Ghana is known for investor-friendly business climate, peace and political stability
General Manager for Upstream at the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), Philip Obita, has urged Ghana to seize emerging opportunities in West Africa’s energy landscape and position itself as the region’s leading petroleum hub.
Speaking during a panel discussion on Day 2 of the 12th Local Content Conference and Exhibition in Takoradi, Obita said Ghana holds a decisive competitive advantage over its neighbours, including Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, who are also vying for energy dominance.
He cited Ghana’s enduring peace, political stability, central geographic location, and investor-friendly business climate as key factors that make the country attractive for energy investments.
“Nigeria’s problem is the lack enabling environment. Ghana’s progressive policies and incentives will nurture a thriving petroleum hub. Nigeria also grapples with inadequate gas and power infrastructure. If Ghana capitalizes on these gaps, it will secure an unassailable competitive advantage,” he stated.
He also praised Ghana’s existing oil and gas infrastructure, describing it as a strong foundation for building next-generation facilities that could elevate the country into sub-regional leadership.
Obita welcomed the incentive packages presented by the acting CEO of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, saying they would spark investor interest, but warned that Ghana must act swiftly or risk being overtaken by competitors.
At the same forum, energy expert and Chief Executive Officer of Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, Dr Toni Aubynn addressed concerns about feedstock availability for the proposed Petroleum Hub, reinforcing confidence in its viability.
“You don’t need to produce oil to operate a world-class petroleum hub. Rotterdam produces no crude yet hosts one of the planet’s busiest and most profitable hubs. Singapore, which is the size of Accra, reclaimed land from the sea to build the world’s third-largest hub. They don’t produce a drop of oil. Malaysia tells a similar story; its Phase One alone employs over 80,000 people. The formula is simple: build world-class infrastructure, invite global crude, and let the market respond,” he said.
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Dr Aubynn also outlined the hub’s core and ancillary facilities, highlighting significant investment opportunities for both local and international players.
The Local Content Conference and Exhibition (LCCE), organised by the Petroleum Commission, was held under the theme: “Revitalising Ghana’s Exploration and Production Sector: Driving Innovation and Redefining Local Content for a Competitive Energy Economy.”
The event brought together government officials, industry leaders, and technical experts to chart a path for growth in Ghana’s oil and gas sector while deepening indigenous participation.
SA
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