Well trained indigenous professionals are very key in advancing the national development agenda particularly in the oil and gas sector, the Deputy Chief Executive of the Petroleum Commission has said.

Prince Benjamin Aboagye explains this assertion forms part of government`s focused on the promotion of local content and localization in the oil and gas sector to build the capacity of Ghanaians, promote economic growth, increase productivity and reduce long term cost in the industry.

Mr Aboagye was speaking at the graduation of some twenty students who have completed the training in Shielded Material Arc Wedding to serve industry needs.

He said the training which was hitherto undertaken outside the country would now save cost and ensure the growth of indigenous training institutions.

"I believe this is the only way we can achieve our strategic objectives of making Ghana a training hub for the oil and gas industry in the sub-region," he added.

The Deputy CEO said the Commission was working with some international oil companies to establish a framework for providing technical training to many Ghanaians.

“We have entered into an MoU with Northern Alberta Institute of Technology to train Ghanaians to become internationally accredited and certified welders".

Managing Director of Danest Engineering Daniel Kwakye, called for institutionalisation of training as a national priority to give room for more and more young men and women to train and provide quality and standardised service in the area.

He said one company could employ hundreds of welders which makes it an area of priority to train the youth for the job market and halt unemployment.

Mr Kwakye said the training allowed the new professionals an entry-level jobs in the sector and called for more advanced training to make them stay relevant.

Regional Manager of Gratis Foundation, George Twumasi urged the trainees to be discipline and work diligently in their chosen profession to get the needed gratuity in return.

The training sponsored by SAIWEST and facilitated by Danest Engineering Company Limited has equipped all twenty trainees with standardized skills in 6G pipe wielding skills employable and in demand on the oil and gas sector.