By Ndubuisi Micheal Obineme
Maersk Drilling, world’s leading supplier of rigs and drilling technology is making headway in a way of contributing to local content development in Ghana, making the country its main operational base.
In an interview with our correspondent, Maersk Drilling, Chief Operating Officer, Angela Durkin, said that the company takes local content very serious whenever it is needed, and working in partnership with local authorities in the country.
Angela disclosed that Maersk Drilling has a total of 260 locals employed in Ghana – 238 offshore and 22 onshore. That is to say, 55% of the total positions in Ghana are filled by the Ghanaian people.
“In addition, we create jobs with a number of local suppliers that deliver services to our rigs. We procure locally when possible, and in Ghana, that’s particularly true of the joint venture Rigworld which has built a modern training facility in Takoradi. Rigworld assist us with manning, training and a range of other services. Earlier this year, we hosted a Supplier’s Day in Accra which was attended by 95 local suppliers.
“In Angola, we had a 60% share after four years of operations, so we are well on track to reach similar numbers in Ghana. We also have succession plans in place, allowing our Ghanaian colleagues to move up in the organisation,” Angela added.