It  is projected that  about ninety-five percent of workers, in Ghana’s emerging  Oil and Gas industry would be Ghanaian citizens in the next five years. This is to ensure that Ghanaians become part of the industry and are empowered to enjoy the benefits of the oil and gas discovery to create wealth for themselves and the country as a whole. This was made known by the Policy Director for the Council for Vocational and Technical Education, COVETE, John Boateng at the opening of the second fundamental class in the oil and gas industry seminar for about thirty six students of the College of Engineering, KNUST.

Mr. Boateng noted that about five percent of Ghanaians are currently in the Oil and Gas industry and advised the students that this projection would become a reality only if they take their lessons seriously. He noted that the Oil and Gas industry require huge investment capital and encouraged participants of the seminar to take their lessons seriously to enjoy the benefits of the opportunities available.

Again he assured the students of government’s support for the emerging industry and said it is in that light that COVETE has been charged with the responsibility of helping citizens through its formulated policies.
The Principal Human Resource and Administrative Officer of the Ghana  National Petroleum Corporation, GNPC, Edward Appiah-Brafoh, noted that following the  first commercial discovery  in 2007, it  is being anticipated that the country would move to another level. He said it is exciting to see young men and women get into the oil business.
Again he said that contractors that have signed agreement with the GNPC are doing well in various areas and commended AFREN Energy Ghana Limited for taking a step in the right direction.

Mr. Appiah- Brafoh noted that as prescribed by the “Local Content” Ghanaians must be empowered to utilize and to take charge of the oil industry. He said most tertiary students have gone through similar training and advised that courses are organized for  non engineering students.

The Public Relations Officer of AFREN Energy, Efua Odunton, stated that the programme is to improve the capacity of students and to give opportunity to students for development and capacity building. Ms. Odunton noted that AFREN Energy is an African focused company which has been in Ghana since 2007, which currently has exploration access at Keta area in the Volta Region.

The Oil and Gas fundamental Class is an AFREN Energy Ghana Limited sponsored initiative in partnership with Mitsui & Co.Ltd and the Business Performance Institute.