INTEERNSHIP REPORT LACEY - Google Docs

INTERNSHIP REPORT 1. Introduction: As a third-year student at the University of Ghana, Legon, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on Marketing and Psychology, I undertook an internship at the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) from March 14th to April 30th, 2025. This immersive experience within the Product Marketing Department offered invaluable insights into the core functions of crude oil marketing, the complexities of the global petroleum industry, and the commercial operations of a national oil company. This report details my comprehensive learning experiences, the responsibilities I observed, the guidance I received from various professionals, and the direct relevance of this internship to my academic pursuits. 2. Report on Duties, Projects, and Supervision: (i) Detailed Outline of Learning Experiences and Responsibilities: During my time within the Product Marketing Department, my learning was centered around the crucial roles of this department within GNPC. I gained a thorough understanding of the department's responsibilities, which include the disposal of Ghana’s crude oil produced domestically , the vital aspect of managing government-to-government agreements related to crude oil sales, and the execution of other commercial functions assigned by the Ministry of Energy . My primary focus was on the Crude Oil Desk , where I learned about the team's responsibility for the marketing of Ghana’s crude cargoes at competitive prices while adhering to stringent environmental safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness standards. A significant part of my learning involved understanding GNPC's role and relationships with its partners in the Jubilee and TEN fields , namely, Kosmos Energy, Tullow Oil, PetroSA, and Explorco. Similarly, I gained knowledge about the partners involved in the Sankofa field : GNPC, ENI, and VITOL. Understanding these partnerships is crucial for comprehending the collaborative nature of crude oil production and marketing in Ghana. I was introduced to the fundamental importance of the Petroleum Agreement (PA) , which outlines the rights and obligations of contractor parties and GNPC . My learning covered key aspects of the PA, including commercial terms , taxation , special provisions , and the critical considerations for safety and environment within the oil and gas sector. To provide a foundational understanding, Mrs. Rebecca Lampetey, who is the head of the crude marketing desk, guided us through the history of crude oil marketing within GNPC . I learned that "petroleum" originates from the Latin words petra, meaning rock or stone , and oleum , meaning oil. So, it translates to "rock oil." The fact that oil is found in underground reservoirs within sedimentary rock makes this etymology quite fitting. The geological process that allows petroleum to accumulate in porous reservoir rock, trapped by non-porous layers, was explained in detail. The crucial point that the value of crude oil is directly related to the value of its oil products was also emphasized..

[Audio] In this training video, we will be discussing slide number 2 out of 6, focusing on a third-year university student's internship experience at the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation. During this internship, they gained valuable insights into the core functions of crude oil marketing, the complexities of the global petroleum industry, and the responsibilities of the Product Marketing Department. Mrs. Lampetey, one of the supervisors of this student, provided a deeper understanding of the key characteristics of crude oil, including its weight which is measured by API gravity or density. We learned that there are two types of crude oil - light crude with an API of over 30, which is more valuable, and heavy crude with an API under 30. We also discussed the importance of sulfur content, which is measured by weight percentage. It plays a significant role as a catalyst poison in refineries and automobiles. Mrs. Lampetey explained the difference between sweet crude with less than 1% sulfur, and sour crude with over 1% sulfur. The historical origin of the terms "sweet" and "sour" from whale oil was also discussed. Additionally, Mrs. Lampetey provided further historical context, emphasizing that crude oil and other hydrocarbons are considered fossil fuels, formed from the remains of ancient marine organisms over millions of years, and subjected to heat and pressure under layers of sediment. We also learned that petroleum products are derived from crude oil and natural gas, and can also be made from coal, natural gas, and biomass. Mrs. Lampetey brought the history of the oil industry to life with notable milestones, such as the formation of the Pennsylvania Rock Oil Company, the first successful oil well drilled by Edwin Drake in 1859, and the rapid growth of the Standard Oil Company. This timeline of significant events showcases the evolution and impact of crude oil on our society. We hope you found this information informative and stay tuned for the next slide on our presentation. Thank you for watching and we'll see you in the next class..

[Audio] In the third slide of our presentation, we will be discussing the core functions of crude oil marketing. During your internship at the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, you gained firsthand insights into these functions as a third-year university student. The seller in crude oil marketing proposes the quantities of crude oil available and the buyer nominates the vessels for transportation, including lifting scheduling and vessel nominations. Pricing is also an important aspect of crude oil marketing, which is based on Dated Brent plus differentials and various options. Payment terms typically involve the petroleum holdings fund, with the funds being transferred 30 days before the Bill of Lading (B/L). The B/L is a legal document that serves as a contract and receipt for the cargo being transported. Our speaker, Mr. Jones, gave a detailed overview of different vessel categories, including ULCC, VLCC, Suezmax, Aframax, and Panamax, with their deadweight tonnage, capacity, cargo sizes, shipping routes, and operational characteristics. Other important terms, such as double hull and tanker pipelines, were also discussed. We also learned about the function of cargo pumps and the Ghana Group Crude Oil Sales Contracts with LITASCO SA and GEMCORP for TEN and Sankofa crude, and Jubilee's sales since 2010. Different types of crude oil sales contracts and common delivery terms, such as FOB, were also mentioned. We hope this overview of the core functions of crude oil marketing has been informative and helpful. Let's continue to the next slide to learn about the complexities of the global petroleum industry..

[Audio] This presentation will focus on the impact of the environment on various industries. During our internship at the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, we gained insights into crude oil marketing and the complexities of the global petroleum industry. Strategic considerations in this field include vessel nominations, long-term contracts, and navigating the global supply chain. Our time at the Product Marketing Department has expanded our strategic thinking in a complex market. We have acquired new skills and knowledge, including a comprehensive understanding of the history, standards, and diverse characteristics of the crude oil industry. We also gained a deep understanding of Ghana's oil sector, including key oil fields, production partners, and the role of GNPC. We have also learned about the commercial aspects of crude oil marketing, such as quality, delivery, nominations, scheduling, and pricing. Our proficiency in Microsoft Excel has improved, with advanced skills in data entry, analysis, reporting, and using formulas and pivot tables for interpreting oil production and sales data. We have also honed our skills in Microsoft PowerPoint, which has helped us effectively present our report. This internship has provided us with a comprehensive understanding of the crude oil industry, Ghana's oil sector, and the commercial aspects of crude oil marketing. Now, let's move on to slide number 5..

[Audio] Slide number five of our presentation discusses the intern's overall impressions about their experience at the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation as a third-year university student. The intern was able to gain insights into the core functions of crude oil marketing, the complexities of the global petroleum industry, and the responsibilities of the Product Marketing Department. Their overall impression of the internship program at GNPC was overwhelmingly positive, providing them with a thorough and engaging introduction to the dynamic world of crude oil marketing and the vital role that GNPC plays within Ghana's economy and the global energy landscape. The intern received structured guidance from Mrs. Rebecca Lampetey, gaining a strong foundational understanding of the industry. They also learned from Mr. Jones, who provided supplementary explanations and practical knowledge. The technical skills training from Mr. Ebenezer Amoakohene Bonsra equipped the intern with valuable tools for their future professional endeavors. The welcoming and collaborative atmosphere within the Product Marketing Department added to the enriching and enjoyable experience, allowing the intern to feel supported and encouraged to learn and grow. The intern has some relevant observations and comments to share with the corporation, including commendations for Mrs. Rebecca Lampetey's depth of knowledge and dedication to mentorship, as well as appreciation for Mr. Jones' supportive and insightful guidance. They are also grateful for the practical skills training in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint offered by Mr. Ebenezer Amoakohene Bonsra. In conclusion, the collaborative and supportive work culture within the Product Marketing Department made the intern's experience at GNPC very positive..