centre at the ground floor, will enhance Ghana’s fortunes in the hydrocarbon industry.
The upper floor of the beautiful edifice will provide office spaces for GNPC staff and other potential tenants in the oil and gas sector.
The project, which was constructed by Sienna Services, began in 2020.
The President mentioned that the project was in fulfillment of a promise he made to the people of Western Region during the electioneering campaign in 2016, to help make the region the hub for oil and gas industry in Ghana.
He noted that the location of the project was a practical initiative aimed at bringing the operations closer to the heart of the petroleum industry, thereby enhancing efficiency and fostering closer collaboration with domestic stakeholders.
The President said, “The project will also have a multiplier effect on the local economy, create direct and indirect jobs for the people of Takoradi and its environs.”
He continued, “The project will increase economic activities and stimulate domestic businesses from hospitality to retailing.”
The President said the initiative was a clear indication of the government’s quest to strengthening GNPC’s capacity to manage and develop the country’s petroleum resources effectively.
He said it would also position GNPC to be able to compete on the world stage.
He also said while it is undeniable that the exploitation of the petroleum resources has been of substantial financial benefit to Ghana, the people must be mindful of their environment and social responsibilities.
President Akufo-Addo praised the Western Regional Minister, the chiefs and people for the respective roles they played in ensuring the completion of the state-of-the-art project.
The Minister of State at the Energy Ministry, Mr. Herbert Krapa, indicated that the various Wells -Jubilee, TEN, Sankofa among others were doing well with exploration and extraction.
“The sector continues to witness a steady increase in production,” he noted.
The Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, praised the government and the President for keeping to his promise.
He said the President had kept good faith with the people of the Western Region in the areas of education, health and roads.
Currently, the region is benefitting from 2,000 kilometre road projects, increase in enrolment from 13,000 to 65,000 in senior high schools, redeveloped hospitals, and construction projects.
“Mr. President, this is a testament to your love for the region…you are really Addo Showboy,” the minister said.
The Board Chairman of GNPC, Freddie Blay, also praised President Akufo-Addo for fulfilling the promise he made to the people of Western Region, and was hopeful that the facility would go a long way to making Ghana one of the leading oil and gas producers in Africa.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi
