The Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) partnered with Abertay University in Scotland to explore how the skills athletes develop through sports can contribute to economic development in Ghana’s oil and gas sector. Supported by the International Science Partnership Funding, this research identifies innovative solutions to address the looming skills shortage in the industry.
Ghana’s oil sector is approaching a critical skills crisis. As the importance of human capital grows, it is expected to surpass financial capital as the key driver of economic growth. However, there is a widening skills gap, and the shortage of qualified workers is projected to worsen over the next decade.
One potential solution is to tap into the untapped skills of individuals with elite sports backgrounds. The research highlights how high-performance athletes develop a range of competencies—such as leadership, collaboration, decision-making, and emotional intelligence—that are highly transferable to the oil and gas industry.
The study demonstrates that athletes transitioning from elite sports to the oil sector bring valuable skills, including:
- Collaboration & Communication
- Leadership & Strategic Planning
- Decision-Making & Risk Management
- Negotiation
- Creativity & Emotional Intelligence
These skills are crucial for navigating the complex and dynamic environment of the oil industry. CBOD’s support of this research underscores its commitment to finding innovative ways to address workforce challenges and promote sustainable growth in Ghana’s oil and gas sector.
Read full article: https://africabusiness.com/2024/06/11/game-changers-how-athletes-sports-skills-can-help-promote-economic-development-in-ghanas-oil-industry/
