Benjamin Pinewood
Ghana’s Petroleum Commission has launched a Local Content Fund and a digital permit application system to support Ghanaian businesses and improve regulatory processes in the upstream oil and gas sector.
The initiatives were unveiled at the 2026 Local Content Conference and Exhibition in Takoradi as the commission marked its 15th anniversary.
The Local Content Fund is intended to help indigenous Ghanaian small and medium-sized enterprises access financing to expand their operations and compete for opportunities in the capital-intensive petroleum industry.
The commission’s Chief Executive Officer, Emeafa Hardcastle, called on the government to provide a sustainable source of financing for the fund through the country’s broader petroleum funds.
Digital permits
The Digital Permit Application and Management System is designed to replace manual procedures that have contributed to delays in processing permits.
Through the online platform, companies can submit new and renewal applications, monitor their progress, upload compliance documents and receive regulatory notifications. The system also allows businesses to engage directly with the commission during the application process.
The commission expects the platform to improve efficiency and transparency while reducing administrative bottlenecks for businesses operating in the sector.
Building local capacity
The conference focused on strengthening local content through reform and partnerships to support investment, competitiveness and sustainable growth in Ghana’s upstream petroleum industry. President John Dramani Mahama was among the national leaders who attended.
Established in 2011, the Petroleum Commission regulates and manages activities in Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector. As part of its anniversary, the commission highlighted progress in developing local participation and said Ghana’s local content framework was being studied by countries including Namibia, Uganda and Guyana.
Source: Omanghana
