… as Union Oil marks 10 years in business
A number of capacity building exercise and specialized operational training for employees in the downstream petroleum sector are set to be carried out soon.
These have become necessary for developing and raise the standard of work to ensure effective monitor, supply and distribution chain in the industry; and are part of the reforms lined up by the Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMCs) – an industry association and a private initiative by the oil marketing operators.
Trainees will include station managers and supervisors, pumps attendants and various office staff at both the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and Liquified Petroleum Gas Marketing Companies (LPGMCs).
Aside this, the Enterprise Relational Database Management System (ERDMS) – a platform for downstream industry players to perform transactions in a more efficient and effective manners in the supply chain in the downstream sector, has been implemented. This is seen as a cost saving for the OMCs in terms of employment and absolve them from individuals making orders on their behalf.
This was revealed by the Industry Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Association Kwaku Agyemang Duah during the launch of the 10th anniversary celebration of Union Oil in Accra.
Speaking at the launch of the company’s 10 years anniversary on the theme Union Oil in a decade, the way forward, the Managing Director for Union Oil, Charles Obeng Mensah admonished the financial institutions to institute favouarable business working policies that aim at supporting businesses, most especially start-ups for them to realise their full potentials and to enable operate in a business environment many have termed as harsh and daunting.
In Ghana, most banks have contributed less to the growth and development of startups owing to the view that the means of recouping their revenue could take more time or might not be paid at all by the owners of the small entities who apply.
During the recommissioning of its Darkuman branch in Accra, the company reduced the price of fuel per litre from Gh¢5.15 to Gh¢5.05, this being a sign a good gesture for its loyal customers.
Aside these specialized operational training, AOMC is also working with government and relevant stakeholders and regulators to identify some teasing areas of concern that need immediate intervention concerning downstream activities.
The stakeholders include the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Ghana Standard Authority (GSA) Ghana Fire Service Environmental Protection Agencies and a host of other departments and agencies.
By Dundas Whigham