The Nzema youth has called on President John Dramani Mahama to ensure that key leadership positions in the energy sector, particularly the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas) and the leadership of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation are reserved for qualified individuals from Nzema land.

According to them, the Nzema people have made strategic contributions to Ghana’s energy sector.

In a statement, the youth argued that despite the significant contributions of Nzema land to Ghana’s energy sector, the absence of Nzema representation at top decision-making levels undermines inclusivity and fairness.

It stated that for the first time since the discovery of oil in commercial quantities in the Western Region, neither the Minister for Energy nor his Deputy hails from the region.

While acknowledging the President’s discretionary powers in appointments, the Nzema Youth asserted that this exclusion is a departure from past practices and fails to recognise the strategic role of Nzema land in the industry.

They highlighted the discovery of oil in the Jubilee Fields and the establishment of the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant as key milestones in Ghana’s energy development, all of which have relied heavily on Nzema land and resources.

However, they claimed that the emergence of Ghana Gas has resulted in the alienation of Nzema and Western Region youth from employment opportunities, a situation they say worsened under the leadership of Dr Ben Asante, the former CEO of Ghana Gas.

They warned that the potential appointment of Ing. Dr Robert Lartey as CEO of Ghana Gas would further deepen this marginalisation, citing his past actions as Operations Manager as detrimental to their interests.

The youth insisted that appointing qualified Nzema professionals to leadership roles in Ghana Gas and the Petroleum Hub would not only ensure regional balance and fairness but also strengthen national unity and sustainable development.

They have, therefore, urged President Mahama to uphold the principle of inclusivity by appointing competent Nzema individuals to key positions in the energy sector, recognising their invaluable contributions to Ghana’s oil and gas industry.

"As a people, we remain committed to Ghana’s progress and stand ready to support the government’s vision for the energy sector. However, we strongly believe that the contributions of the Nzema and Western Region must be duly recognized and rewarded through strategic appointments that reflect our vital role in the industry," they stated.