Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector is set to be vibrant in the coming months and years. This is largely due to the settlement of the maritime dispute with Ivory Coast, which has led to renewed activities by operators. The Government of Ghana (GoG), since taking office in 2017, has promised to drive aggressive high-level investment into the sector, which has led to the signing of a petroleum agreement with ExxonMobil. In addition to Exxon, the GoG is also pursuing other international oil companies (IOC). There is massive exploration of new fields (Volta Basin and other areas), and there are currently two operating fields-Jubilee & TEN that are drilling estimated 200,000 barrels a day. Opportunities exist for U.S companies in the exploration and development of hydrocarbons, as well as huge opportunities for service companies. The GoG plans to transmit natural gas from the Western Region (Takoradi) to the Eastern Enclave (Tema) by building an onshore natural gas transmission pipeline that will also act as a driver for economic development, due to the numerous distribution stations that will be constructed along the coast line of Ghana. In Ghana’s petroleum downstream sector, there is very limited opportunity for distribution of petroleum products, as it is one area with heavy Ghanaian expertise. The GoG however announced the development of a $4 billion dollar petroleum enclave in the Western Region of the country to refine, store, transport and trade in products within the enclave. This will be private sector driven, and it provides opportunities for U.S companies to undertake this project. 
U.S companies with expertise in the manufacture and installation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) Bottling Plants will find opportunities to enter into the market due to the new cylinder recirculation model introduced by the GoG. For more on O&G opportunities in Ghana, click here. For information on opportunities in Ghana's power and renewable energy sector, click here.

U.S. Commercial Service Ghana Webpage | Contact the Energy Specialist at CS Accra

BIS training seminars give you the opportunity to learn first-hand from experienced U.S. Government officials about export control policies, regulations and procedures.

Session 1: Complying with U.S. Export Regulations
June 12-13, 2018 | 8:30am-5:00pm| Norris Conference Center, 816 Town & Country, Blvd., Suite 210, Houston, TX 77024

This two-day program is led by BIS's professional counseling staff and provides an in-depth examination of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The program will cover the information exporters need to know to comply with U.S. export control requirements on commercial goods. We will focus on what items and activities are subject to the EAR; steps to take to determine the export licensing requirements for your item; how to determine your export control classification number (ECCN); when you can export or reexport without applying for a licence; export clearance procedures and record keeping requirements; Export Management Compliance Program (EMCP) concepts; and real life examples in applying this information. Presenters will conduct a number of "hands-on" exercises that will prepare you to apply the regulations to your own company's export activities. This one-of-a-kind program is well suited for those who need a comprehensive understanding of their obligations under the EAR.

Continuing legal education credit (MCLE) is available, and varies with the length of each seminar, for California State Bar Members.

About the Instructors
The instructors are experienced export policy specialists, and enforcement personnel from BIS's field offices.  The instructors will be availble throughout the seminar to answer your questions.

Session 2: Technology Controls                
June 14, 2018 |8:30am-5:00pm| Norris Conference Center, 816 Town & Country, Blvd., Suite 210, Houston, TX 77024

This intermediate level session will offer a comprehensive look at how to comply with the U.S. export and reexport controls relating to technology and software. Discussion will focus on the regulatory requirements relating to technology and software, including what is considered an export or reexport of technology or software; the kinds of technology and software subject to the EAR; how to determine the Export Control Classification Number; what licence exceptions are available, and the unique application requirments of technology and software. BIS technical and policy specialists also will discuss important export control issues that may arise in the employment of foreign nationals and for foreign items incorporating, or produced from, controlled U.S.-origin software and technology.

Register here.

The Global Energy Team of the U.S. Commercial Service is dedicated to enhancing the global competitiveness of the U.S. energy industry, expanding market access, and increasing exports. To learn more about you how you can receive assistance in finding market intelligence, developing your export strategy, connecting with international buyers, or support at trade events, contact your Local Trade Specialists in one of our 100 U.S. Export Assistance Centers around the U.S. Visit our Energy webpage or follow us on Twitter.

Questions about the Energy Update: Contact Danielle Caltabiano.