The General Manager of GRO Oilfield Alliance, Akpene Sunu, has highlighted the need for specialised industry-specific training to bridge the gap between tertiary education and employment opportunities in Ghana’s oil and gas industry.

Speaking at the 2024 Local Content and Exploration Conference in Takoradi, Mr. Sunu emphasised that while tertiary institutions equip students with general knowledge, practical experience and targeted skills are essential for success in the sector.

“Many graduates struggle to secure employment because they lack the hands-on experience that is vital in the oil and gas industry. We at GRO Oilfield Alliance are committed to developing local talent through specialized training programs that prepare graduates for real-world challenges,” Mr. Sunu stated.

His remarks resonate with the government’s local content policy, which aims to increase Ghanaian participation in the oil and gas sector by enhancing the capabilities of local professionals and businesses.

Government’s Commitment to Local Content

Egbert Isaac Faible Jnr, Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that Ghanaians reap the full benefits of the nation’s oil and gas resources.

He noted that expenses for expatriates working in Ghana's oil fields are integrated into crude oil lifting costs, aligning with the government’s objective to foster investment while prioritizing job creation for Ghanaians.

“The Local Content and Local Participation Regulations of 2013 are critical in promoting value addition, job creation, and technology transfer within the petroleum industry. Our goal is to reduce 'cost oil' and increase 'profit oil,' so both Ghana and international oil companies can benefit,” Faible Jnr said.

He also emphasised the importance of strengthening local firms and improving regulatory enforcement to maximize the impact of local content policies.

Empowering Women in Engineering: Ruth Ebela Kwofie’s Story

One of the conference's highlights was an inspiring story from Ruth Ebela Kwofie, the only female among four male trainees at GRO Oilfield Alliance.

Ruth shared her journey of pursuing engineering, a field she was passionate about since childhood due to her love for problem-solving.

“Engineering allows me to apply practical solutions to everyday challenges. It’s not always easy being the only woman in the room, but I am determined to succeed and make a difference,” Ruth said.

She encouraged young women to explore careers in engineering and the oil and gas sector, emphasizing that with dedication, they too could break barriers and achieve their dreams.