At least fifteen oil and gas companies in Ghana’s upstream sector have been sanctioned according to the Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission.
The affected companies were sanctioned for not meeting the 50 percent local content quota. Mr. Egbert Faibille Jnr stated erring companies which continue to fail in roping locals in their operation will have their licenses revoked.
“We want Ghana to be the best with personnel who can perform creditably in the upstream sector globally,” he submitted.
According to the Petroleum Commission chief, President Akufo-Addo is determined for Ghana’s oil and gas to serve the interest of the masses hence a conscious effort being made for the knowledge transfer from the foreign companies who operate in the sector.
He observed while some international oil and gas companies in the sector have integrated Ghanaians in the system, others are reluctant stating the goal is for goods and services in the upstream sector to be bought by Ghanaians.
“Getting the oil and gas international companies to get the locals in have been challenging but it’s a fight the Petroleum Commission is winning,” he further rendered.
The Ghana Local Content and Local Participation Bill 2013 is a bill passed in November 2013 by the Ghanaian government that stipulates that Ghanaians should be prioritized in terms of employment in the petroleum industry, and should benefit from the country’s resources.
By Michael Eli Dokosi/goldstreetbusiness.com