Aberdeen's success in the oil and gas industry is to be showcased at a British High Commission event in Ghana this week.
Gordon McIntosh, the city council's director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure, will lead the event in the capital city, Accra.
He will tell Aberdeen's success story and explain how the Granite City evolved to become the centre of excellence in the oil and gas industry that it is today, through adapting to the expansion of the North Sea oil and gas industry in the 1970s and 1980s.
Mr McIntosh will give a presentation on the growth of Aberdeen – its infrastructure, mass transport systems, higher education establishments, and the development of specialist engineering and manufacturing companies, as well as the impact on the local community and the development of skills in the local population to support the energy industry.
The event is being particularly targeted at Takoradi, where Ghana's first big oil discovery was made in 2007. Production began in late 2010 and the city is now enjoying the very early stages of an oil boom.
Mr McIntosh said: "In many ways Aberdeen could be used as a growth model for the development of Sekondi-Takoradi as a major player in the energy sector. It will be the hub for Ghana's oil industry, as Aberdeen is for the UK and Europe, and could learn a lot from Aberdeen's experience.
"This event provides a fantastic opportunity not only for those involved in the Ghanaian oil and gas industry, but also to Aberdeen. There are clearly strong business opportunities to be had for companies in the energy industry and it is important that Aberdeen forges and maintains strong relationships with Ghana at the earliest opportunity. My visit there is just one part of the relationship-building process."
Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure convener Kate Dean said: "This invitation from the British High Commission in Accra is a high accolade for Gordon, Aberdeen City Council and the city as a whole. This demonstrates the high regard in which Aberdeen is held internationally and recognises the level of experience and expertise in the oil and gas industry here.
"This trip, which is being paid for by the British High Commission in Accra, is a great starting point for building business relationships between Aberdeen and Ghana. I am sure that this oil boom and our new links with the country could generate some significant business and investment opportunities for North-east firms."
The two-week trip will include visits to parts of Sekondi-Takoradi which have been identified for infrastructure development and meetings with Chambers of Commerce and community leaders, including the tribal Chief of Essikado and the Takoradi Mayor. Mr McIntosh will also spend time with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation.
All travel expenses are being covered by the British High Commission, which is also paying the council a consultancy fee for Mr McIntosh's services.
(GK)
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Latest Construction News
26/11/2024
Scottish Water has unveiled its largest-ever procurement initiative, aiming to modernise the nation's water and wastewater infrastructure while safeguarding the environment. The program, named Delivery Vehicle 4, is valued between £5 billion and £9 billion and is set to run from 2027 to 2033, with ...
26/11/2024
The City of Edinburgh Council has granted planning permission, subject to conditions, for the refurbishment of Calton Square, an office building currently occupied by Baillie Gifford until the end of December 2025. Promoted by Ardstone Capital on behalf of Manova Partners, the project aims to ...
26/11/2024
First Minister John Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North, praised the progress being made on the construction of the new Perth High School during a visit on Friday, 22 November. He was joined by Jim Fairlie, MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, alongside senior Perth and Kinross Councillors, ...
26/11/2024
A state-of-the-art playpark has officially opened at King George V Park in Bearsden, following the completion of a £100,000 refurbishment. Funded by a combination of East Dunbartonshire Council (EDC) Capital Funding and the Scottish Government’s Renewing Scotland’s Play Parks initiative, the ...
26/11/2024
Fife Council has launched a public consultation, inviting residents, businesses, and organizations to contribute ideas and propose sites for inclusion in the next Local Development Plan, known as Fife's Place Plan. The council is calling on community councils, landowners, and developers to share ...
26/11/2024
The Chief Executive of East Lothian Council has announced she is to retire in February 2025. Monica Patterson who has been Chief Executive for almost five years, has spent most of her professional career working in local government. Prior to joining East Lothian Council in 2010, she was Head of ...
25/11/2024
West of Scotland Housing Association (WSHA) and Connect Modular have jointly submitted a planning application to Glasgow City Council for the development of 33 affordable homes in Cowlairs. This project aligns with the wider Cowlairs Park regeneration scheme and the city's ambitious housing ...
25/11/2024
Arc-Tech (Scotland) has successfully completed a £6m Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) services package for the Lost Shore Surf Resort in Edinburgh. The state-of-the-art resort, which opened its doors earlier this month, features a range of amenities, including a wave pool, luxury lodges, and ...
25/11/2024
Scottish Water has successfully completed the construction of a groundbreaking hydro energy generation scheme at Whiteadder Reservoir in East Lothian. This innovative project, believed to be the first of its kind in Europe, will harness the power of water to offset a significant portion of the ...
25/11/2024
Work is set to commence on a £6.5 million project to upgrade the Double Dykes Gypsy/Traveller site near Perth. The initiative aims to replace outdated chalets with modern, energy-efficient accommodation and implement significant site improvements. Perth & Kinross Council secured £3.9 million from ...