Petroleum Commission has set out new employment guidelines for the oil and gas sector.

The guidelines to begin in June is expected to increase transparency in the recruitment process for companies operating in the country's oil and gas sector.

Speaking at the maiden localization workshop in Accra, Deputy Minister of Energy, Amin Adams disclosed that the rules in the guidelines are expected to help a large number of local skilled entrepreneurs to get employment from the oil and gas sector thereby safeguarding investment in the sector.

According to the Petroleum Commission, over 12,000 Ghanaians have been engaged in about 332 companies in the upstream petroleum sector since the country started oil production in commercial quantities.

The figure is expected to be increased with the implementation of the new guidelines which is targeting special areas of employment for indigenous individuals and businesses.

In an interview with JoyBusiness, Acting Chief Executive of the Commission, Egbert Faibile said the new guidelines will enhance the capacity of local players in the industry.

“Today we will introduce to the industry newly drafted guidelines on employment, succession planning and training of Ghanaians which will take effect from the 1st day of June 2018,” he said.

Mr Faibile, however, objected to claims that the move could be a disincentive for potential foreign companies who might want to invest in the sector.
He assured the Commission will continue to ensure that qualified and competent Ghanaians are given preference in hiring for roles in the upstream petroleum sector.

“I want to assure you that the commission will continue to work with institutions, major operators and contractors to develop strategies to maximize local content in all aspects of the upstream petroleum value chain” he concluded.