Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, the Minister responsible for Energy and Green Transition, has revealed that the government is advancing fresh course in upgrading the country’s upstream petroleum sector.
The Minister in his keynote address during the Local Content Conference and Exhibition (LCCE25) organized by the Ghana Petroleum Commission in Takoradi, Western Region, declared the government’s bold plans for energy sector.
Hon. Jinapor in his speech acknowledged that despite the recent challenges confronting the sector, including a 32% decline in oil production since 2019 and reduced exploration activity, the Ministry is charting a new course.
“Through regulatory reforms, fiscal incentives, gas development initiatives and renewed focus on local content, we are charting a new course for growth.”
Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor
The Minister’s remarks align closely with President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda, which aims to “revitalise Ghana’s upstream sector and secure a sustainable, competitive energy future for Ghana.”
This strategic alignment also reveals the government’s holistic approach to addressing the challenges in the petroleum industry and positioning Ghana as a hub for investment and innovation.
The Local Content Conference and Exhibition (LCCE)
The Local Content Conference and Exhibition (LCCE25) is an annual event organized by Ghana’s upstream petroleum regulator, the Petroleum Commission.
This flagship event serves as a platform for industry experts, investors, policymakers, and local businesses to network, discuss strategies, and explore opportunities to enhance local content development in the industry.
This year’s Local Content Conference and Exhibition (LCCE25) edition, is a three-day events from 4th-6th November. The ongoing conference is expected to draw experts from various degrees across the country to share ideas with regards to the petroleum sector.
The event seeks to host about 60 speakers, 80 panelists and over 1000 participants. All these individuals are expected to play various roles in revitalising the sector.
The Minister’s keynote address at the 2025 LCCE emphasised the government’s commitment to upgrading Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector.
He acknowledged the recent setbacks, including the decline in oil production and reduced exploration activities, but expressed optimism about the future progress.
“Ghana’s upstream industry is undergoing renewal, and together, we will build a resilient, competitive, and future-ready energy economy.”
Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor
Local Content and Innovation
The theme of the LCCE25, “Revitalising Ghana’s Petroleum Exploration and Production Sector: Driving Innovation and Redefining Local Content for a Competitive Energy Economy,” underscores the commission and the government’s focus on fostering innovation and enhancing local participation in the industry.
This strategic approach aims to create a more robust and sustainable energy sector that can contribute to Ghana’s overall economic development.
Reforms and Fiscal Incentives
Hon. John Jinapor’s remarks highlight the government’s commitment to implementing regulatory reforms and introducing fiscal incentives to attract investment and stimulate growth in the upstream petroleum sector.
Through championing regulatory reforms, gas development initiatives and fresh focus on the local content, the government is charting a new course for growth in the country petroleum landscape particularly, the upstream sector.
Local Participation
The government’s renewed focus on local content development is a crucial aspect of the strategy to revitalise the upstream petroleum sector.
By empowering Ghanaian businesses and fostering collaboration between International Oil Companies (IOCs) and local service providers, the government aims to create a more inclusive and competitive energy economy.
The LCCE provides a valuable platform for industry stakeholders to come together, share knowledge, and explore new opportunities.
It is expected that this gathering of key stakeholders will stimulate investment in the petroleum industry, showcase opportunities for indigenous companies, promote innovation and sustainability.
The Minister’s address and the insights shared at the LCCE underline the government’s resolute commitment to revitalizing Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector.
By embracing a multifaceted approach that combines regulatory reforms, fiscal incentives, and a renewed focus on local content, the government is positioning the country as a hub for investment, innovation, and sustainable growth in the energy industry.
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