Dr. Patrick Ofori, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), has underscored the critical gap in research and contextualization within Ghana’s petroleum sector.

He said this during a panel discussion at the Ghana International Petroleum Conference 2024. He lamented the scarcity of local research initiatives, citing a single book sponsored by the World Bank as the sole comprehensive study on skill gap analysis specific to Ghana.

He said, “Without adequate research and tailored educational programs, the sector risks lagging behind in capacity building and technological adaptation.”

He reiterated the crucial linkage between upstream and downstream operations, emphasizing the cascading effects across the value chain.

Discussions pointed to similarities in trading dynamics between crude oil and refined products, underscoring the importance of standardized certification processes for pipeline construction personnel.

However, he raised concerns about the limited number of Ghanaian institutions equipped with internationally recognized certifications, hindering effective partnerships and capacity development.

Further, the forum explored issues of skill transfer and localization within multinational corporations operating in Ghana.

The CBOD CEO noted the imperative of clear roadmaps for transferring knowledge and empowering Ghanaian professionals to assume leadership roles.

The lack of emphasis on these aspects in downstream operations highlighted a significant gap in local content strategies, particularly in skill development and technology utilization.

Addressing these challenges, Dr. Ofori called for a cohesive national agenda that prioritizes local participation and skill development across all facets of the petroleum sector.

He stressed the need for proactive policies that not only mandate local content but also facilitate sustainable partnerships and technology transfer.

The conference was organised by the National Petroleum Authority, the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), and the Association of Oil Marketing Companies under the auspices of the Ministry of Energy.