Opportunities for increased trade in west Africa are on the table next week as the president of Ghana visits Aberdeen.
His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama is meeting with local businesses on Friday, March 18, at a forum organised by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce at the AECC.
Ghana is considered one of the more stable countries in West Africa since its transition to multi-party democracy in 1992.
Oil and natural gas production are both expected to increase within the next five years with the start of new offshore projects. Ghana exports its crude oil production to international markets, while its natural gas production is used to fuel its domestic power plants.
Four ministers are accompanying him on the trip – the Minister of Foreign Affairs & Regional Integration Hanna Tetteh, the Minister of Trade & Industry Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, the Minister of Petroleum Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah and the Minister of Education Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
Chief executive of the Chamber Russell Borthwick said there were many opportunities in the former British colony.
“As an emerging oil and gas location, opportunities exist in virtually every area of the petroleum sector in the country, both upstream and downstream, and Ghana’s energy sector has expanded considerably after the discovery of the Jubilee oil field in 2007.
“Our world-renowned expertise is exportable, and we have solid experience in assisting partners in less mature basins around the globe.
“But the opportunities aren’t restricted to the oil and gas industry.
“There are considerable projects for the construction, agriculture and fishery industries as well as the health and education sectors.
“We are looking forward to welcoming President Mahama and discussing how best we can share our region’s unrivalled knowledge, innovation and technology.”