President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stated that the establishment of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) Energy House in the Western Region should act as a catalyst for enhancing operational efficiency and driving economic growth in the area.
The President emphasised the government’s commitment to its decentralisation agenda, ensuring that every region benefits from the country’s abundant resources. He made these remarks while commissioning the GNPC Energy House, a facility that includes a 300-seater conference room, offices, a cafeteria, and a business centre for use by the corporation and other stakeholders in the petroleum sector.
Located on over 11,000 square meters of land on the Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) Lane in the Railway Harbour Electoral Area of Takoradi, the seven-storey facility was initiated in August 2020. Despite logistical and financial challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was successfully completed.
“Through perseverance, we have come this far, and I appreciate the Western Regional Minister, the chiefs, Lands Commission, and the leadership of the GNPC, the contractors, and the project management team for their crucial role in achieving this feat,” President Akufo-Addo said.
He noted that the GNPC Energy House would serve as an epicenter to enhance sector activities, create direct and indirect job opportunities, and boost the economic lives of people in the region and across the country. The President expressed hope that the Energy House would stimulate business expansions, bolster the hospitality sector, and spur further economic development.
He emphasized the importance of a robust energy sector, where advanced skills and technologies are harnessed to build the capabilities and skills of local talents and businesses, serving as a beacon of excellence, innovation, and hope in Ghana’s oil and gas industry.
President Akufo-Addo also highlighted the efforts of the GNPC Foundation, with its focus on Health, Education, TVET, and Sanitation, as a clear indication of its mandate to foster human resource growth and development. He advocated for environmentally sustainable practices and social protection measures to ensure the industry benefits future generations.
“Work collaboratively with local citizens, regulatory bodies, and relevant stakeholders to advance our natural ecosystem,” he urged.
Mr. Herbert Krapa, Minister of State at the Energy Ministry, remarked on the successful exploration and extraction efforts at oil wells such as Jubilee, TEN, and Sankofa. He noted the sector’s steady increase in production and pledged the Ministry’s commitment to working with stakeholders to further strengthen oil production.
Mr. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, Western Regional Minister, acknowledged the government’s fulfillment of promises in the areas of education, health, and infrastructure. The region has benefited from 2,000-kilometer road projects, increased school enrollment from 13,000 to 650,000 under the free Senior High School initiative, and hospital redevelopment and construction projects.
“Mr. President, this is a testament to your love for the Region…you are truly Addo Showboy,” Mr. Darko-Mensah said to applause from the audience.
Source: GNA
