Andy Darko writes: Ghana’s energy future needs a united workforce
As a petroleum engineer deeply embedded in this industry, I believe it’s time for Ghana to rally its energy professionals into a collective force that amplifies their voices, fosters collaboration, and drives sustainable growth
Ghana stands at a critical juncture in its energy journey. With a vibrant mix of hydropower, oil and gas, and a growing renewable sector, and the ambitious Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, our nation has the potential to lead Africa’s energy landscape.
Yet, to unlock this potential, we must cultivate a strong, unified energy workforce, modelled on the principles of advocacy, workforce development, and innovation.
As a petroleum engineer deeply embedded in this industry, I believe it’s time for Ghana to rally its energy professionals into a collective force that amplifies their voices, fosters collaboration, and drives sustainable growth.
The need for a unified voice
Our energy sector employs thousands, though exact numbers remain elusive due to fragmented data. Estimates suggest that the upstream oil and gas sector alone supports around 8,000 direct jobs, with countless more in oil and gas, power generation, distribution, and renewables.
But how many of these workers feel their voices are heard? Too often, their expertise is overshadowed by political decisions made without technical grounding. In our part of the world, we have seen policies shaped by politicians while engineers, geologists, and field workers – those who understand the nooks and crannies of the job – are sidelined.
Imagine a Ghana where these workers unite under a single banner, advocating for policies that reflect their on-the-ground realities. A workforce with a collective voice could push for fair regulations, better safety standards, and investment in cutting-edge technologies, priorities that benefit both companies and communities.
Workforce development: empowering the next generation
Ghana’s energy sector is evolving with our oil fields, hydropower, and solar projects demanding a workforce equipped with modern expertise. Yet, many of our technical training programmes lag behind global standards. We need robust development initiatives, scholarships, apprenticeships, and leadership courses to prepare young Ghanaians for roles in drilling, grid management, and renewable innovation as the world is transitioning. A strong workforce is not just about numbers; it’s about capability. By investing in education and training, we can transform our youth into a powerhouse of talent, ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.
Innovation Through Collaboration
Innovation thrives when knowledge flows freely. In some parts of Ghana’s energy ecosystem, we are seeing glimmers of this. Operators are beginning to share well data with service companies, saying, “Hey, take a look at this—any suggestions?” This partnership between operators and service providers unprecedented in its openness marks a shift toward a more collaborative industry. Imagine scaling this across Ghana, companies pooling insights to optimize production, reduce costs, and minimise environmental impact. In a world where operators and service firms partner more than ever, we could accelerate discoveries, refine technologies, and position Ghana as a hub of energy ingenuity.
A Call to Action
Again I ask, how many workers do we have in Ghana’s energy industry? The truth is, we do not know precisely—another sign of the need for a cohesive body to track, support, and empower them. What we do know is this: their potential is vast, but their influence is muted. Students dreaming of energy careers, professors moulding minds, engineers solving problems, and workers in the field—let’s build a movement. Let’s create a platform where Ghana’s energy workforce speaks as one, driving advocacy, skills, and innovation.
A Ghanaian EWTC-like body could amplify these voices, bridging the gap between technical know-how and policy-making. By fostering partnerships and empowering its workforce, Ghana can build an energy sector that’s not just strong but world-class, ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges today.
Andy Darko, Petroleum Engineer, Business Development and Operations
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