President John Dramani Mahama has challenged oil and gas companies operating in Ghana to provide qualified local suppliers with greater access to contracts and opportunities in the petroleum industry.
He said the success of Ghana’s local content policy must be measured not merely by the number of Ghanaian companies participating in the industry, but by their ability to compete for complex contracts, acquire advanced skills and develop the capacity to deliver projects to international standards.
Addressing the 2026 Local Content Conference and Exhibition in Takoradi, President Mahama urged operators to give Ghanaian businesses early information about upcoming contracts to enable them to prepare and compete effectively.
He also called on international oil companies to make training and technology transfer an integral part of their partnerships with local businesses.
“Can more Ghanaian companies compete for complex contracts and deliver them to the required standard? Can young people here in the Western Region see a path from the classroom to skilled work in the oil and gas industry?” he asked.
The President emphasised that Ghanaian ownership remains an important component of the country’s local content policy but must be supported by deliberate efforts to build technical expertise, strengthen businesses and expand opportunities for local participation.
He further called on banks and other financial institutions to work with credible Ghanaian suppliers to address financing challenges that often prevent them from securing and executing larger contracts in the industry.
President Mahama also urged universities, technical institutions and professional bodies to collaborate with industry players to ensure that training programmes reflect the actual skills and competencies required by employers.
He said government, for its part, would work towards providing a stable and predictable investment environment while ensuring that the Petroleum Commission holds operators and contractors to clear standards.
The President further stressed the need for petroleum companies to engage host communities early, minimise adverse environmental and social impacts, and create meaningful opportunities for residents in areas where they operate.
He maintained that increased investment in the petroleum sector must translate into tangible benefits for Ghanaian workers, businesses and communities.
LISTEN TO PRESIDENT MAHAMA IN THE AUDIO BELOW 👇:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭