President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially commissioned the new Operational Headquarters of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) in Takoradi, emphasizing its role in ensuring fair distribution of benefits from Ghana’s natural resources.
The inauguration on Thursday, 1st August, marks a significant milestone for Ghana’s oil and gas industry, underscoring the government’s commitment to decentralizing development across all regions.
In his address, President Akufo-Addo reflected on the facility’s strategic importance, fulfilling a promise made during his 2016 campaign to the people of the Western Region.
He highlighted that beyond campaign commitments, the GNPC headquarters in Takoradi represents a deliberate effort to bring development closer to communities crucial to Ghana’s economic prosperity through land and sea resources.
“This is a joyous day for the Western Region, for Ghana, and personally for me,” President Akufo-Addo declared.
“The realization of this promise demonstrates my government’s resolve to ensure that the benefits of Ghana’s natural resources directly benefit those whose contributions are significant to our nation’s wealth.”
The construction of the state-of-the-art facility faced challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical complexities, yet was completed through strategic planning and support from Western Region stakeholders.
President Akufo-Addo thanked all involved, including Regional Minister Hon. Kobby Okyere Darko Mensah, the Western Regional House of Chiefs, and the Regional Lands Commission.
The new headquarters is situated as a hub for GNPC’s operations in the Western Region and is expected to drive local economic growth through job creation and enhanced business opportunities.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted GNPC’s ongoing community investments over the past seven years, which have focused on health, education, and infrastructure development in the Western Region.
The seven-story GNPC Energy House features advanced technology and environmental efficiency, including Smart Office Management Systems and LEED Certification.
President Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of sustainable resource management and urged collaboration between GNPC, local communities, and environmental groups to minimize ecological impact.
Looking forward, President Akufo-Addo called for increased local participation in the oil and gas industry and advocated for continued capacity building to maximize sector benefits for Ghanaian businesses and professionals.
President Akufo-Addo commended the Western Region for its support, congratulated GNPC on the milestone, and officially commissioned the GNPC Energy House.
“May this headquarters stand as a symbol of excellence and progress in Ghana’s oil and gas sector,” President Akufo-Addo stated. “May God bless GNPC, our nation Ghana, and guide us towards sustainable development and prosperity.”
The inauguration of the GNPC headquarters signifies a pivotal step in Ghana’s journey to harness its natural resources for sustainable and inclusive growth.
