From the beginning of the next academic year, Ghana's Takoradi Polytechnic will offer an extensive vocational oil and gas training programme, the college's vice-rector has confirmed.

Speaking to Ghana News Agency, John Frank Eshun said the institute will provide training in disciplines such as welding, logistics and transport and aircraft maintenance in order to improve access to jobs in the country's growing oil and gas industry.

Tullow recently announced in its interim report that the company is on course to achieve first oil in Ghana by the end of the year, while exploratory drilling still continues to expand the country's proven oil wealth.

Mr Eshun said that Tullow has been working collaboratively with Takoradi Polytechnic to ensure Ghanaian workers can find employment in the energy sector, with this cooperation set to continue as fields are brought on stream.

Samuel Tsibuah, the institution's industry liaison officer, added that Takoradi will have a crucial role to play in providing oil and gas training for local workers due to its proximity to the offshore fields.

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