The Petroleum Commission of Ghana and the Petroleum Commission of The Gambia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation and promote institutional and technical collaboration in the development and regulation of the petroleum sector.
The agreement, signed in Bijilo, Kombo North in The Gambia, marks a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between the two institutions and provides a framework for knowledge sharing, technical assistance, capacity building and the exchange of best practices in petroleum sector governance.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Director General of the Petroleum Commission of The Gambia, Ms. Cany Jobe, described the agreement as the formalisation of a relationship that has been built through years of cooperation and collaboration between the two institutions.
She noted that the Memorandum of Understanding represents a major step towards establishing a more practical and mutually beneficial partnership that will contribute to petroleum sector development in both countries.
She further indicated that the collaboration would provide The Gambia with valuable technical support while strengthening institutional engagement with Ghana, whose petroleum industry has evolved significantly since the discovery of first oil.
Ms. Jobe emphasised that while petroleum resources present enormous opportunities for economic growth, their successful development depends on strong institutions and effective governance.
“A country may discover petroleum, but without capable institutions, a clear route, technical discipline, public trust and responsible oversight, the opportunity can easily be weakened. She said“
Delivering her remarks, the Ag. CEO of the Petroleum Commission of Ghana, Ms. Emeafa Hardcastle, described the signing of the MoU as a landmark moment that reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing sustainable petroleum sector development through partnership and collaboration.
She observed that although Ghana and The Gambia have enjoyed longstanding historical and cultural ties, the agreement transforms those relationships into a strategic technical partnership that will deliver lasting benefits to both countries.
“Today’s signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is far more than a formal act. It is a landmark moment and a powerful symbol of our mutual commitment to a brighter future,” she said.
Ms. Hardcastle noted that the global energy transition and increasing competition for investment require petroleum-producing countries, particularly emerging producers, to work together rather than in isolation.
She stressed that collaboration among African regulators would enable countries to strengthen their institutions, address common challenges and maximise the benefits of their petroleum resources for national development.
She further stated that the partnership would deepen institutional, technical and economic cooperation between the two Commissions by leveraging their collective expertise, resources and innovation to support sustainable growth in the petroleum sector.
As part of the engagement, officials from the Petroleum Commission of Ghana delivered technical presentations highlighting Ghana’s experience in regulating the upstream petroleum sector, which provided an opportunity for both institutions to exchange experiences, discuss common regulatory challenges and identify areas for future collaboration.
The Memorandum of Understanding is expected to strengthen institutional capacity, facilitate continuous knowledge exchange and enhance cooperation between the Petroleum Commission of Ghana and the Petroleum Commission of The Gambia as both institutions work towards promoting efficient regulation and the sustainable development of their respective upstream petroleum industries.