NABC |

From 13 to 18 September, NABC organized an oil and gas trade mission to Ghana. In 2007, large quantities of oil and gas were discovered in the Gulf of Guinea, around 40 miles out of the Ghanaian coast.

In the last two-and-half years similar commercial viable oil and gas fields have been discovered in the Ghanaian territorial waters. Numerous infrastructural works have to be put in place before the industry can fully operate. During the trade mission, the delegation had the opportunity to gain an insight in these infrastructural developments and meet the key persons within the industry. The mission kicked-off on Monday with an introduction by the Ambassadorat the Dutch embassy. Later that morning, the delegation met with theMinister of Energy and the Deputy Minister of Transport. Both Ministriesplay an important role in the development of the infrastructural works and the supervision of the tendering procedures. The day ended with a matchmaking session and reception at Hotel Golden Tulip organized by the Ghanaian Netherlands Chamber of Commerce and Culture (GHANECC).

On Tuesday, the delegation spend a day in Tema which hosts the major harbor in Ghana and is situated 20 kilometers outside Accra. After atour through the harbor, the delegation met with the Ghanaian National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC). GNPC gave an insight in their activities and the necessary infrastructural works that are planned for the upcoming years. At the end of the afternoon, the delegation visited a PSOM project off Van Vliet Trucks which is going to open their first branch in Ghana (and in Africa) before the end of this year. In the evening, the ambassador hosted a diner for the participants and several Ghanaian government officials.

Wednesday and Thursday were spend in Takoradi which is likely to play an important role in the oil and gas industry as a result of their proximity to the major oil and gas fields. Prices of real estate have been skyrocketing in recent years, but it remains unclear which role the coastal city is exactly going to play in the upcoming years. During the visit, the delegation met with harbor authorities, had a tour through the harbor and visited the Thermal Power Plant. In addition, Supermaritime, who organized the visit, gave a detailed presentation about the major developments within the industry and the key players that are involved in the sector. Before returning to Accra on Thursday, the delegation briefly visited Elmina Castle, which was owned by the Dutch for 200 years (1642- 1871) and played an important role in the transatlantic slave trade. Back in Accra, the participants were invited by KPMG for the presentation of their Doing Business in Ghana report anda lunch.

On Friday there was no official program and the participants had scheduled individual meetings. The mission was considered to be a success. The participants gained a detailed insight in the oil and gasindustry and several mission members already took the first steps of expanding their activities in Ghana.