Ghana Gas empowers Journalists through strategic media training in Takoradi

A strategic initiative to shape public perception

In a significant step toward strengthening its relationship with the media and enhancing public understanding of the gas sector, the Ghana National Gas Company Limited (Ghana Gas) organized a one-day training programme for journalists on August 22, 2025. Held at the Palms Hotel in Takoradi, Western Region, the session was themed “Media’s Role in Shaping Perception: Overview of Ghana Gas Company Limited.”

The training was spearheaded by the Corporate Affairs Department of Ghana Gas and aimed to deepen media professionals’ understanding of the gas industry, including its operations, safety measures, and community involvement.

A commitment to informed Journalism

Opening the session, Judith Adjobah Blay, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Gas, emphasized the importance of accurate and informed journalism in shaping public opinion about the gas industry.

“The participants, mainly journalists, are now well-equipped with factual information to report responsibly about Ghana Gas. This empowerment enables the media to deliver accurate and impactful energy news,” she said.

She also provided context about the company’s inception, highlighting that Ghana Gas was born to commercialize gas at a time when Ghana had no policy on gas flaring. The company’s mandate includes the gathering, processing, transportation, and marketing of gas.

Training amid a strategic shutdown

Interestingly, the training coincided with a 10-day scheduled maintenance shutdown of the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant. CEO Adjobah Blay noted that this timing was strategic, allowing the company to reinforce its commitment to transparency while maintaining operational integrity.

Solomon Daisie Gyenfie, Assistant Manager of Engineering and Maintenance, elaborated further:

“The shutdown is akin to a health check-up — an investment in the safety, reliability, and integrity of our processing plant.”

Deep dive into Ghana’s gas value chain

Benjamin Buabeng Acheampong from the Commercial Department provided an in-depth look at Ghana’s gas value chain and the company’s aggregator role. He explained the journey of Ghana Gas since its establishment in 2011, detailing the commissioning of critical facilities and the broader scope of the petroleum sector in which the company operates.

Community engagement and land use challenges

John Kofi Fayemi, who focused on Ghana Gas’ community engagement and compensation frameworks, addressed sensitive issues such as land acquisition, buffer zones, and the urgent need to halt illegal mining (galamsey) activities near Ghana Gas installations.

“We cannot compromise the safety and operational integrity of our infrastructure. We must secure social licenses from project communities and ensure proper legal ownership of lands used,” he urged.

Strategic expansion and financial transparency

Leo Akufo Kwapong highlighted Ghana Gas’s expanding role in the energy ecosystem, especially its involvement in the Cash Waterfall Mechanism — a system that ensures equitable distribution of revenue across the energy value chain.

He also announced progress on a second Gas Processing Plant, underscoring Ghana Gas’s strategic drive to meet growing energy demands and create a resilient national gas infrastructure.

Building a stronger Media-Ghana Gas Partnership

Concluding the training, Richard Ernest Kirk-Mensah, Head of Corporate Affairs, reiterated Ghana Gas’s commitment to open communication with the media.

“We are dedicated to building a transparent and collaborative relationship with the media. Together, we can tell the story of Ghana Gas and its vision in a way that inspires national development.”

The path forward

The Takoradi training programme marked a pivotal moment in Ghana Gas’s media engagement strategy. By educating journalists and promoting transparency, the company not only demystified its operations but also strengthened its role as a responsible corporate citizen. The message was clear: informed journalism can be a powerful tool in supporting national development through energy literacy and responsible reporting.