The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, GNPC, has disclosed it has commenced processes to relocate the company’s operations to Takoradi in the Western region.
According to the CEO of the GNPC, Dr. Kofi Koduah Sarpong, the outfit is embarking on this action to bring the development associated with the oil find and its operations, closer to the people of the Western region.
Dr. Koduah made the disclosure at the official opening of the Sankofa Gye Nyame oilfield in Takoradi on Thursday, July 6, 2017.
“GNPC is working to realize the President’s vision of seeing increased impact of operations in the Western region. In this regard, relocation of the operational activities to this region has commenced,” he said.
President Akufo Addo, ahead of the 2016 general elections promised to relocate the GNPC’s operations to the Western Region.
He explained that the move should bring development to the region which currently hosts the country’s three major oil production fields.
The Flagbearer of the NPP during the 2016 election campaign also believes that the eventual relocation should make the residents of the Western region benefit hugely from the commercial oil exploration.
Affirming the progress of work, Dr. Sarpong further said a proposed Foundation, scheduled to start next month [August], will also commence in the Western region.
Meanwhile he has impressed on other partners to join in providing solutions that will address the critical needs of the people residing in the Western region.
“Our partners are invited to join us to develop an industry with a wide CSR strategy that is more co-ordinated and targeted and highly responsive to the needs of the people…I can confirm that the GNPC Foundation will start operations in Sekondi-Takoradi, next month.”
The decision by the NPP government to relocate the operations of the GNPC to the Western region has however been met with mixed reaction from some industry watchers.
For the Campaign Coordinator for the Integrated Social Development Centre, Dr. Steve Manteaw, the move ought rather be replaced with the establishment of a petrochemical industry which will develop other ancillary businesses and foster economic growth.
In his view, the relocation of the businesses will largely be associated with the movement of staff and resources from the capital (Accra) to the Western region.
“When GNPC is relocated, no new jobs will be created for the people in the region because, GNPC will leave Accra along with its staff. No new jobs! It will be better to create the petrochemical industry in the region which will have a greater potential of employing more people as a result of the many ancillary works that will come along with it. The industrial parks and the likes should be the focus. That will create jobs and develop the region.” he explained.
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By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
