COVID-19: 236 Ghanaian oil and gas workers have lost their jobs; more to come - Report

- Reports show that 236 Ghanaian workers in the oil and gas sector have lost their jobs

- They form part of an estimated 2000 workers in the sector, about half of whom are part of a union

- Some expatriates in the industry have also been sacked and packages for affected workers are being prepared

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YEN.com.gh has learned that 236 local employees in the oil and gas sector have been rendered unemployed.

Information available shows that others have taken pay cuts since May 2020, following the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Details indicate that the number of workers affected represents a fraction of the 2000 employees in the sector, out of which almost half are unionised staff.

READ ALSO: Minority reacts in anger as Parliament approves GNPC loan; total debt over $300 million

Again, some oil and gas companies have reportedly discharged expatriated staff.

According to the General Secretary of the Petroleum, Transport and Chemical Workers Union of the Trades Union Congress, Alhaji Fuseini Iddrisu, affected workers would receive appropriate benefits.

The situation has been worsened by the outbreak of the coronavirus, which has led to lockdowns and a fall in manufacturing activities.

The pandemic has affected jobs, profit margins, and projected revenue streams of governments.

A report by citibusinessnews.com shows that a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia led to a drop in oil prices to $28 a barrel, which is the lowest in four years.

YEN.com.gh earlier reported that the recent challenges Tullow Oil Plc is currently facing could also lead to job cuts.

According to a report sighted on Ghanaweb as reported by Classfmonline, about 25% of the total workforce in Ghana could lose their jobs this year.

In the same line, it is highly possible that 35% of top management staff could be affected. Sources say the move is part of a restructuring policy due to the challenges the company faced in 2019.

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Source: YEN.com.gh