Oil and gas opportunities in 5 new blocks in offshore Ghana were promoted by the country’s energy minister, officials, and industry chiefs in the only event of its kind in the UK. Aberdeen was chosen as the destination to promote five farm-in blocks in Europe on the roadshow due to the profusion of expertise, educational links and relationship with SABA.
H.E. Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, who has held the energy brief for Ghana’s government since January last year, led the trade delegation. The group also included Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Chief Executive Opoku-Ahweneeh Danquah, Petroleum Commission CEO Egbert Faibille and rights holders for offshore farm-in blocks.
H.E. Dr Prempeh ‘s visit to the Granite City attracted plenty of interest from SABA members and north-east firms.
The delegation was organised and coordinated through SABA which saw the itinerary focus on meeting with the supply chain and training providers who could contribute to the development of the blocks and the wider Ghanaian energy sector.
H.E. Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Ghana’s Energy Minister, said: “I studied in Glasgow and know that Scottish people are people you can trust. We chose Aberdeen, as it is the energy hub of Europe. The first thing I saw on arrival at the airport in Aberdeen was an advert for skills training in Aberdeen, we in Ghana need this to be constantly in our thoughts.”
During the first day the focus turned to two Ghanaian O&G operators, GOIL Offshore and Base Energy, who are looking for the Scottish supply chain to assist in the development of their blocks.
SABA members benefited from private meetings with the delegation, including the Minister and operators, including Quanta EPC, The Projects Team, Aberdeen Drilling School – who are finalising a partnership with Takoradi Technical College and University of Dundee.
- “Thank you for organising the meetings, from this I now have a contact with GNPC who I have been wanting to speak with for a long time. I also spoke with all the operators and hoping for future business.” - The Projects Team
- My huge thanks to the Scottish Africa Business Association for organising for us to make this presentation to H.E. Dr Matthew Prempeh.” - University of Dundee
- Very well organised and pitched at just the right level so we could have some meaningful conversations (ADS)
As a result, SABA has been requested to organise a highly targeted trade mission for members and to host future incoming delegations to match with members companies and well as ongoing company matching services in conjunction with organisations in Ghana.
The meetings on the second morning were hosted by the Scottish Africa Business Association, in partnership with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC). The Scottish Chambers of Commerce have a new focus on Africa and requested ongoing support from SABA.
One-to-one meetings with members of the delegation were fully subscribed and resulted in a waiting list.
The format attracted 100 attendees with 12 SABA member companies represented. 40 private meetings with the delegation were arranged with the Minister reiterating his wishes that the Scottish supply chain have a more prominent role in Ghana’s energy sector and promised to make himself available to enable this.
Scottish Chambers of Commerce International Trade Director, Seona Shand: “The Oil & Gas sector is Ghana has experienced considerable growth, with the prices of petroleum commodities regulated by an independent board. Ghana’s ministry of energy is keen to meet UK operators, energy supply chain companies and those involved in skills and training, as part of its announcement of investment projects for the next three years.”
Over the remaining days of the trip SABA member companies were invited to host the Minister and delegation at their premises with:
Baker Hughes hosted GOIL Offshore to discuss their subsea offering and speak about the Scottish supply chain
Base Energy hosted by Aberdeen Drilling School to learn more about their training offering
GA-R&D hosted the Petroleum Commission to demonstrate their new drilling technology
Xodus met privately with GOIL offshore
Following the trade delegation feedback has been positive with several companies joining SABA after seeing the value we can bring. Member feedback is a key marker of any successful activity:
- “Meetings went really well, really appreciate SABA’s support during and after the event” - Xodus Group
- “I’ve got several follow up actions and meetings from the event. Thank you for a superbly organised event. I met some very senior people, and our discussions were excellent” - ASCO World
- “We didn’t know where to turn for support in Africa so are very grateful to find SABA” - Yata Payments
SABA then met privately with the Minister to discuss next steps which will include:
· Direct member engagement with local supply chain companies in Ghana
· A targeted trade mission to Ghana for supply chain and training organisations
· Focussed sector visits from Ghanaian companies, particularly around supply chain and skills training
· An MoU between the Ministry and SABA for local content training
· An online round table focussed on insurance services for the offshore sector
SABA will be releasing details of trade missions and follow up meetings in due course with members having priority access.
Recent coverage https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/business/local/4807387/ghanas-energy-minister-to-promote-oil-and-gas-opportunities-for-north-east-firms/