Ghana National Petroleum Corporation

An interview with O-A Danquah

GNPC

Resources Feature

An interview with O-A Danquah 2

Issue 103 ·Business Enquirer Magazine

Issue 103 · Business Enquirer Magazine

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PROJECT DIRECTED BY

INTERVIEW BY

Jamie Waite

Jay Benmehidi

GNPC Mr Danquah, thank you for joining us. Can we begin by asking you for a background of your professional journey? What’s your story?

Growing up, I always intended to be a doctor, specifically a neurosurgeon, because I believed that I could help people with the acquired skills while my moral values resonated with the Hippocratic oath. I actually was admitted into medical school in Ghana but decided to first explore a liberal arts education in the US, where I fell in love with the political economy which is as well intertwined with the global impact of energy poverty. Energy is the backbone of every modern civilization and is imperative to any nation’s advancement, be it industrialized or developing. I realized then, that there were other pervasive and effective ways to make a difference in people’s lives. Of course, a neurosurgeon’s operating room is contingent on electricity or some form of energy to properly function. Correspondingly with my core beliefs, my career focus later shifted beyond its existing horizon towards a position with a broader line of sight in progressively improving and making a bigger impact in the livelihoods of more people. Ultimately, I understood that whatever leadership position you find yourself in, the crucial question to ask is: did I make a difference in someone’s life today and in what way?

O-A Danquah Deputy CEO of GNPC

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That’s great, thank you. As your career has progressed, what do you feel has been the key to your success as a leader in inspiring your people?

Having an open management style which allows me to closely interact with my team and regularly listen upfront to their concerns, I held a “Townhall Meeting” for all the technical staff (about a third of all employees) a few days ago. We discussed where the team was, and then came to a consensus on where we wanted to be. To inspire them, I then put up three quotes that everyone could relate very well to – one was from a famous scientist (since they were all science experts); another from a famous football manager (since soccer is the country’s most dominant sport); and the last one was invariably universal (that applies to all cultures and religions). The first quote from Sir Isaac Newtown mostly encapsulates the basis of my work philosophy: “My powers are ordinary; only (diligent) application brings me success.” Of course, I added the word “diligent,” but my goal was to inspire my team by emphasizing that only industrious, consistent, and practical application of our collective aspirations for the company would eventually result in success. Strong leadership that creates an environment of trust through teamwork and promotes diversity in gender, opinion and equity will always achieve its strategic goals.

Fast forward to today, it’s been over a year since I was appointed as the Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Technical Operations, and despite some temporary bumps, it’s been an honour to steer my team towards a promising future.

I continue to press on with my quest of improving livelihoods through the decisions that I make in my role. With almost two decades of diverse international work experience throughout the industry value chain, as well as being in key management roles in some of the foremost energy and consulting companies in the world, it has been more than a privilege to serve and add value to Ghana’s national oil company.

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GNPC Could you tell us more about GNPC and its story as a business, and what the state of play is today?

GNPC was established in 1983 as the commercial strategic vehicle for state participation in the oil and gas industry. Our core mandate is to explore for, develop, produce, dispose and sell crude oil and natural gas. We operate our business in a responsible and sustainable manner, committed to securing the greatest value for all Ghanaians through our Corporate Social Investment (CSI) program. In essence, we are tasked as the steward of the country’s petroleum resources to ensure current and future generations of the country benefit.

Our corporate footprint is predominantly domestic and spans both offshore and onshore upstream assets with other associated commercial interests. GNPC is an exclusive party to every petroleum license in the country. So far, there are 18 petroleum licenses ranging from anywhere between the prospecting stage to the producing phase. The company’s carried and participation interests in offshore agreements usually range from 10 to 20 percent. However, our exploration subsidiary, GNPC Exploration & Production Company (Explorco), holds commercial interests as high as 22.5 percent, in several domestic offshore licenses. In line with our strategy of increasing stakes in worthwhile assets, we recently acquired a 7 percent commercial interest in both Jubilee and TEN, from Occidental Petroleum.

Together with our partners, we currently have three oil fields in the production phase: Jubilee, TEN and Sankofa Gye-Nyame, which deliver approximately 180,000 barrels of oil per day, not including both produced and associated gas or condensates. Our next big offshore development close to production is the Deep Water Tano - Cape Three Points project, now operated

by Aker Energy. We expect to deliver first oil in late 2024. In line with one our key objectives to be become a stand-alone Operator (i.e. com-

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Issue 103 · Business Enquirer Magazine

Resources Feature prehensive end-to-end management of exploration to production and supply phases of an oil and gas asset), we have engaged in several strategic initiatives such as developing a reserved offshore block, Block 1. We are about to undertake petroleum operations (including 3D seismic acquisition) in this prospective shallow water block and may solicit a partner who can add both technical and financial value.

Onshore, we are pioneering exploration in Ghana’s largest frontier basin, the Voltaian basin. It’s a Neoproterozoic basin that covers about 40% of the country’s landmass. We currently acquired a total of over 2,500-line km of 2D seismic data and when combined with thorough geochemistry analysis, the results are very encouraging.

The plan is to focus on two areas (North and South) where more seismic data and preparatory work will be captured to drill our first onshore well in early 2023.

integrity of our assets. Our research and technology centre will integrate smart laboratories and virtual reality systems to support rig and reservoir simulations as well as scenario-based safety training. Where necessary, we will also rely on advanced robotics and drone systems to make inspection, detection, monitoring and maintenance of our operations more efficient.

The company is also mindful of the global energy transition from Big Oil to Big Energy, towards achieving net-zero climate goals. At the Glasgow meeting of the 26th United Nations’ Conference of the Parties (COP26) held in November 2021, the President of Ghana reiterated the country’s commitment to an equitable and fair

climate solution - one that seeks to balance the socio-economic and environmental imperatives of all nations of the world – both rich and poor.

To this end, like most national oil companies (NOCs), GNPC’s core mandate of exploration will not change but recognizes that companies offering the lowest-cost oil barrels with a lower carbon footprint (which can be through offsetting) have a key role to play in the transition. Consequently, we are stepping up efforts with our partners such as reducing gas flaring and other offsetting activities like our 2023 goal of being paperless, as well as tree planting campaigns through our CSI programs.

GNPC also plays in the midstream sector. We partner with private sector and government entities to facilitate important investments that support the national gas system and enable the efficient use and monetization of natural gas.

Currently, we are working with the Tema LNG Terminal Company and other key partners to drive towards this goal.

Technology lies at the heart of our operations.

We are constructing an ultra-modern Research and Technology centre in Accra, the first of its kind in the sub region. Among other key roles, this facility will support the development of innovative research to increase efficiency of all our core operations. This investment in technology will lay a strong foundation for the sustainable future of our business, as we continue to make big investments in digitalisation and automation also. Deepening our operating footprints in complex terrains will require the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence applications to minimise exploration risk, improve reservoir estimates and drilling performance, reduce non-productive time and enhance the

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CONPRO LIMITED IS A LEADING CIVIL ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION FIRM

info@conprolimited.com www.conpromlimited.com

GNPC The CONPRO LIMITED shield is synonymous with Trust – a reputation built for almost two decades and one with great prospects for sustainable growth. Safeguarding this reputation by acting ethically and with integrity is the responsibility of every CONPRO Limited employee.

CONPRO Limited became operational in Ghana seventeen (17) years ago, and currently has two offices located in Greater Accra (Spintex) and Greater Kumasi (Daban), which are fully furnished with modern office equipment to facilitate business administration and service delivery.

Our fleet of Vehicles numbering Nine (9) comprise of Five (5) Ford Ranger Pick Ups, Two (2) Mazda BT 50 Pick Ups, a Ford Explorer and a Honda Station Wagon. Also available are our wide range of Civil and Geomatic Engineering Equipment which we employ to facilitate the efficient delivery of quality Services.

Our client list includes the following: •

Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC)

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Ministry of Education (MOE-FPMU)

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University of Education, Winneba

CONPRO is a legal Entity, registered with the Ghana Institute of Engineering and Ghana Institution of Surveyors with registration numbers GhIE/CEF 05626 and GhIS/QS/060 respectively. With network of professionals from various disciplines, CONPRO Limited comprehensively provides services in the following areas:

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The Republic Bank, Ghana

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National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI)

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United Nations Development Programme (UNDP/MTN)

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Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC)

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Ministry of Roads and Highways

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Offinso South Municipal Assembly

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Project Management

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Kasapreko Company Limited

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Quantity surveying and Construction Management

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Mivisa Company Limited

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Procurement and Supply Chain Management

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A.J Fanj Limited

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Pioneer Food Cannery Limited

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Construction Engineering

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Civil and Structural Engineering

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Architectural and Building Engineering

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Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

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Geodetic Engineering Services

Currently CONPRO Limited is run by a five (5) member Board of Directors with a well organised corporate structure. The Company has a staff strength of seventy three (73) Personnel (permanent & project staff) with specialities in Civil and Structural Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying (Cost Engineering), MEP Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing), Construction Technology and Management, Building Technology and a team of accomplished Finance and Business Administration professionals.

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Resources Feature

Issue 103 · Business Enquirer Magazine

Our Mission We improvise and adopt appropriate modern technologies in a sustainable manner to meet our clients’ needs in Building and Civil Construction Works, Property Development, Environmental protection and Project Management, through Total Quality Management and commitment to excellence Our Vision Our vision is embedded in the statement; “Our work contributes significantly to the society and the environment around us. Whether we’re building schools to provide exciting spaces for learning, roads to connect communities or hospitals to create the perfect atmosphere for patients, we have this at heart; to build for a better society.”

Interesting. Regarding the wider sector, there is rather a lot of volatility and change facing oil and gas operators. What are the primary industry challenges that GNPC and the Ghanaian oil and gas sector face?

The oil and gas industry is volatile – largely driven by global supply and demand imbalances influenced by other multiple erratic forces such as geopolitics, innovative competing technologies and the current covid-19 pandemic. Upstream players therefore must be quite agile and dynamic to immediately capitalise on lucrative opportunities to survive. Consequently, this makes competition more fierce and largely unpredictable. Competition among international oil companies (IOCs) for the country’s quality assets has been strong.

Our upstream sector has enormous potential and currently partner IOCs Aker Energy, ENI and Tullow are the dominant operators. We do not face direct competition for acreage given that all entities desiring to undertake upstream petroleum operations must partner, exclusively, with GNPC in a Petroleum Agreement through the Republic of Ghana. GNPC brings unmatched local knowledge of the country’s basins to these partnerships.

Our upstream sector has enormous potential... A big challenge is reversing our production decline by adding onto producing reserves.

Like other NOCs, we do face certain must-win battles. A big challenge is reversing our production decline by adding onto producing reserves.

Others include increasing operational agility and autonomy, fixing infrastructure bottlenecks, enhancing technology transfer and improving institutional stakeholder frameworks.

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Resources Feature Undoubtedly, people are the greatest asset of any organisation. Within GNPC, I can only imagine recruitment and training are at the forefront of the company’s strategic thinking?

Due to my familiarity and actual involvement of Human Resource (HR) strategies throughout my career, I am a believer of the saying that “nothing we do is more important than hiring people; and at the end of the day, you bet on people, not strategies.”

GNPC We prefer organic promotions where leaders are groomed within an organization – and that should be the norm for any company that wants to grow. However, it is my personal belief that the transfusion of “fresh blood” through the leadership veins of an organization is an effective change agent, to revitalize strategies, and imbibe a fresh outside perspective which can foster productivity.

We understand that we are building capacity to become a fully-fledged operator, and therefore our people policy ensures that we have the right people with the relevant base skills and the passion to learn and grow within our business. Our workforce is close to 600 employees and our recruitment strategy tracks projected work force requirements as our activities expand.

We believe in a healthy staff both in mind and body with incentives to surpass their goals each year. Attrition rate on my team is almost non-existent, and attests to job satisfaction. I believe in a culture of meritocracy and not nepotism, with a structured performance management system to ensure that annual bonuses and awards are commensurate to performance.

Staff training is always a priority and every year, we send staff on secondments with our joint-venture partners to increase their industry exposure, develop their soft skills and gain practical experience. We also sponsor skill development in relevant areas through local, foreign and online classroom training, conferences and advanced education opportunities.

This year, we launched a comprehensive capacity-building program in line with our strategic goal to become a financially strong and efficient operator. This training plan is designed to deepen those critical standby technical and leadership skills of our staff. We must be able to step in to operate a field in the event that there is an emergency exit by an operator.

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GNPC Consar LTD is a Ghanaian – based Construction Company that has a prominent presence in the West African Region through its unique synergy that provides top quality services in the broad infrastructure and Engineering industry. It has achieved its utmost success being the leading builder earning recognition for undertaking large, complex projects cutting across all types of infrastructural development in varying conditions and environment.

Most importantly Consar’s commitment to safety, quality and environmental stewardship are ingrained in everything we do. It’s visible in our core values, our innovative projects as well as our employees. We recognize health and safety needs that extends beyond our employees, encompassing our obligation towards other participants involved on our projects, communities and the environment as a whole.

Consar LTD was founded in 1983 and our outstanding journey begun when we first secured the contract for the construction of the SSNIT flats in Kumasi, Ghana.

Consar LTD has grown progressively in the construction sector. We pride ourselves in our ability to cater for construction of turnkey development projects and civil construction works.

Consar LTD offices are strategically located with our headquarters located in Kumasi and our branch offices located in Tamale and Accra, respectively.

Today we are one of the largest and most respected construction companies in West Africa with over 35 years of experience and over 700 employees. As a result, we have accumulated incomparable knowledge to meet our customers’ expectations and finding the best solutions to meet our clients’ needs and desires. We bring a wealth of diverse resources and a track record of delivering the highest quality results on a budget and on schedule.

To date, Consar LTD has spread its wings with a successful number of projects ranging from big to medium size in a number of countries including Mali, Liberia, Burkina Faso and Ghana. Our company has a clear strategy of employing innovative ideas and a wide pull of collective skills, expertise and experience to provide maximum value to our clients.

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November 2012 · CORP. Magazine

CONSAR LTD IS GHANA’S LEADING CONSTRUCTION SERVICES COMPANY

What we do We offer services ranging from production of Ready Mix Concrete through the Consar LTD Batching Plant in Accra, Ghana to Heavy Civil, Mining, Residential and Commercial as well as Institutional Construction.

Consar LTD is the leading member of the Consar Group of Companies such as Seepacs for all the Mechanical Electrical Plumbing and HVAC needs, Allemar for all the Aluminium glazing and facades, Sarcon Stone Quarry Ltd, Gelcon and Consar Mining, whose purpose is to offer clients integrated building solutions namely with Consar LTD handling the civil aspects of the project.

+233-32-202-3186 www.consarltd.com

Resources Feature Just one last question before we conclude.

GNPC is more than just a commercial vehicle - could you tell us more about the social programs you are pursuing to ensure that the country and its people benefit from GNPC’s operations?

It is embedded in our development mandate to ensure that our business improves the quality of life of Ghanaian citizens. The oil may be explored by us and our partners, but the actual oil and gas molecules belong to every citizen – now and in the future. Subsequently, we have taken certain bold early steps to refocus the company’s Corporate Social Investments (CSI) program on Education and Training, Economic Empowerment and Environment and Social Amenities. We see it as inertly acquiring a social license to operate.

We have initiated a lot of projects over the years, but there is more to complete in the future.

GNPC The CSI division in addition to engaging in high-impact activities that create lasting socio-economic effects, also works with other government agencies to champion participation in the oil and gas sector by local companies. Pushing for local content ensures that the people of Ghana are adequately empowered to capitalise on opportunities within the energy value chain.

It is embedded in our development mandate to ensure that our business improves the quality of life of Ghanaian citizens.

The GNPC Foundation, our CSI arm, has sponsored several important community initiatives and social programmes over the years. Notable among these are the construction of an ultra-modern Sickle Cell Blood and Treatment facility as well as 5 health amenities at various stages of completion. We have awarded over 5,000 local and almost 500 foreign tertiary scholarships. GNPC has also supported the development of 30 (8 completed and 22 ongoing) recreational astro-turfs, 710 (215 completed, 495 ongoing) boreholes, 141 built (67 completed, 74 ongoing) classroom projects and 86 (22 completed, 64 ongoing) sanitary facilities across the country. In addition, we have sponsored the construction of 11 (5 completed, 6 ongoing) school dormitories and 8 (2 completed, 6 ongoing) science laboratories.

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GNPC www.gnpcghana.com

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Issue 103 ·Business Enquirer Magazine

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