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On Thursday, August 1, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially opened the new operational headquarters of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), a milestone that marks a major step forward for Ghana’s oil and gas industry.
The event not only celebrated the completion of a project launched four years ago, but also underscored the government’s commitment to decentralised development and ensuring that all regions benefit equitably from national resources.
In his speech, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the significance of the new facility, saying it was the fulfilment of a promise he made to the chiefs and people of the Western Region during his 2016 presidential campaign.
The President stressed that the establishment of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation headquarters in Takoradi was not just the fulfilment of a campaign promise, but a strategic move to bring development closer to the communities that have contributed significantly to Ghana’s wealth through its land and marine resources.
“This is a very happy day for the Western Region, for Mother Ghana and indeed for me personally,” said President Akufo-Addo. “The fulfilment of this promise is a testament to my Government’s resolve to ensure that the development and benefits of Ghana’s natural resources trickle down to the people, as the land and sea contribute so much to the wealth of the country.”
The construction of this state-of-the-art facility faced numerous challenges, including the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and various logistical and financial obstacles. Despite these obstacles, the project persisted thanks to strategic planning and the unwavering support of the people of the Western Region.
President Akufo-Addo thanked all those who contributed to bringing the project to fruition, including the Regional Minister, Kobby Okyere Darko Mensah, the Western Regional House of Chiefs and the Regional Land Commission.
“The new headquarters is strategically positioned to become the operational hub for GNPC, particularly in the Western Region which remains the epicentre of Ghana’s oil and gas industry,” the President noted.
He highlighted the practical benefits of locating the facility in Takoradi, including improved operational efficiency and closer collaboration with stakeholders in the country.
The establishment of the headquarters is expected to have a significant economic impact on the local community.
President Akufo-Addo outlined the direct and indirect employment opportunities that the NNPC’s presence will bring, including administrative and technical positions. The increase in economic activity is also expected to stimulate the development of local businesses and boost overall economic growth in the region.
In addition, President Akufo-Addo also commended the extensive investments made by GNPC through its Foundation, which has been based in Takoradi for the past seven years. He noted that the Western Region continues to be a major beneficiary of the Foundation’s initiatives in community development and capacity building, including the provision of medical, educational and sanitation infrastructure, as well as support for artisan training and other social impact programmes.
In his speech, President Akufo-Addo also stressed the broader vision of transforming the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation into a world-class national oil company that can compete on the international stage. The new headquarters is a seven-storey modern office building with a basement, equipped with a smart office management system and various high-tech specifications.
Its ground floor includes a 300-seat auditorium, a gymnasium, a cafeteria and a business center, and is designed to be energy efficient and meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
The President stressed the importance of environmental and social responsibility in the extraction of petroleum resources. He urged GNPC and other industry stakeholders to continue working with local communities, environmental groups and regulators to implement best practices to minimize environmental impacts.
“We have a responsibility to future generations to manage our resources sustainably,” he said, stressing the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Additionally, President Akufo-Addo called for a renewed focus on local content and participation in the oil and gas industry, urging continued capacity building of local businesses and professionals to ensure they are able to reap tangible benefits from the industry.
President Akufo-Addo concluded his speech by expressing his sincere gratitude to the chiefs and people of the Western Region for their support and patience. He congratulated the management and employees of NNPC for this extraordinary achievement and officially declared the “NNPC Energy House” operational.
“May this new headquarters serve as a beacon of excellence, innovation and progress for Ghana’s oil and gas industry. May God bless Ghana National Petroleum Corporation and all of us, and may God bless our motherland Ghana and make her great and strong,” said President Akufo-Addo.
The commissioning of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation headquarters marks an important step for Ghana on its path to achieving sustainable development and inclusive growth through the use of natural resources.
Source: presidentialency.gov.gh
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