Cabinet approves Downstream Petroleum policy

The Akufo-Addo led administration has approved a policy on Ghanaian Content and Participation in the Downstream Petroleum Industry in Ghana.

The policy is intended to ensure a Ghanaian-driven and Ghanaian-owned petroleum downstream industry capable of attracting increased local value-added investments and enhanced job opportunities as well as indigenous knowledge, expertise and technology in the industry for overall benefit to Ghanaians.

Addressing the press in Accra on Sunday, 17 March 2019, the Minister of Information, Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, said: “The new policy framework covers areas such as trading, shipping and bulk distribution of petroleum products; infrastructure development in the petroleum sector such as construction of port discharge facilities, processing and petrochemical plants.

“The rest include supply of petroleum to strategic sectors of the economy as well as general procurement of goods and services for the downstream industry.

“Though there has been significant progress in the role and participation of Ghanaians in some of the downstream activities, the government believes there is still a lot more space for Ghanaian participation, retention of profits and hard currency, development of skills and expertise and increased job creation locally”, he added.

According to available information, Energy Minister John Peter Amewu will subsequently provide more details on the policy nuances per activity.

A Petroleum Downstream Ghanaian Content committee would consequently also be established under the NPA to supervise, coordinate, administer, monitor and manage the development of local content in the downstream industry.

Mr Nkrumah said the government believes efforts such as these will assist in strengthening the Ghanaian economy as well as ensuring that Ghana’s economy is bolstered.