Ensure Common Standards In Oil Industry

A top Shell International Executive, Mr. Leslie Van de Walle, has urged the Energy Commission to apply on common standards “right across the oil sector” in order to transform the industry into an important player applying international standards.

Mr. Van de Walle who is president of Shell Oil Products, South Zone (comprising Latin America and Africa), said such a move would complement the recent restructuring of fuel prices and lay a firm foundation for real economic development and growth within the country.

He was addressing key stakeholders of Shell Ghana Limited (SGL) at a cocktail function in Accra recently, during his maiden trip to Ghana to participate in Shell’s North, West and East Africa leadership conference.

Mr. Van de Walle affirmed that the oil sector in Ghana has to regulate itself to ensure compliance with increasingly more demanding standards that require more investment.

He also reminded them that “compliance to health safety, security and environmental standards are no longer negotiable” on the international scene.

He said this year marks the 75th year of Shell’s presence in Ghana “Shell will continue to remain true to its vision of helping people build a better Ghana through Shell’s commitment to sustainable development “.

He stressed the need for active foreign investment in the country because such participation creates jobs and tax revenue as well as improved standards and quality by creating healthy local competition.

Mr. De Wale announced the creation of an Africa based Shell Oil Products Africa organization by the first of January next year.

This organization, he said would be managed mostly by Africans and would allow Shell to draw on all its key African resources to create a more efficient and dynamic service delivery.

The new organization, he further explained would also facilitate the development of a talent pool across Africa, presenting numerous career opportunities for Africans.