The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Gas, Judith Blay, has raised alarm over what she describes as “serious overstaffing” at the state-owned gas processing company — a problem she says is significantly inflating operational costs.
Speaking candidly before Parliament’s Energy Committee on Friday, June 20, the CEO revealed that Ghana Gas, which had a staff strength of just about 250 people in 2016, now employs over 1,290 workers, a more than fivefold increase in less than a decade.
“At Ghana Gas, we are about 1,290 in number. I needed to establish that because I know that honourable members are interested in employment, so I needed to say this: Ghana Gas is seriously overstaffed,” Blay told the Committee.
The Ghana Gas boss explained that while job creation is important, the current staffing levels far exceed what is needed for the company’s core mandate, which is to maintain the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant and ensure a steady gas supply to power plants across the country.
“One of the cost drivers of Ghana Gas is exactly that — overstaffing,” she added, noting that growing wage bills are beginning to strain the company’s finances.
Blay’s comments have sparked renewed attention on operational efficiency within Ghana’s energy sector, where state institutions are often under pressure to expand job opportunities — sometimes at the expense of long-term sustainability.
Despite the staffing concerns, she also highlighted the company’s efforts in corporate social responsibility (CSR), pointing to numerous community-based projects completed across the country.
“I’m sure you also know that Ghana Gas has done a lot of corporate social responsibility,” she said, referencing infrastructure, education, and health interventions supported by the company.
Ghana Gas, officially known as the Ghana National Gas Company, plays a central role in the country’s power sector by processing natural gas from the Jubilee and TEN oil fields for electricity generation. Its performance has a direct impact on energy stability in the country.
Blay’s comments may likely spark further discussion on how state-owned enterprises balance social expectations, employment demands, and operational sustainability — especially as Ghana continues to face energy and economic challenges.
