Ghana: Petroleum Commission plans Work Permit application changes
The Petroleum Commission (PC) of Ghana has published initial, internal guidance outlining two new changes to work permit applications filed in the Oil & Gas sector. A public announcement of these changes has yet to be issued.
Ghana Investment – Oil and Gas
Effective 4 April, 2016 the PC requires a new “Information Gathering Sheet” to be attached to all Oil & Gas work permit applications. An email version of the form is available and the PC expects it to be accessible on their web site in the upcoming weeks. The information sheet will request general information regarding the employee, assignment, and sponsoring company specifics (including plans for the sponsoring company to fill the position with a local Ghanaian citizen). This form is expected to streamline the application process and expedite processing times.
The other new requirement for applications in the Oil & Gas sector is a USD $100 application fee will be part of the process for each initial, renewal, or appeals work permit application (Regular or Rotators—those who work on rigs for only 28 days/temporary work). This new administrative fee will be paid at the PC Finance Department upon filing of any work permit application.
Companies should plan for the additional expense associated with the new application fee for each submitted application.
