Friends of the Nation (FoN) convenes the National Oil and Gas Dialogue, an inclusive platform for open conversations on Ghana’s petroleum sector. The Dialogue brings together government agencies, regulators, oil companies, civil society, academia, media, and host communities to deliberate on how the country’s oil and gas resources are governed.
The Dialogue provides space for difficult but necessary conversations, breaking down technical policies into accessible language, allowing citizens to engage decision-makers directly, and encouraging joint solutions to challenges in the sector.
Why We Do It
Oil and gas resources offer Ghana an opportunity for national development, but they also carry risks of environmental degradation, social disruption, and economic inequality. Without transparency and accountability, petroleum wealth can easily become a curse rather than a blessing.
FoN organizes the National Oil and Gas Dialogue to:
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Promote inclusive governance by giving all stakeholders, especially communities and constituents most affected, a voice in national debates.
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Enhance accountability and transparency in petroleum revenue management and environmental protection.
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Strengthen preparedness for emerging challenges such as oil spill risks, energy transition, and climate change.
Our Experience So Far
With support from the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), FoN organized several editions of the National Oil and Gas Dialogue between 2014 and 2019. These events brought together regulators, companies, parliamentarians, civil society, and local communities.
Through these dialogues:
Communities and fisherfolk gained clearer understanding of petroleum laws such as the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act (Act 919).
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Policymakers and regulators received direct feedback on gaps in enforcement and environmental safeguards.
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Oil companies had the opportunity to respond to concerns and strengthen their social license to operate.
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Policy discussions on issues like offshore oil spill preparedness, coastal sensitivity mapping, and benefit-sharing were advanced.
Benefits from the Dialogues
The National Oil and Gas Dialogues have delivered tangible benefits, including:
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Improved understanding of policy and law among citizens and communities.
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Better collaboration between government, civil society, and industry.
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Stronger environmental focus, with national discussions on marine ecosystem protection and oil spill response.
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Increased community trust through direct, face-to-face engagement with duty-bearers.
Future Prospects
The oil and gas sector in Ghana is entering a new phase, marked by:.
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The global shift towards energy transition and renewables.
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Heightened environmental and social pressures in host communities.
Reviving and sustaining the National Oil and Gas Dialogue will ensure Ghana continues to strengthen governance in this vital sector. FoN envisions the Dialogue becoming an annual flagship event, complemented by regional preparatory forums and policy briefs that feed directly into government and corporate decision-making.
Partner With Us
FoN is seeking partnerships and donor support to institutionalize the National Oil and Gas Dialogue as a credible, recurring platform for transparent petroleum governance.
By supporting the Dialogue, donors and partners will contribute to:
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Preventing conflict in oil-hosting communities.
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Promoting transparency in petroleum revenue management.
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Strengthening Ghana’s position as a leader in participatory natural resource governance.