Excerpt
The Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas) stands as a pivotal entity in Ghana’s energy sector, entrusted with the critical role of harnessing the nation’s natural gas resources to fuel economic growth and industrialization.
Purpose of Establishment
Incorporated in July 2011, Ghana Gas was established with a clear mandate: to build, own, and operate the infrastructure necessary for the gathering, processing, transportation, and marketing of natural gas resources within Ghana and beyond. This initiative was a strategic response to the discovery of significant petroleum and associated gas reserves in the Jubilee Field in 2007, aiming to commercialize these resources effectively.
Operations and Roles
Ghana Gas’s operations are centred on the efficient utilization of the country’s natural gas resources. The company’s responsibility is to produce lean gas, condensate, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and isopentanes. These products are essential for power generation and serve as feedstock for various industrial applications. A significant portion of the processed gas is supplied to the Volta River Authority (VRA) to support electricity generation, underscoring Ghana Gas’s role in ensuring energy security for the nation.
Leadership and Organizational Structure
At the helm of Ghana Gas is Dr. Ben K. D. Asante, serving as the Chief Executive Officer. The company’s leadership structure comprises various departments, each led by a General Manager responsible for specific operational areas:
- Human Resources: Alma-Leigh Mensah
- Procurement & Logistics: Benjamin Baidoo
- Administration and Facilities Management: Nana Yaa Konama Ofori-Atta
- Accounting & Treasury: Rene Stephen Nelson
- Technical Services: Robert Asmah
- Operations: Robert Kofi Lartey
- Commercial Operations: Stephen Borteye Jomo
- Commercial Legal: Sylvia Assimeng Archer
Offices and Units
Ghana Gas’s corporate headquarters is located in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. The company’s primary operational facility, the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, is situated in Atuabo in the Western Region. This strategic placement allows Ghana Gas to effectively manage its operations across the nation, ensuring the seamless processing and distribution of natural gas products.
Oversight and Appointments
As a state-owned enterprise, Ghana Gas operates under the oversight of the Government of Ghana. The appointment of key executives, including the Chief Executive Officer and Board members, is conducted by the government, ensuring alignment with national energy policies and strategic objectives. This governance structure is designed to uphold transparency, accountability, and adherence to the nation’s developmental goals.
Regulatory Framework and Constitutional Mandate
Ghana Gas’s operations are governed by the regulatory frameworks established by the Government of Ghana. The company’s mandate to gather, process, transport, and market natural gas is enshrined in its founding documents and aligns with national energy policies aimed at optimizing the utilization of Ghana’s natural resources for sustainable development.
Reforms and Indigenization Efforts
Under the leadership of Dr. Ben K. D. Asante
- Ghana Gas has embarked on significant reforms aimed at indigenizing its operations. A notable achievement is the successful transition to full operational control by Ghanaian engineers and technicians, reducing reliance on expatriate expertise. This move not only enhances local capacity but also results in substantial cost savings for the company.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Engagement
Ghana Gas is committed to contributing to the socio-economic development of communities within its operational areas. The company has implemented numerous Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects across all sixteen regions of Ghana, focusing on health, education, water and sanitation, roads, sports facilities, and security. To date, 152 projects have been completed, with an additional 301 projects ongoing, reflecting Ghana Gas’s dedication to improving the quality of life for Ghanaians nationwide.
References
- https://ghanatoday.gov.gh/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/State-of-the-Agencies-Report-Briefing-Ghana-Gas-2023.pdf
- https://www.myjoyonline.com/the-formation-of-ghana-national-gas-company/
- https://siga.gov.gh/sector/ghana-gas-company-limited/
- https://theorg.com/org/ghana-national-gas-company-limited/teams/operations-and-management