The Ghana National Gas Company Limited (Ghana Gas) has announced plans to conduct a comprehensive human resources audit, addressing increasing worries concerning overstaffing and soaring overhead costs.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Connect FM in Takoradi, Head of Corporate Affairs, Richard Kirk-Mensah said the audit aims to streamline the workforce and enhance operational efficiency.
Kirk-Mensah explained that due to current staffing concerns, the company has paused mass recruitment efforts.
“The audit’s findings will guide future recruitment decisions. At present, the perception is that Ghana Gas is overstaffed,” he noted, highlighting that the workforce has swelled to over 1,000 employees, significantly higher than the approximately 275 staff left by the previous administration in 2017.
Expansion Project to Boost Employment
Despite the staffing challenges, Kirk-Mensah expressed optimism about upcoming employment opportunities tied to the second phase of the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant.
Backed by President Mahama and Energy Minister John Jinapor, this expansion is expected to generate numerous jobs during its construction and operational phases.
“By all means possible, we will start construction of the second phase of the plant, creating many construction jobs and permanent roles thereafter. That is what we are all praying for,” he said.
The company is placing particular emphasis on hiring youth from the Western Region. However, he urged young people to pursue training and education in science, technical, and vocational fields to enhance their employability.
“Job placement won’t be an albatross after school if our youth focus on technical and scientific disciplines,” he noted.
Strategic Importance of Phase 2
The second phase involves constructing a new gas processing plant, GPP II, which will boost Ghana’s gas processing capacity above the current 120 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd).
This initiative aims to lessen dependency on imported liquid fuels and meet the increasing demand of power generation and industry.
An Implementation Committee established by the government is overseeing all aspects to ensure the successful delivery of this critical project.
By Abraham Mensah
