Oil Benefits to Drive Lasting Community Improvement - WR Regional Minister
By Mildred Siabi-Mensah
Takoradi, October 4, GNA - Mr. Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, has called on parties involved in the oil industry to make sure that the advantages of the sector reach the local communities.
The industry has imposed upon us the responsibility to ensure that the advantages of oil development result in tangible, long-term enhancements in local living standards and community welfare.
"That is why events like this are so important. They offer a venue to reflect, assess, and recommit our shared dedication to inclusive local content and sustainable regional development," he stated during the opening of the 2025 Local Content Conference Exhibition (LCCE), which is held each year by the Petroleum Commission.
This year's conference focuses on "Reinvigorating Ghana's Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Industry: Fostering Innovation and Reshaping Local Content to Build a Stronger Energy Economy."
The Regional Minister stated that enhancing exploration and production was, therefore, not only a national economic priority but also a crucial regional development necessity that required careful examination.
" It signifies more employment opportunities for our young people, additional contracts for local enterprises, and greater prospects for technical education, creativity, and enhancing value," Mr. Nelson emphasized.
The Area, he mentioned, served as the physical foundation of the oil industry, housing facilities, ports, manufacturing sites, and thousands of employees. When the sector was prosperous, its effects extended broadly—boosting communities, generating more chances, and solidifying the basis for collective well-being.
Ghana's Local Content and Local Participation Regulations, 2013 (L.I. 2204) were created to ensure that host communities, and consequently Ghanaians, gain direct advantages from the country's oil resources.
Mr. Nelson mentioned that, over the years, the nation has seen substantial progress in the involvement of Ghanaian firms across different parts of the supply chain; from catering and logistics to manufacturing, construction, and environmental services.
The official, nevertheless, highlighted the importance of expanding the range of local content to extend past agreements and purchasing processes.
He stated, "As we step into a new stage of industrial transformation, we need to connect it with human capital development, research and innovation, and community empowerment. I urge our industry partners to enhance cooperation with academic institutions to make them dynamic drivers of innovation and skill transfer."
"Local content should signify local empowerment, essentially the development of businesses, the reinforcement of institutions, and the improvement of communities living on the lands and in the waters where oil is extracted," he emphasized.
The Western Region, he mentioned, was experiencing the environmental and social consequences of these activities, and it was crucial that local communities be viewed not as passive observers, but as key participants and collaborators in the development process.
Mr. Nelson stated that the Regional Coordinating Council, working alongside the Petroleum Commission, would keep enhancing methods for community involvement, making sure that local communities were kept informed, involved in discussions, and aided via social investment programs (SIPs).
We have further strengthened our partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local District Assemblies to oversee environmental adherence and ensure that oil and gas activities meet the most rigorous levels of safety and sustainability.
The Minister for the Western Region called on all businesses functioning in the area to focus on environmental conservation, support community growth, and ensure transparent dialogue with local officials.
He praised the Petroleum Commission for establishing the annual Local Content Conference as a valuable forum for discussion and exchanging solutions.
The development of Ghana's oil and gas sector started with the identification of the Jubilee Field in 2007, followed by the launch of the TEN and Sankofa-Gye Nyame initiatives.
The area has remained at the heart of Ghana's energy evolution.
Senior Advisor at the Nigerian Local Content and Monitoring Board, Engineer Austin Uzoka, stated that local content should serve as a driver to minimize capital outflow by establishing a supply chain system that is highly competitive. He added, "Local content does not mean nationalization, but rather allows locals to own critical assets that impact procurement choices."
He advocated for genuine enhancement of local enterprises and particular areas within organizations, while maintaining unity among the community, industry, and government.
Engineer Uzoka stated, "Promoting local content should be based on a forward-looking perspective, partnerships with the government, industry cooperation, and focused skill development."
The two-day event is anticipated to draw over 1000 attendees representing local and global stakeholders, oil firms, regional service providers, investors, and academic institutions.
The event would center around local and global investment, technological advancement, policies promoting local content development, panel debates, networking opportunities for executives, and data presentations.
There would also be a display.
GNA
Edited by Justina Paaga and Christian Akorlie
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