GNPC CEO Highlights Technical Universities' Key Role in Oil and Gas Sector Capacity Building.
The CEO of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Mr. Joseph Dadzie, has underscored the crucial role of technical universities in developing the human capital needed for the country's oil and gas industry. During a recent meeting with a delegation from Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Gabriel Dwomoh, Mr. Dadzie highlighted the need for well-trained professionals to drive the sector's growth.
The meeting focused on strengthening the partnership between GNPC and KsTU, with the university requesting GNPC's support in establishing a simulation lab for its Oil and Gas Department. Mr. Joseph Dadzie reaffirmed GNPC's commitment to supporting technical universities, recognizing their vital contribution to enhancing industry capabilities.
Mr. Dadzie outlined GNPC's vision to foster innovation and research through collaborations with academia, citing the ongoing GNPC Professorial Chairs Initiative as a testament to this strategy. He further emphasized the pivotal role of the GNPC Research and Technology Centre (RaTC) in advancing research and technology within the Corporation and facilitating knowledge transfer between GNPC and universities.
Further solidifying GNPC's dedication to fostering knowledge exchange, Mr. Dadzie announced that GNPC has already implemented a program where experienced staff serve as guest lecturers at various tertiary institutions across Ghana. He expressed GNPC's willingness to extend this practice to KsTU, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry experience.
Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, Mr. Dadzie advocated for gender inclusion in the oil and gas sector. He underlined GNPC's readiness to partner with KsTU to promote technical courses for women, emphasizing GNPC's commitment to supporting women pursuing STEM education through its scholarship program managed by the GNPC Foundation.
Echoing GNPC's commitment to gender equality, Professor Dwomoh highlighted KsTU's scholarship program designed to encourage more girls to pursue STEM courses at the university. He expressed hope that GNPC could further enhance this initiative.
The meeting concluded with KsTU extending an invitation to Mr. Joseph Dadzie to be a guest speaker at its upcoming 70th-anniversary celebration in July. Professor Dwomoh stated that Mr. Dadzie's extensive industry knowledge and experience make him an ideal choice to bridge the skills gap between academia and industry, providing valuable insights for the next generation of oil and gas professionals.
The KsTU delegation included Dr. Prince Owusu Appiah (Head of the Oil and Gas Department) and Professor Abena Obri Yeboah (Pro-Vice Chancellor). Representing GNPC at the meeting were Kwesi Krasi Eyiah (General Manager of Research & Data), Alex Kwarteng (General Manager of Projects), Michael Aryeetey (Manager of Exploration & Appraisal), and Ben Nti (Manager of Risk & Insurance).