The Women in Oil and Gas (WIOG) organization is ramping up efforts to equip Ghanaian youth, especially women, with internationally recognised certifications and practical skills to access jobs in the country’s oil and gas industry.
Since its inception in 2016, WIOG has focused on bridging the gap between academic qualifications and industry requirements, recognising that many young people lack awareness of the certifications and safety standards essential for employment in the sector.
Speaking at an orientation workshop for members of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) in Accra, Mrs. Abundant Hayford Aggrey, National President of WIOG, emphasized that the oil and gas sector is largely certification-driven. She noted that even junior high school graduates who acquire the proper safety and professional certifications could secure employment opportunities.
The programme initially trained community youth through practical instruction delivered by certified professionals, awarding internal certificates that later helped participants secure internships with major oil and gas companies. WIOG later formalized the process with internationally recognized certifications, including the Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health (EOSH) credential. At the University of Ghana, Legon, 196 students participated in training, with 50–55 meeting the strict standards to become certified and eligible for industry work.
Mrs. Aggrey highlighted that the initiative aligns with the government’s Presidential Oil and Gas Absorption Initiative and the 24-hour economy agenda. Under the expansion, 400 slots have been reserved for NUGS members, with additional slots for traditional authorities, religious leaders, and the public. She stressed that the selection process would be merit-based and non-political.
The training programme includes practical preparation for offshore work, with the Ghana Navy providing pre-certification survival and swimming training, while the Energy Ministry and National Petroleum Authority (NPA) sponsor trainees.
Mr. Rashid Ibrahim, National President of NUGS, welcomed the initiative, citing youth unemployment as a growing challenge and potential national security risk. He said WIOG’s programme is a practical solution to bridge the gap between academic education and employability, aiming to train approximately 700 young people nationwide, beginning with 200 participants from the Greater Accra Region.
The initiative promises to open doors for women and youth across Ghana, preparing a competent workforce capable of supporting the country’s growing oil and gas industry while ensuring participants are employment-ready upon completion.
