Abundant Hayford Aggrey urges John Mahama to protect oil skills initiative

Abundant Hayford Aggrey, the National President of the Women and Youth in Oil, Gas and Green Transition (WOGGT), has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to protect the Presidential Oil and Gas Skills Initiative from political interference. Aggrey emphasized that for the program to achieve its intended goals, it must be shielded from partisan influence that could undermine its effectiveness and credibility in the energy sector. The initiative is a strategic effort to build local capacity by providing Ghanaian youth and women with specialized training and internationally recognized technical and safety certifications. These certifications are vital for individuals seeking to enter the upstream oil and gas sector, which often requires high-level technical proficiency that meets global standards. By focusing on these demographics, the program aims to promote inclusivity and ensure that the benefits of the nation's natural resources are accessible to a broader segment of the population. Advocates for the initiative argue that maintaining its integrity is crucial for Ghana’s broader economic objectives, including the promotion of local content and the successful navigation of the green energy transition. By urging the President to prioritize the independence of such training programs, WOGGT highlights the importance of institutional stability. This move is seen as essential for fostering a workforce that is prepared to meet the evolving demands of the global energy landscape while driving national development.