By Ashiadey Dotse
Professor Francis Kemausuor, the Dean Faculty of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, has emphasised the need for stronger academic involvement to address the decline in Ghana’s crude oil production.
He pointed out that this production decline is a natural part of the life cycle of oil fields, but the lack of robust local research has made it difficult to manage and foresee challenges.
He advocated this at a technical consultative meeting on October 16, 2024. The event was in partnership with the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC).
Prof. Kemausuor acknowledged the remarkable achievements made by local workers in Ghana’s oil and gas industry over the last 40 years, especially in local content and participation. However, he noted that relying solely on industry experience has limitations.
“Operating without the support of academic research is like navigating without a map. It leaves us reactive rather than proactive, unable to foresee potential problems before they escalate.”
Professor Kemausuor also highlighted a significant gap in Ghana’s oil sector, where academic research has been underutilised.
He argued that while industry professionals bring practical knowledge, the systematic problem-solving capabilities of academic research are essential for long-term solutions.
In his view, there should be closer collaboration between Universities and industry to foster innovation and find new ways to tackle production challenges.
The Professor further urged companies to invest in research by supporting partnerships with academic institutions.
He stressed that transparent proposal evaluations and merit-based funding could help maximise resources and deliver significant results, noting that Ghanaian researchers have already attracted considerable international funding due to their reliability.
Concluding the address, the KNUST representative called for a commitment to action, encouraging stakeholders to integrate academic research into industry practices to develop innovative solutions, anticipate future challenges, and ensure a more resilient future for the oil and gas sector in Ghana.
