GNPC strengthens supplier partnerships
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has reiterated its commitment to deepening local content and supplier partnerships in the oil and gas industry with the successful hosting of its maiden Vendor Engagement Seminar.
The event, held as part of GNPC’s 40th anniversary celebrations, brought together Ghanaian businesses, vendors, and suppliers under the theme “Promoting Local Content and Local Participation through Vendor Engagement.”
The seminar served as a platform to build stronger relationships with suppliers, enhance transparency, and foster collaboration with stakeholders.
It also highlighted GNPC’s determination to uphold efficient procurement practices while creating sustainable partnerships to boost indigenous participation in the petroleum value chain.
Opening the session, Chief Executive Officer of GNPC, Kwame Ntow Amoah, stressed that local content remains central to the Corporation’s strategy for inclusive growth.
“The theme of this engagement goes to the heart of GNPC’s mandate. For us, Local Content is not merely a regulatory requirement. It is central to our strategy to grow together with local enterprises in a mutually beneficial partnership, ensuring our nation’s resources create real opportunities for our people, businesses, and communities,” he stated.
A technical presentation on tender best practices by Barbara Afriyie-Owusu of GNPC’s Supply Chain and Local Content Development Department highlighted the critical role of compliance in procurement processes.
She cautioned vendors to avoid pitfalls such as incomplete forms, missing documents, expired statutory certificates, late submissions, and incorrect file formats.
“Compliance is like oxygen you don’t always notice it, but you cannot survive long without it. Keep your documents ready, make your submissions responsive, and credibility will follow. Trust me, the contract will come,” Ms Afriyie-Owusu advised.
She further noted that with GNPC’s tender process now fully digital, excuses such as traffic delays or narrowly missed deadlines no longer apply, as the system automatically locks at closing time.
Contractors were encouraged to carefully review tender documents, seek clarifications early, and submit bids well ahead of deadlines to avoid disqualification.
“It is a competition, and everyone wants to win. Paying attention to deadlines, technical specifications, and compliance requirements ensures fairness in the process. GNPC’s doors are open to all, but only those who meet the requirements will succeed,” Ms Afriyie-Owusu added.
The Petroleum Commission and the Public Procurement Authority also made presentations. The Commission elaborated on Ghana’s local content framework, while the Authority showcased the Ghana Electronic Procurement System (GHANEPS), equipping vendors to participate in tenders more efficiently.
On the sidelines, Seidu Salim Braimah, Manager of GNPC’s Supply Chain and Local Content Development, reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to sourcing goods and services from vendors within its operational areas to ensure that local economies benefit directly. Opportunities for indigenous enterprises, particularly in projects such as the Voltaian Basin, were also highlighted.
GNPC concluded by encouraging businesses to see procurement not as a bureaucratic hurdle but as a pathway to trust-building, competitiveness, and stronger Ghanaian participation in the oil and gas sector.
