In a strategic move to support Ghana’s environmental sustainability goals and fulfil its obligations under the Local Content Law (LI 2204), Yinson Production West Africa Ltd. has signed a landmark research and development partnership with the Department of Petroleum Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The collaboration, formalized on June 12, 2025, at KNUST’s campus, will fund a five-year research project titled the Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Project (NCEP). The initiative aims to deliver a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative assessment of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across Ghana, with a particular focus on the oil and gas sector.
Key objectives of the project include:
- GHG Emissions Assessment – Conducting a robust nationwide inventory of emissions from key sectors.
- Data Harmonisation and Visualisation – Integrating and presenting GHG data on an accessible, interactive national map.
- Carbon Footprint Analysis – Evaluating emissions from the oil and gas industry and identifying major contributors.
- Mitigation Strategies – Recommending actionable pathways and technologies to achieve net-zero emissions in Ghana’s oil and gas industry by 2050.
This partnership falls under the research and development requirements of LI 2204, which mandates that industry players support local research, training, and capacity development initiatives as part of their operations in Ghana.
Dr. Yen Adams Sokama-Neuyam, Head of the Department of Petroleum Engineering and Principal Investigator of the project, expressed optimism about the partnership: “This project represents a vital step in aligning academic research with industry priorities to accelerate Ghana’s transition to a low-carbon future.”
This collaboration underscores Yinson Ghana’s strong commitment to environmental responsibility, local capacity development, and proactive climate action. Through this partnership, both institutions aim to contribute significantly to Ghana’s national climate goals and inspire similar efforts across the region.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Professor Biritwun, Provost of the College of Engineering, said the partnership reflects KNUST mission to bridge the gap between academia and industry. He confirmed that Yinson Production is providing funding for the Net Zero Emission Project, which will be led by the university’s Department of Petroleum Engineering. “This is a model tripartite collaboration involving academia, industry and the government. Yinson is funding the initiative, KNUST is leading its implementation, and the Petroleum Commission will play its role as the regulator.”
Mrs Naa Opoku Agyeman, Managing Director of Yinson Ghana, said “discussions with KNUST began before 2022, with a search for a capable partner to support the company’s sustainability goals. The department demonstrated exceptional professionalism and responsiveness. Their proposed topics aligned perfectly with our corporate priorities. Each time we engaged them, they came prepared with answers, which serves both industry and national development”.
Vice Chancellor of KNUST, Professor (Mrs) Rita Akosua Dickson welcomed the collaboration, praising the Department of Petroleum Engineering for its research capacity and commitment to quality.
“What you saw at the department is just a glimpse of what we stand for at KNUST but also excellence and timely delivery” she said. She reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing academic-industry partnership and stressed the crucial role of data in climate action.
“Data is the new currency. To meet Net Zero targets and address climate change, we need timely and accurate data,” she said.
