Ghana Urges Greater African Control Of Oil Resources At Africa Oil Week

Ghana’s Energy and Green Transition Minister John Abdulai Jinapor has urged global oil and gas investors to support greater African ownership, local capacity and stable policy frameworks, saying the continent needs to capture more value from its hydrocarbon resources as the energy transition gathers pace.

Jinapor told delegates on the second day of Africa Oil Week in Accra that Africa should not remain a passive supplier of raw materials while decision-making, technology and profits are transferred overseas.

He called for partnerships that strengthen domestic institutions and expand the role of African companies in exploration, production and oilfield services.

“The future of our energy sector must be shaped by Africans, for Africans, with room for global capital and expertise,” Jinapor said.

Ghana is seeking to position itself as an investment destination and regional energy hub, he said.

Jinapor urged governments to create predictable regulatory frameworks to attract long-term investment while protecting national interests.

He highlighted the need for stronger local-content policies, skills development and infrastructure, saying African energy companies needed to meet international standards to compete globally.

Speaking amid debate over how to balance hydrocarbon development with efforts to cut emissions, Jinapor described the energy transition as an opportunity rather than a constraint.

A managed transition could generate jobs, government revenues and industrial growth without forcing countries to choose between economic development and sustainability, he said.

Delegates at the conference continued discussions on upstream investment, regional cooperation and the role of African independent producers in a changing energy market.

Jinapor said Ghana would continue working with private investors and regional partners to develop opportunities while seeking to ensure that its natural resources contribute to broader economic growth.