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President Akufo-Addo inaugurates GNPC Operational Headquarters In Takoradi
In a landmark event that signifies a monumental step forward for Ghana’s oil and gas industry, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially commissioned the new Operational Headquarters of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) on Thursday, August 1.
This event not only celebrates the culmination of a project that began four years ago but also underscores the government’s commitment to decentralizing development and ensuring that all regions benefit equitably from the nation’s resources.
In his address, President Akufo-Addo reflected on the significance of this new facility, describing it as a fulfillment of a promise he made to the chiefs and people of the Western Region during his 2016 presidential campaign.
The President emphasized that the establishment of the GNPC headquarters in Takoradi is more than just a fulfillment of a campaign promise; stating that it is a strategic move to bring development closer to the communities that contribute significantly to Ghana’s wealth through their land and sea resources.
“This is a very happy day for the Western Region, for Mother Ghana and, indeed, for me personally,” President Akufo-Addo declared.
“The realization of this promise is proof of my government’s determination to ensure that the development and benefits of Ghana’s natural resources are felt by the people whose land and sea contribute so significantly to the nation’s wealth,” he said.
“The construction of the state-of-the-art facility faced numerous challenges, including the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and various logistical and financial hurdles. Despite these obstacles, the project persevered, thanks to strategic planning and the unwavering support of the people of the Western Region,” he added.
President Akufo-Addo extended his gratitude to all who played a part in bringing the project to fruition, including the Regional Minister, Hon. Kobby Okyere Darko Mensah, the Western Regional House of Chiefs, and the Regional Lands Commission.
“This new headquarters is strategically positioned to serve as the hub for GNPC’s operations, 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 situating this facility in Takoradi, which include enhanced operational efficiency and closer collaboration with domestic stakeholders.
Furthermore, President Akufo-Addo lauded the widespread investments made by GNPC through its Foundation, which has been headquartered in Takoradi for the past seven years. He pointed out 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 health, education, and sanitation infrastructure, as well as support for artisan training and other social impact programs.
The President Akufo-Addo also underscored the broader vision of transforming GNPC into a world-class national oil company capable of competing on the global stage.
The President stressed the importance of environmental and social responsibility in the exploitation of petroleum resources. He urged GNPC and other industry stakeholders to continue working collaboratively with local communities, environmental groups, and regulatory bodies to implement best practices that minimize environmental impact. “We owe it to future generations to manage our resources sustainably,” he stated, emphasizing 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 the continued capacity building of local businesses and professionals to ensure they can benefit meaningfully from the sector.
As he concluded his speech, President Akufo-Addo expressed his sincere gratitude to the chiefs and people of the Western Region for their support and patience. He congratulated the management and staff of GNPC on this remarkable achievement and officially declared the “GNPC Energy House” commissioned.
He said, “May this new headquarters serve as a beacon of excellence, innovation, and progress in Ghana’s oil and gas industry,” President Akufo-Addo said. “May God bless the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, and us all, and may God bless our homeland Ghana, and make her great and strong.”
The new headquarters, a seven-storey modern office complex with a basement, is equipped with Smart Office Management Systems and various high-technology specifications.
It includes a 300-seater auditorium, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, and a business center on the ground floor, and is designed to achieve energy efficiency and meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification.
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 job opportunities that will arise from GNPC’s presence, ranging from administrative roles to technical positions. The increased economic activity is also anticipated to stimulate local businesses, contributing to the overall economic growth of the region.
The commissioning of the GNPC headquarters marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s journey towards harnessing its natural resources for sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Troubled and anxious citizens in Damongo of the Savannah Region have expressed concerns about the number of young people, believed to be under the age of 18, involved in ‘shisha’ smoking in pubs and drinking spots within the township.
Eyewitnesses say the minors were seen patronising nightlife venues, where Shisha smoking happen in the open.
The situation has sparked renewed public concern over the enforcement of child protection laws and regulations governing the operations of entertainment centres in the municipality and country as a whole.
An eyewitness, who spoke to The Spectator on conditions of anonymity for security reasons, noted that the situation was becoming increasingly common.
“This is not a one-off incident. It is becoming very common, but residents like us cannot openly report or speak about it because our lives will be at risk,” he said.
Under Ghanaian law, minors were prohibited from patronising Shisha.
Public health experts have consistently warned that shisha use exposes users to harmful substances that can negatively affect brain development, respiratory health, and overall well-being, particularly among young people.
The residents believe the alleged incidents point to broader challenges relating to youth supervision, substance abuse, and weak enforcement of existing regulations and have called on municipal authorities, security agencies, and regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring of pubs and entertainment centres to ensure compliance with the law.
In an effort to address the menace, Mr Salisu Be-Awurbi, the Savannah Regional Minister, has led public education campaigns, engaged security agencies, and supported enforcement actions to address the rising use of illicit substances in the region.
Wura Kelly Seidu Boresah I, the Chief of Damongo, has also called on all stakeholders including parents, community leaders, institutions, and young people to actively support efforts to curb drug abuse, warning that the rising consumption of hard drugs poses a serious health threat to the future of the youth in the Savannah Region.
He also cautioned individuals involved in the sale and distribution of illicit drugs to immediately desist from the practice, stressing that offenders will face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law.
From Geoffrey Buta, Damongo, Savannah Region
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Dr Theresa Baffour, an advocate for ending violence and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SAHM SAHW Foundation, has said that society plays a critical and pivotal role in breaking the cycle of domestic violence.
According to her, domestic violence is a major contributor of making women, who are mostly the victims, mentally derailed and unable to engage in economic activities.
She said this when the foundation called on the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, to solicit support for the initiative by the “Strong and Healthy Minds, Strong and Healthy Women” (SAHM SAHW) to combat domestic violence within the Ga State.
The visit was occasioned by the fact that domestic violence cases have become quite prevalent in the Ga communities and is retarding growth.
According to her, the canker was an impediment to national development because the victims were usually tortured and would have to go through series of therapies to return to the right state of mind.
Dr Baffour mentioned that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) places a mental toll on women, and was, therefore, important to break the cycle through comprehensive mental health support, crisis intervention and empowerment programmes in communities with high rates of GBV.
This intervention, she underscored, would help in empowering the denigrated victim of domestic violence to soundly heal, build and thrive.
Dr Baffour added that the initiative would provide holistic, trauma-informed mental health care and advocacy for young women affected by domestic violence.
According to her, the above statement would create safe spaces for healing and equipping them with entrepreneurial skills for renewed hope and empowered life.
The Ga Mantse pledged his support for the laudable initiative to combat domestic violence and also acknowledged the need to address it in the Ga State.
Further endorsement came from Justice Julia Naa-Yarley Adjei Amoah, Chief of Staff at the Office of the Ga Mantse, as she commended the team of SAHM SAHW Foundation for taking a bold step to end the canker in the Greater Accra.
She added that it was a step in the right direction to save vulnerable women from torture, stress and emotional abuse.
By Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah
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