Jubilee Partner, Tullow Oil Ghana says local content build-up is at the heart of its oil and gas operations because of the commercial advantages. Communications Manager, Gayheart Mensah says local capacity building and capability development helps to ease access to local raw materials for the company whilst creating shared prosperity in the country. This he observed comes at a more competitive price, through the avoidance of freight charges and other importation costs. “We see local content as a business imperative. It makes commercial sense… if you’re able to develop the local capacity of communities within which you operate, it helps you to source your raw materials and other services required locally,” he noted. Mr. Mensah told Luv Biz Report Tullow Ghana has devoted time and resources to invest in training of local suppliers across the country to service the budding oil and gas industry. “We have set up an entire department solely focusing on local content and the purpose is to come up with measures and interventions that will help us to focus on developing local capacity in support of the oil and gas industry”, he said. He entreated businesses, most especially suppliers and contractors, willing to participate in the oil and gas value chain to register with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC). The Tullow Group Scholarship Scheme was recently launched in partnership with the British Council to help develop local skills and expertise in the oil industry by supporting postgraduate degrees, technical training and vocational studies.