Local content policies key to Ghana’s upstream petroleum growth, entrepreneurial development, skills and technology transfer, study finds

A new study by Dr. Frank Yao Gbadago, Head of the Department of Accounting Studies at Akenten Appiah-Menka University for Skills Training & Entrepreneurial Development, has shed light on the effectiveness of local content requirements (LCRs) and in-country spending mandates in Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector. 

The research, which employs both theoretical and quantitative analyses, highlights the critical role of these policies in fostering technology transfer, skills development, and entrepreneurship while also exposing key gaps in policy enforcement and local capacity development.

According to Dr. Gbadago’s study, LCRs have facilitated increased collaboration between foreign petroleum firms and local businesses, enabling knowledge and technology transfers. 

However, the research also identifies challenges that hinder the full realisation of these policies’ intended benefits. “While LCRs are essential for industrial growth and entrepreneurship, their effectiveness is compromised by weak enforcement mechanisms and insufficient local capacity,” the study notes.

The findings indicate strong correlations between technology transfer and LCRs, with statistical analysis confirming their effectiveness in fostering skills development. 

However, the study found that in-country production spending had a limited impact on local firms due to challenges in policy compliance and multinational corporations’ reluctance to fully adhere to equity participation mandates under Ghana’s Local Content and Local Participation Regulation (L.I. 2204). 

“Technology transfers to Ghanaian firms remain limited due to non-compliance by multinational operators, affecting the competitiveness and sustainability of local enterprises,” Dr. Gbadago highlights.

The study’s quantitative analysis employed factor and correlation assessments to evaluate the relationships between key industry variables. The results demonstrated strong internal consistency in measuring the impact of LCRs, with Cronbach’s Alpha values ranging from 0.700 to 0.932. 

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses further validated the study’s five main constructs: technology transfer, collaborative engagements, government policy effectiveness, local content requirements, and in-country production spending.

Dr. Gbadago’s research proposes several policy interventions to strengthen the implementation and impact of LCRs in Ghana’s petroleum sector. These include the introduction of stringent compliance audits, enhanced penalties for non-compliance, and the establishment of industry-wide capacity-building programs to equip local firms with the technical and managerial skills necessary to compete effectively. The study also recommends the development of a comprehensive local content master plan to align sector objectives with national development goals.

Beyond the upstream petroleum sector, Dr. Gbadago suggests that further research should explore the broader socio-economic implications of LCRs, including their role in job creation and poverty reduction. 

“Future studies should examine long-term economic impacts, such as industrialisation and employment generation, to provide a more holistic assessment of these policies,” he advises.

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