Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Opoku–Ahweneeh Danquah, has underlined that the true measure of the Corporation’s success lies in the extent to which its endeavors benefit the people of Ghana.

Addressing attendees at the graduation ceremony organized by the GNPC Foundation for 166 artisans who received training and certification under its ‘Skilled Artisans Project’, Danquah underscored the corporation’s dedication to empowering Ghanaians by providing tangible opportunities for skill development and economic self-sufficiency.

He emphasized that while GNPC's core function revolves around petroleum exploration and production, its broader mandate includes promoting sustainable socio-economic development for all Ghanaians.

“This graduation ceremony is not just a culmination of training programs; it is a testament to GNPC’s unwavering dedication to empowering our people,” Danquah remarked.

He added: “We firmly believe that a fundamental goal of our business is to uplift and empower Ghanaians, ensuring that they have the tools and resources to thrive in an ever-evolving economic landscape.”

The event, organized as part of GNPC's esteemed livelihood empowerment program, provided a platform to honor the achievements of 166 artisans who had completed intensive training in diverse vocational fields.

Covering disciplines such as tailoring, welding, electronics, and carpentry, among others, these artisans not only acquired new skills but also emerged with a revitalized sense of purpose and determination.

During his speech, the CEO of GNPC highlighted the significant impact of skills development in enhancing individual prosperity and driving national advancement. He stressed the importance of equipping Ghanaians with practical skills tailored to meet market demands, thereby fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation across various sectors of the economy.

“By investing in skills development and entrepreneurship, we are not only empowering individuals to secure their livelihoods but also laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth and social cohesion,” he stressed

Dr. Dominic Kwesi Eduah, the Executive Director of the GNPC Foundation, emphasized significant milestones reached since the project's launch in 2018.

He noted that over 2000 young people from various regions have benefitted from the project, receiving certifications from the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI). These certifications have empowered them to establish their own businesses and enhanced their employability prospects.

“Our foundation is built on the belief that every individual possesses untapped potential waiting to be unleashed and with initiatives like this, we aim to unlock that potential and empower Ghanaian youth to become agents of change in their communities,” he concluded.

Echoing similar sentiments, Freddie Blay, Board Chairman of GNPC, emphasized the pivotal role of artisanal skills in driving economic growth and urged the graduates to seize the opportunities before them.

Embarking on a journey of entrepreneurship armed with the tools and knowledge to succeed, he further charged the youth to be guided by passion and determination as they carve out their path to be coming contributors to Ghana’s development.

The Akwamumanhene, Odeneho Kwaffo Akoto III, who was chairman for the occasion, in a brief remark, urged the graduands to make proper use of the tools and admonished them to be worthy ambassadors of GNPC.

Other notable figures in attendance were Hon Seth Acheampong, the Eastern Regional Minister, and Isaac Apaw Gyasi, the MCE for New Juaben South, underscoring the collaborative effort between GNPC and local government authorities in driving development initiatives.

Their words of encouragement and support further bolstered the graduates’ confidence as they embarked on their entrepreneurial journeys.

From sewing machines and welding equipment to diagnostic machines and gas stoves among others, and in an atmosphere imbued with a sense of optimism and possibility, each artisan received tools relevant to their area of expertise, with each tool symbolizing not just a means of livelihood but also a tangible manifestation of GNPC’s commitment to empowering Ghanaians and nurturing the growth and prosperity of Ghana’s artisanal workforce.