Educate stakeholders in Ghana’s oil industry ... Appiah-Adu urges RMU

Page 11: Daily Graphic, November 14, 2008.
Story: Albert K. Salia
A PRESIDENTIAL Staffer, Professor Kwaku Appiah-Adu, has challenged the Regional Maritime University (RMU) to organise holistic programmes to educate stakeholders in Ghana’s oil industry on security, environmental, health and safety threats that the emerging oil industry would give to the country.
He urged the RMU to establish demand-driven programmes such as certificates and training courses in legal and maritime issues, alternative livelihood and community issues to expand its academic domain, so as to meet the general needs of all stakeholders.
“Introduction of these courses will offer the university the opportunity to provide support for the emerging upstream petroleum industry in areas of standards development, training students in modern technology and academic research to help the students or staff of oil companies expand on their competence to ensure relevance to the industry’s standards,” he said.
Prof. Appiah-Adu made the call at an open forum organised by the RMU on the theme, “Safety training: A critical component for the sustainable development of the oil and gas sector” in Accra.
He said the university could introduce diploma and degree programs such as maritime and petroleum policy, international, maritime human resource development and maritime business communication as well as introduce courses relating to petroleum administration so that oil companies could train their staff on management, procurement and crisis management.
Prof. Appiah-Adu, therefore, urged the university authorities to acquire modern equipment to bridge the gap of theoretical analysis and practical demands to meet the changing global trend.
Globalization and technology have turned the world into a global village, and the environment should not be seen as a society, but should be competitive internationally and the standards in education and training must be kept, he stated, adding that, “Through this the country can manage its natural resources and industries effectively.”
Prof. Appiah-Adu said the petroleum industry needed to focus on providing adequate security to protect it to ensure the promotion of investor confidence.
According to him, putting effective regulatory framework in place to guide operations of companies would not be enough to ensure the safety of the industry against terrorism, piracy, vandalism, sabotage and other illegal activities.
He said apart from the safety, environmental and security issues, the industry was also faced with challenges of maintaining law and order, creation of community and livelihood issues as well as an enabling environment for the industry.
Prof. Appiah-Adu expressed the hope that the forum would enable stakeholders to collaborate towards finding solutions to issues raised on the petroleum industry.
The Rector of RMU, Captain Aaron Obeng Turkson, said the forum was to enlighten stakeholders on the safety in the off shore oil and gas sector.
He said RMU’s contribution to the development of maritime industry dated as far back as the 50’s when the institution was established by producing graduates to member and non-member countries.
Capt. Obeng Turkson indicated that safety was paramount and would form an integral part of the oil and gas industry, covering issues that would enhance the execution of jobs effectively and make a difference to not only realise the benefits but for more realistic and sustainable management.
He said the RMU in collaboration with its partners would continue to build on its dream and vision of being a maritime centre of excellence with emphasis on preventive maritime safety for the long term Sustainability of the industry.
Capt. Turkson said the collaboration would enrich their training programmes and help protect the image and reputation as a maritime player in education especially in the area of safety.