DETERMINANTS OF EMPLOYMENT EXPECTATIONS OF THE YOUTH IN THE EMERGING OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY IN THE WESTERN REGION OF GHANA

ABSTRACT

Arguably, oil defines the social, economic and political dynamics of countries endowed with it. Against this background, the study sought to examine the factors driving the job expectations of the youth in the Western Region in the emerging oil industry. The study combined both qualitative and quantitative approaches using questionnaire survey, key informant interviews and focus group discussion tools to understand the determinants and/or factors of employment expectations of the youth in the emerging oil industry in Ghana. The study was conducted in the Ahanta West District (namely Princess Town; Discove; Animakrom; Amanful; Cape Three Points) in the Western Region and included a total of 127 respondents. The study sought to provide answers to four (4) research questions and upon the analysis it was determined that socio-cultural, political and economic factors tend to influence the expectations of the youth. Next, the youth’s knowledge regarding the Local Content Policy on the oil discovery was found to be appreciable. The respondents also did indicate that the local content policy was for the most part being implemented. However, the study established that the policies and plans that ought to be in place from the part of the state and oil companies to address the expectations of the youth in the Western Region were disappointing. This study recommends among other things an extensive education of the people on what pertains in the oil and gas industry in order to diffuse the tensions emanating from the employment expectations of the youth. The roles of non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, government, the district assembly and traditional authority are key in this regard.