Managing Ghana's oil: Prof Addae tells Ghanains to learn from the Saudi experience

Ghanaian polymath, Professor Stephen Addae has challenged Ghanaians to take control over its oil and gas find in order for it to inure to their benefits.

According to him, although the initial process of managing the oil find will be done by expatriates, it is important as Ghanaians to learn the skills and take charge as was done by the Saudi Arabians in the 90’s.

Speaking on e.tv Ghana’s morning show, Awake, Prof Addae shared his 10 years experience in Saudi Arabia, where he worked as a physician and the lessons he drew from them.

To his credit, the Emeritus has several books, one of which is titled “Experiencing the Saudi Oil Wealth: Lessons.” The book is expected to be launched in Accra on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at the British Council.

In the book, Prof Addae talked about the potential of oil becoming the major provider of wealth that is capable of transforming a backward underdeveloped country into a modern country and society.

However, he also noted the clear evidence that the new oil wealth has been improperly applied in many oil producing developing countries.

Relating it to Ghana, Prof Addae stated, “We simply cannot afford to go wrong. First of all, we have to focus on the needs of the environment and the society at large. We have to learn and take control of all aspects of the oil process.”

Drawing from his experience in Saudi Arabia in his book, Prof Addae described the country as a wretched poor one which was largely nomadic.

However, he noted, that the will of authorities to hold steadily the end inn view, considering the wealth as its capital, led them to properly manage and control the wealth.

He noted, “The Saudi took the trouble, as far as possible, to put requisite infrastructure into unbuilt areas prior to the construction of buildings of various sorts… Electric power transmitting lines were built into the area, even before the actual buildings of the houses.”

And this, according to Prof Addae is evident after some 10 to 15 years when the country started experiencing massive wealth.

“The ultimate vision of the Saudi authorities and, Saudis in general, was that, oil wealth dripped steadily into every home, pocket, and mouth and even creates savings for every Saudi.”

According to him, the lessons emanating from his experience are applicable to any country that has strikes it rich, in oil.

The book further talks about how the wealth was used to accelerate education, develop medical facilities and how the world at large is descending on Saudi Arabia for various reasons.

He, therefore, urged Ghanaians to draw lessons from the experience of Saudi Arabia and maximize it to the benefit of all.

Jasmine Arku / etvghana.com

What do you think our leaders can do in order for Ghana to benefit from the “black gold”?