Ziol, a subsidiary of Zoomlion, has been requested by the Ghanaian authorities to establish oil training programmes in areas of the country proximate to the recent oil discoveries.

GNA reported that a district employment taskforce has now been inaugurated at Apam to coordinate the youth training programmes, which will involve environmental protection and spill management courses.

Dr Nii Moi Thompson, an economic development expert and representative of the International Labour Organisation, said that the taskforce would help to ensure that local youths can find a productive role to play in their local community.

Cities and towns close to the oil finds have already witnessed an upsurge in population and new business start-ups ahead of commercial production in 2010.

Among the companies active in the country's offshore industry are Tullow, Anadarko, Sabre and EO Group.

Tullow expects to commence production in the second half of 2010 with full development support from the government.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development