The Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) says government expects young men and women in the oil and gas enclave to come out with business development plans to create job opportunities for themselves in the industry.

The centre has, therefore, identified job openings in the oil and gas sector such as catering services, hotel accommodation, waste management, insurance and warehousing.

Mr Yen Sapark, Manager, Training, Development and Research of EDC made this known while addressing 86 participants of the youth at the Ellembelle District during an oil and gas exhibition at Aiyinasi in the Western Region.

It was on the theme: "Enhancing Opportunities for Ghanaian Small and Medium Enterprises in the Oil and Gas Industry."

It was sponsored by Tullow Oil Ltd, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Kosmos Energy, Anadarko and Government.

Mr Sapark said his outfit is poised to guide and direct the youth with the requisite qualification to be absorbed in the oil and gas industry.

The programme, therefore, took participants through steps such as creating their own businesses through self initiatives, strategic thinking and entrepreneurial skills.

He said the youth could not sit unconcerned and expect government to bring jobs in the oil and gas industry to their doorsteps with the “funny feeling” that the industry is on their soil and must benefit from it at all cost.

In an interview with Ghana News Agency, Mr Stephen Adinyina, a participant, appealed to the District Assembly to have an oversight responsibility over the required manpower in the oil and gas sector, so that those with the requisite qualification are absorbed.

He also called for a regulatory body to monitor the welfare of workers in the sector so that their human rights are not trampled upon.