Ghana must overcome a number of obstacles to ensure that the benefits of a national oil and gas industry are felt by all citizens, claims Carly Ahiable, member of the Institute of Financial & Economic Journalists.

Writing for Joy Online, he explained that Tullow's remarkable drilling success has raised the prospect that Ghana will "graduate from the state of poverty to prosperity", while oil-driven capital inflows have already led to a transformation of the country's national infrastructure.

However, if the industry is to be kept in check and local people are to benefit from the oil finds, diverse training will be fundamental.

"Education is the key ingredient in the social and economic transformation of Ghana and a knowledge-based society is a valuable asset to an emerging oil economy," he explained.

Tullow expects to achieve first oil by the end of the year, commencing at a flow rate of around 120,000 barrels a day.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development