Three countries — Nigeria, Namibia and Uganda— have applauded Ghana’s robust drive to enhance and optimise local content policies in the upstream petroleum industry for the benefit of citizens.
Additionally, they celebrated the country’s achievement in the promotion of local content agenda, which is inspiring Africa’s efforts to harness its potentials in the hydrocarbons fields.
Representatives of the countries expressed these views in separate solidarity messages delivered at the 2024 Local Content Conference and Exhibition (LCCE) which ends today in Takoradi, in the Western Region.
Organised by the Petroleum Commission, the three- day event was on the theme “Attracting exploration and production investments to boost local content-New pathways.”
Namibia’s Petroleum Commissioner, Maggy Shino, commended Ghana’s achievements in advancing and achieving positive progress in petroleum local content.
“The significant strides Ghana has made in empowering local industries and ensuring that the benefits of your country’s natural resources directly contribute to the socio-economic development of your people are truly inspiring,” she said.
Ms Shino said, Ghana’s visionary approach in building local capacity within the petroleum sector was a powerful example for the entire African continent.
He noted the country’s success in fostering an environment for Ghanaian businesses and professionals to play a central role in the development of the oil and gas resources.
This feat, she said, was a remarkable achievement that reflected both the strength of Ghana’s policies and the resilience of her people.
“This progress marks a critical step toward reducing dependency on foreign expertise while simultaneously driving sustainable, inclusive growth and creating jobs that benefit local communities,” she said.
“At a time when many African nations, including Namibia, are seeking to enhance the impact of their natural resource sectors on their local economies, Ghana’s accomplishments provide invaluable lessons. Namibia is committed to learning from Ghana’s experiences as we continue to develop our own petroleum industry,” Ms Shino reported.
The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Felix O. Ogbe, spoke about Nigeria’s desire to cement relationship between Nigeria and Ghana’s Petroleum Commission through the landmark signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
He was delighted to witness the collective efforts of African countries towards enhancing local content in the upstream petroleum industry.
Mr Ogbe added “This event is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering strategic partnerships and driving sustainable growth within our sector.”
The theme of LCCE, he said, underscored the need for innovative approaches and collaborative efforts to unlock the full potential of Africa’s hydrocarbon resources estimated at over $125 billion and accounting for about 10 per cent of global reserves.
He suggested that Africa must encourage closer collaboration among African oil and gas service companies and the leveraging of their capabilities, “one of the best strategies to develop African local content and meet the aspirations of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).”
The Chief Executive of the Ugandan National Oil Company, Proscovia Nabbanja, said despite gains in technology, Africa still grappled with using oil resources to support development, stressing “we need African solutions for Africa’s problems.”
FROM CLEMENT ADZEI BOYE, TAKORADI
