Nzema Youth demand key energy sector appointments for qualified indigenes

The Nzema Youth has called on President John Dramani Mahama to ensure that key leadership positions in the energy sector, particularly the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas) and the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, are reserved for qualified Nzema professionals.

In a statement, the group emphasized that their demand is rooted in the Local Content Law and Policy (Oil & Gas), which prioritizes the employment of indigenes in the petroleum industry.

They expressed concerns over the lack of Nzema representation in top energy sector appointments, highlighting that, for the first time since Ghana discovered oil in commercial quantities, neither the Energy Minister nor their Deputy hails from the Western Region.

According to the Nzema Youth, the Western Region—particularly the Nzema land—has been at the centre of Ghana’s oil and gas industry, with the Jubilee Fields and the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant playing pivotal roles in national development.

Despite this, they argue that the employment opportunities at Ghana Gas have systematically excluded Nzema youth, a trend they claim worsened under the leadership of Dr. Ben Asante.

They further expressed opposition to the rumoured appointment of Ing. Dr. Robert Lartey as the next Ghana Gas CEO, stating that his tenure as Operations Manager contributed to their alienation from the company.

They warned that his appointment would further deepen the marginalization of Nzema youth in the energy sector.

The group, therefore, urged President Mahama to appoint competent Nzema professionals to top energy sector roles, arguing that such a move would promote regional balance, equity, and inclusivity in national governance.

They reaffirmed their commitment to Ghana’s progress but insisted that the Nzema people’s contributions to the country’s energy sector must be duly recognized and rewarded through strategic leadership appointments.