Local Content Implementation and Development in the Upstream Oil and Gas Sector in Ghana: Contemporary Issues on Policy Management

Abstract Upstream oil and gas activities dominates the debate on local content policies in Ghana. If well implemented, upstream activities have a trickledown effect on the local content policy linkages. However, local content policies alone do not assure success. In this paper narrative analysis and stakeholder consultations lead to in-depth discussions of how Ghana can use local content policy in upstream oil and gas operations to maximum benefit. The paper argues that, as is not the case for the Multinational Oil Companies (MOCs), the high risks and the huge financial commitments are a major challenge to the participation of indigenous Ghanaian companies. Balancing the needs of indigenous companies, local communities, and MOCs is critical; without it, efforts of policymakers to benefit from the oil sector will be futile.