The Nzema Youth Parliament, a representative body advocating for the youth of the Nzema area in Ghana’s Western Region, has formally requested President John Dramani Mahama to appoint a native of Nzema as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC). Their argument hinges on several key points, primarily centered around the idea that such an appointment would benefit the Nzema people, who are directly impacted by the company’s operations. They believe a local leader would be more attuned to the needs and concerns of the community and would prioritize the well-being of the local population. This appeal, delivered by the Speaker of the Nzema Youth Parliament, Mr. Jonas Kabutey, reflects a broader sentiment within the community regarding their perceived marginalization in the benefits derived from the oil and gas industry located in their traditional lands.
The youth parliament emphasizes that appointing a local CEO aligns with the Local Content Policy (LCP), a governmental initiative designed to ensure that Ghanaians, particularly those in communities affected by resource extraction, benefit from the industry. The group points to the current employment landscape within the oil and gas sector, where they observe that a disproportionately small number of Nzema indigenes are employed, while a significant portion of the workforce comes from abroad. They argue that having a local CEO would facilitate greater adherence to the LCP, leading to increased employment opportunities for the local population. This, they believe, would contribute to economic empowerment and alleviate some of the socio-economic challenges facing the community.
Furthermore, the Nzema Youth Parliament stresses the importance of having a leader who understands the unique challenges faced by the community due to the environmental and societal impacts of oil and gas operations. While acknowledging that Ghana Gas is a national asset, they contend that a local CEO would be more sensitive to the specific needs and concerns of the Nzema people. They highlight the disruption to traditional livelihoods caused by the industry, as well as the environmental hazards posed by oil and gas activities, suggesting that a leader from the area would be better equipped to mitigate these negative impacts and ensure the sustainable development of the region.
The appeal also emphasizes the need for peace and harmony in the area. Mr. Kabutey suggests that appointing a local CEO would preemptively address potential unrest and disturbances by youth groups who feel excluded from the benefits of the oil and gas industry. This highlights the underlying tension between the community and the industry, with the youth parliament advocating for a proactive approach to prevent escalation of these tensions. By appointing a local leader, they believe the government can demonstrate its commitment to the community and foster a more collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship.
The Nzema Youth Parliament’s plea echoes a broader call within the community for greater recognition of their contributions and sacrifices associated with hosting the oil and gas industry. They perceive a disconnect between the national benefits derived from the resource extraction and the local realities of displacement, environmental degradation, and limited employment opportunities. Their appeal to President Mahama represents an effort to bridge this gap and ensure that the Nzema people receive a fair share of the benefits generated by the industry operating within their traditional lands.
In essence, the Nzema Youth Parliament’s appeal for a local CEO is not merely about representation; it’s about empowerment, equity, and sustainable development. They believe that appointing a leader from their community would be a significant step towards addressing the historical imbalances and ensuring that the Nzema people are active participants in, and beneficiaries of, the economic opportunities presented by the oil and gas industry. Their call for presidential intervention represents a plea for recognition, respect, and a fairer distribution of the benefits derived from the resources extracted from their ancestral lands. This request underscores the ongoing struggle of communities impacted by resource extraction to ensure that development is inclusive and benefits those who bear the brunt of the industry’s impact.
