Trump Slaps 126% Tariff On Indian Solar Panels In Escalating Trade Fight
Donald Trump, President of the United States, has announced sweeping new tariffs on India, stating that solar panel imports into the U.S. will now be subject to duties of 126%.
The move follows findings that India subsidised its solar panel industry at roughly the same rate. Laos and Indonesia were also targeted with import tariffs corresponding to the subsidy levels their governments provide to domestic solar manufacturers.
The tariffs stem from a trade case filed with the United States Department of Commerce by the U.S. solar manufacturing industry.
A fact sheet published on the department’s website shows that U.S. imports of solar panels from India surged from $83.86 million in 2022 to $792.65 million in 2024, amid tighter restrictions on Chinese solar imports and heightened price sensitivity in the market.
Bloomberg reported that India, Indonesia, and Laos together accounted for 57% of all solar panel imports into the United States in the first half of last year, with combined shipments valued at $4.5 billion.
The U.S. solar equipment manufacturing industry has long sought to curb imports of low-cost Asian products. According to Financial Times, Asian solar panels drove global prices down by about 50% within 12 months two years ago, reducing prices to as low as $0.10 per watt.
Although the U.S. solar industry also received subsidies during the previous administration, support levels were far lower by comparison. Pressure from domestic manufacturers previously led to tariffs on Chinese panel exports, just as India was ramping up its own solar production capacity.
“American manufacturers are investing billions of dollars to rebuild domestic capacity and create good-paying jobs. Those investments cannot succeed if unfairly traded imports are allowed to distort the market,” the lead attorney for the Alliance for American Solar Manufacturing and Trade said, according to Reuters.
Nigeria: Court Orders Oriental Energy to Pay $43.5m to Founder’s Twin Daughters in Dividend Dispute
A Federal High Court of Nigeria has ordered Oriental Energy Resources Ltd., the private oil company founded by billionaire Muhammadu Indimi, to pay his twin daughters $43.51 million following a protracted legal battle over dividends that has drawn one of the country’s most prominent business dynasties into open court, BusinessDay Nigeria has reported.
The ruling represents a significant victory for Ameena and Zara Indimi, who argued that they were wrongfully excluded from a dividend pool tied to approximately $435.1 million that the company was said to have declared. The amount implied a combined 10 percent entitlement if their claimed shareholdings were upheld.
The sisters alleged that their individual stakes were reduced without due process, effectively depriving them of dividend payouts they say were rightfully theirs.
Oriental Energy, a Lagos-based exploration and production firm with key offshore assets in the Niger Delta, is one of Nigeria’s better-known privately held upstream operators. The company was built over several decades by Indimi, a businessman whose interests span energy and finance.
Indimi, whose business profile and philanthropic activities have made him one of the country’s most recognisable figures, has not publicly commented on the judgment. Oriental Energy has also not disclosed details of its financial position or share register, which is common among private upstream companies operating outside mandatory public reporting requirements.
The precise methodology behind the $43.51 million award and the timeline for compliance have not been fully disclosed in public reports. However, the court clearly sided with the daughters on the core question of entitlement, a decision that could shift the balance of power in any negotiations that follow.
Enforcement, however, may prove as consequential as the judgment itself. Private companies in Nigeria often have several avenues to delay or challenge adverse rulings, and a potential appeal could significantly prolong proceedings. Whether the daughters ultimately receive payment — and on what timeline — will test both the robustness of the ruling and the family’s willingness to settle rather than pursue further litigation.
The next phase — appeal, enforcement action, or a negotiated settlement — will determine whether the court’s order results in payment or becomes merely another chapter in a legal saga whose final resolution remains uncertain.
Angola’s State Oil Firm Looks To Tap Into Critical Minerals
Sonangol is seeking stakes and footprints in the development of critical minerals domestically, Sebastiao Gaspar Martins, the chief executive of Angola’s state-held oil company, has said.
Sonangol on Wednesday reported slightly lower net profit for 2025 compared to 2024, but the company wants to capitalize on the critical minerals momentum.
Sonangol has seven concessions for lithium, uranium, and quartz exploration, Gaspar Martins said, as carried by Reuters.
“Sonangol wants to diversify into critical minerals essential for the energy transition, will be very useful for us to also have a stake and a presence in the development of these minerals,” the executive said at the presentation of the 2025 earnings.
At the end of last year, Angola’s Minerals and Petroleum Minister, Diamantino Azevedo, called on the mining industry regulators to accelerate the permitting phase of new projects as one of Africa’s top oil producers looks to attract investments in critical minerals mining.
Azevedo said that the country needs to attract greater investment, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and closely monitor projects that are not in the production phase yet.
Angola is rich in mineral resources including manganese, copper, gold, phosphates, granite, marble, uranium, quartz, lead, zinc, wolfram, tin, fluorite, sulfur, feldspar, kaolin, mica, asphalt, gypsum, and talc, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration.
In October 2025, Angola launched production at its first major copper mine, Tetelo, as the country looks to diversify in critical minerals.
The developer of the project, Shining Star Icarus, a partnership between China’s Shining Star International Group and Angola’s Sociedade Mineira de Cobre de Angola, expects to produce around 25,000 metric tons of copper concentrate per year during its initial phase.
The project is worth $305 million in investment, Angola’s government said.
While looking to diversify in critical minerals, Angola also seeks to reinvigorate its oil production that has stagnated in recent years due to a lack of investment.
Tanzania: SADC Impressed By Tanzania’s Strategies On Clean Cooking Energy Agenda
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has expressed admiration for Tanzania’s strategies to accelerate the adoption of clean cooking energy, particularly measures to remove taxes and provide subsidies for equipment such as gas cylinders and improved cookstoves, alongside public awareness campaigns.
Speaking during the Ministers’ Dialogue on Sustainable Energy at the SADC Sustainable Energy Week, held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (February 23–27, 2026), Deputy Minister of Energy Hon. Salome Makamba said Tanzania aims to achieve 80 percent adoption of clean cooking energy by 2034, while the National Energy Master Plan targets 75 percent by 2030.
Makamba explained that the government has prioritized institutions serving more than 100 people — including prisons, military camps, schools, and large markets — by installing clean cooking energy systems, a move described as innovative and impactful.
She added that Tanzania has extended electricity access to all 12,318 villages on the mainland, increasing national electricity access to 85.5 percent.
According to her, the country’s power generation capacity has reached 4,437 megawatts and is projected to rise to 8,000 megawatts by 2030.
Meanwhile, SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi commended Tanzania for leading regional efforts to promote clean cooking energy, noting that the initiative is driving positive social, economic, and environmental change across the region.
The event was officially opened by Constantino Chiwenga, Vice President of Zimbabwe, who emphasized the importance of African countries leveraging renewable energy resources as a catalyst for economic development.
Zambia: Yango Unveils Electric Motorbike Fleet To Advance Green Mobility
The Government of Zambia on Wednesday officially unveiled Yango’s electric motorbike fleet at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition toward sustainable urban transport.
Zambia’s Minister for Green Economy and Environment, Mike Elton Mposha, described the launch as a historic moment that goes beyond the mere handover of motorbikes, signaling a bold new chapter in the nation’s journey toward environmentally responsible and inclusive development.
He noted that the introduction of more than 100 electric motorbikes — part of an initial fleet of 150 units already in the country — reflects the Government’s deliberate commitment to ensuring that economic growth progresses hand in hand with environmental stewardship.
The Minister explained that the initiative is firmly anchored in the Green Economy and Climate Change Act No. 18 of 2024 and the National Green Growth Strategy (2024–2030), which together provide the legal and policy framework for low-carbon, climate-resilient development.
He emphasized that the transport sector is central to Zambia’s climate response under the Paris Agreement, adding that the shift to electric motorbikes will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut noise pollution, and improve air quality, particularly in Lusaka.
Mike Elton Mposha commended Yango Zambia for aligning private sector innovation with national policy priorities and praised its partnership with the Lusaka City Council to establish charging infrastructure across the city.
He further highlighted that the electric motorbikes — featuring extended range, a quick battery swap system, strong load capacity, and a three-year warranty — are well suited to Zambia’s operating conditions while creating cost-saving opportunities for delivery riders.
The Minister concluded by officially declaring the electric motorbike fleet launched and called on stakeholders to embrace electric mobility as the future of sustainable development, job creation, and environmental responsibility in Zambia.
Ghana: Vivo Energy Ghana Supports Children’s Health
Vivo Energy Ghana PLC, the exclusive distributor and marketer of Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in Ghana, has donated syringe and infusion pumps to the Department of Child Health at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital as part of its annual Energising Hope initiative.
The donation, made on February 23, 2026, aims to improve healthcare outcomes for children and support vulnerable communities.
The equipment will enable the hospital to automate the precise delivery of fluids, medication, and nutrients, allowing healthcare professionals to treat young patients more effectively.
This is particularly significant for the facility, which handles high patient volumes and often faces challenges in accessing essential medical equipment.
Vivo Energy Ghana’s Managing Director, Christian Li, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting communities.
“At Vivo Energy Ghana, ‘caring’ is not just a value we talk about; it is a value we live. Energising Hope reminds us that our role as a responsible corporate entity goes beyond providing energy solutions. It is about touching lives, supporting communities, and showing compassion where it is needed most.
Children represent the promise of tomorrow, and we are honoured to contribute to their healing journey and overall well-being,” he said.
The initiative also brought joy to young patients and their families, as Vivo Energy Ghana employees visited the children’s ward with roses and chocolates.
The ward was filled with smiles and laughter as the children welcomed the surprise gifts, while parents and guardians expressed appreciation for the thoughtful gesture.
Paediatric oncologist Ernestina Schandorf expressed gratitude for the timely donation, noting that it would significantly strengthen the department’s capacity to deliver quality healthcare.
“The syringe and infusion pumps will enable us to treat young patients more effectively, ultimately improving the quality of healthcare delivery for children receiving treatment,” she said.
The Energising Hope initiative reflects Vivo Energy Ghana’s vision to be Africa’s leading and most respected energy business, combining operational excellence with meaningful community engagement. The company has maintained a strong track record of supporting communities, and the donation underscores its commitment to making a positive social impact.
Vivo Energy Ghana has operated in the country since 2013 and maintains a strong presence in the downstream energy sector, with a fuels storage capacity of 11,000 cubic metres and about 250 service stations nationwide, many of which offer Shell Cards and convenience retail services.
The donation has been welcomed by hospital authorities and the wider community and is expected to make a significant difference in the lives of children receiving treatment.
Ghana: Energy Minister Commissions Indian Smart Meter Manufacturing Facility In Tema
An Indian smart meter manufacturing firm, MBH Power Limited, has commissioned a modern meter production facility in Tema Community 1 near the Mankoadze Roundabout, reaffirming its commitment to support Ghana’s efforts to address meter shortages and reduce reliance on imports.
The nearly US$1 million facility has the capacity to produce about 750,000 smart meters annually, enabling the country to meet its growing demand for electricity meters.
MBH Power Limited has operated in Ghana since 2007 and has executed several projects, including the supply and installation of shunt capacitors and participation in the Self-Help Electrification Project across parts of the Ashanti Region and Brong Ahafo Region under an Exim Bank-funded initiative.
The company initially ventured into meter assembly from rented premises before acquiring an old property, which it redeveloped into the new modern manufacturing facility, demonstrating its long-term confidence in Ghana’s economic growth.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Niket Goel, Country Head of MBH Power Limited, said the new facility reflects the company’s long-term commitment and resolve to remain a dependable partner to Ghana’s power sector.
He noted that the company is ready to support Ghana’s development aspirations and plans to make further investments to expand production capacity.
Goel added that the locally manufactured smart meters would play a significant role in reducing power theft and ensuring improved revenue flows across the electricity distribution and generation value chain.
“We are dedicated to supporting Ghana’s economic growth and providing reliable energy,” he said.
“We are not just investors but partners in progress.”
Meanwhile, John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, praised the company for investing in the country, stressing that the facility would significantly boost local meter production and help address long-standing supply challenges affecting consumers nationwide.
“As a Minister, I find this situation deeply disturbing. Without a meter, a consumer cannot properly account for and pay for electricity consumed,” he said.
The Minister disclosed that he has engaged the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) to streamline procurement and distribution processes.
According to him, the operationalisation of the new factory marks a turning point and is expected to ensure that persistent meter shortages become a thing of the past.
Meanwhile, John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, praised the company for investing in the country, stressing that the facility would significantly boost local meter production and help address long-standing supply challenges affecting consumers nationwide.
“As a Minister, I find this situation deeply disturbing. Without a meter, a consumer cannot properly account for and pay for electricity consumed,” he said.
The Minister disclosed that he has engaged the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) to streamline procurement and distribution processes.
According to him, the operationalisation of the new factory marks a turning point and is expected to ensure that persistent meter shortages become a thing of the past.
White House To Host Big Tech In Pledge To Rein In Power Costs
The White House plans to host leading data center and artificial intelligence companies including Microsoft , Anthropic and Meta Platforms in early March to formalize a deal to shield consumers from rising electricity costs, according to two sources familiar with the plans.
The meeting is expected to advance an initiative President Donald Trump unveiled during his State of the Union address on Tuesday, in which he said he had told major technology firms they must build their own power plants to run the rapidly-expanding fleet of data centers and other artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The pledge under discussion is expected to resemble commitments already offered earlier this year by Microsoft to invest in new electricity generation and efficiency measures, the sources said.
“We appreciate the Administration’s work to ensure that data centers don’t contribute to higher electricity prices for consumers,” said Brad Smith, Microsoft’s Vice Chair and President.
The company did not say whether it would be in attendance next week or whether it would sign any new pledge.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A spokesperson for Meta declined to comment and Anthropic did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Trump has made the global AI race, and securing the vast amounts of electricity needed to power it, a primary focus of his second term.
That agenda, however, has become politically precarious ahead of the midterms as energy demand growth from data centers pushes up power bills over a wide swath of the country.
The recent proliferation of giant data center projects — needed for the expansion of artificial intelligence technologies — has been met with increasing local and state protests over concerns of rising bills and pollution tied to the developments.
OPEC+ To Increase Oil Output By 137,000 bpd For April
OPEC+ is likely to consider increasing oil output by 137,000 barrels per day (bpd) for April 2026, ending a three-month pause in hikes as they prepare for peak summer demand and navigate market share strategies, Oilprice.com reported on Wednesday citing Bloomberg ahead of a scheduled cartel meeting on March 1.
The group had previously implemented 137,000 bpd hikes in late 2025 before pausing increases for the first quarter of 2026 in a bid to avoid creating a supply surplus.
Unwinding previous output cuts will allow key members such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE to claw back some market share at a time when oil prices are supported by ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
Oil prices have been surging in response to growing U.S.-Iran tensions, with Brent crude jumping to a seven-month high above $71 per barrel.
Fears of military action and potential supply disruptions have triggered volatility despite broader, ongoing concerns about a global oil surplus.
The tensions have added a $3–$4 per barrel risk premium to U.S. crude prices; however, analysts have warned that oil prices could move higher if conflicts move from rhetoric to action.
Analysts from Barclays see prices jumping to the $80 per barrel range in a scenario where the U.S. targets military or government leadership but avoids strikes on Iran’s oil infrastructure.
Rystad Energy sees a temporary spike of $10 to $15 per barrel in a wider but not catastrophic conflict if an attack is short-lived and does not cause major supply interruptions.
Barclays, however, has predicted that strikes targeting Iranian production fields or export terminals could drive prices towards $100 per barrel.
Last year, JPMorgan predicted an oil price spike to $130 in a “worst-case scenario” if Iran blockades vital chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz is considered the world’s most critical oil chokepoint, with ~20-30% of global seaborne oil passing through it everyday.
The chokepoint is the only direct maritime link from the Persian Gulf to the open sea, making it vital for exporting oil from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and the UAE to Asia and the rest of the world.
Ghana: Energy Minister Gives Energy Commission, PURC, And ECG 7-Day Ultimatum To Investigate Rapid Depletion Of Prepaid Credit
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has given the Energy Commission, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) a seven-day ultimatum to investigate the alleged rapid depletion of prepaid electricity credits, following widespread complaints from consumers across the country.
The Minister directed the three institutions to conduct an impartial and thorough assessment of prepaid meters and billing systems to determine the root cause of the issue.
He stressed the need for transparency and accountability in order to restore public confidence in the electricity distribution system.
Speaking to the media in Tema on Wednesday, Dr. Jinapor said his ministry is taking the concerns seriously and has tasked the agencies with “getting to the bottom of the matter” by examining whether technical faults, metering irregularities, or billing errors may be responsible for the reported fast credit depletion.
He assured consumers that should the investigations confirm cases of overbilling or unfair charges, ECG would be required to compensate all affected customers.
In recent months, many prepaid electricity users have complained that their purchased credits are being exhausted much faster than usual, raising concerns about possible meter calibration problems, tariff miscalculations, or system inefficiencies.
ECG, which is responsible for electricity distribution to millions of households and businesses nationwide, has previously faced criticism over billing disputes and service reliability.
The Energy Commission regulates technical standards in the power sector, while the PURC oversees tariffs and protects consumer interests.
The Minister’s directive is expected to bring coordinated oversight among the three bodies to address the complaints and ensure fairness in the billing system.
Nigeria: NUPRC Set To Digitise Operations Within 60 Days, Says CEO
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced a 60-day programme to fully digitise the Commission’s internal communications and operational processes as part of efforts to enhance transparency, speed, and regulatory efficiency.
Chief Executive Officer, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, disclosed this when the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Musa Adar, paid a working visit to the Commission’s corporate headquarters in Abuja on February 23, 2026.
The initiative is aimed at eliminating paper-based processes and strengthening accountability in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.
“We have set for ourselves a 60-day programme to digitise our interactions and communications within the Commission. I can assure you that once we get to day 60, there will be no paper trail within the Commission. All our transmissions will be electronic, which also means speed is assured. It means we will be able to trace where we have hiccups,” she said.
Eyesan explained that the Commission had already recorded significant gains from previous automation initiatives, particularly in royalty collection and monitoring.
She said, “I can tell you without a shadow of doubt that for royalty payments, the default rate was enormous before 2025 when the Commission went live on the system. Now, compliance has improved.”
The NUPRC boss noted that full digitisation would further strengthen regulatory oversight, improve efficiency, and enhance transparency in the oil and gas industry.
She also stressed the importance of deepening collaboration with NEITI, especially as the country prepares for new licensing opportunities and investment drives.
In his remarks, Adar urged the Commission to strengthen its partnership with NEITI through data sharing and closer institutional coordination.
He said this would enhance transparency, improve investor confidence, and ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.
Adar said, “There is a need for the Commission to carry NEITI along in its operations. This will not only enhance transparency but also deepen investor confidence. We also expect the regulator to be firm with operators that run afoul of the law.”
He further encouraged the Commission to actively participate in the 2026 global conference of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative to gain deeper insights into evolving transparency standards and best practices.
“We are here to seek understanding, and we must collaborate,” he added.
Nigeria has intensified reforms in the oil and gas sector following the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act in 2021, which restructured regulatory institutions and emphasised transparency, accountability, and improved revenue generation.
The NUPRC, which regulates upstream activities, has introduced several digital and monitoring tools to curb revenue leakages, improve compliance, and attract investment.
Stronger collaboration between NUPRC and NEITI is critical to boosting investor confidence, ensuring accurate reporting, and strengthening governance in Africa’s largest oil producer as the country seeks to increase production and maximise revenue from its natural resources.
Ghana: GRIDCo Confirms Power Outage In Tema, Assures Public Of Swift Restoration
The Ghana Grid Company Ltd. (GRIDCo) has confirmed an electrical fault at the Smelter II Substation, which resulted in a power outage affecting parts of Tema.
The fault occurred at 22:58 hrs on Monday and disrupted electricity supply to several areas in Tema, causing inconvenience to residents and businesses.
In a statement, GRIDCo said its engineers immediately sprang into action and are working tirelessly to diagnose the cause of the disturbance and restore power.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and assure all affected customers that every effort is being made to resolve the challenge promptly and restore stable power supply,” the statement said.
The cause of the fault has not yet been determined, but GRIDCo assured the public that its engineers are working diligently to restore electricity as soon as possible.
South Africa: Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa Attends SADC Sustainable Energy Week In Zimbabwe
South Africa’s Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has arrived in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, to attend the 2026 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Sustainable Energy Week (SEW), an event aimed at enhancing collaboration toward regional and sovereign energy security.
The event is scheduled to take place from February 23 to 27, 2026.
Organised by the Southern African Development Community Secretariat in partnership with Ministry of Energy and Power Development and the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE), this year’s SEW is centred on the theme, “Driving Regional Economic Growth through Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency.”
The forum provides an essential platform for energy sector stakeholders across the SADC region to engage in discussions aimed at addressing critical energy challenges facing member states.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, which resulted in 18 actionable recommendations, this year’s programme emphasises the alignment of policy and regulatory frameworks with regional development objectives, including promoting universal energy access and engaging the private sector through innovative financing solutions.
The agenda includes high-level plenary sessions, thematic presentations, breakout discussions, and technical site visits, with a focus on investment in renewable energy technologies, grid integration, energy efficiency, and clean cooking solutions.
South Africa’s participation highlights its leadership in regional energy initiatives, especially as it prepares to co-host the upcoming SADC Energy Ministers’ Meeting.
This year’s SEW aims to strengthen partnerships and mobilise investments for sustainable energy while addressing pressing issues such as rising demand and the impacts of climate change.
Throughout the event, Minister Ramokgopa will collaborate with fellow ministers, industry experts, and stakeholders to reinforce cooperation among SADC member states and work collectively toward a sustainable energy future.
Ghana Energy Awards Kicks Off 10th Anniversary Activities With Visit To Energy Ministry
Ghana Energy Awards has officially launched activities marking its 10th Anniversary Edition with a high-level courtesy call on the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, setting the tone for a landmark year for the prestigious industry recognition scheme.
The delegation was led by the Chief Executive Officer of the Awards Secretariat, Ing. Henry Teinor, and the Chairman of the Awarding Panel, Kwame Jantuah, Esq. Other members included Dr. Lawrence Tetteh and Dr. Jemima Nunoo.
The broader Awarding Panel also comprises H.E. Dr. Kwame Ampofo, Ghana’s Ambassador to the Hungary, and Prof. Felix Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, in charge of Research, Innovation and Development.
The team was received by the Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, on behalf of the Minister, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor.
The meeting, held at the Ministry in Accra, marks the first in a series of activities lined up to commemorate the Awards’ 10th anniversary. Since 2017, the scheme has recognised excellence and innovation across Ghana’s energy value chain.
Among the key items discussed was the formal presentation of the Site Visitation Report from the 9th Ghana Energy Awards, alongside deliberations on theme selection and the roadmap for the 10th Edition. The delegation also exchanged perspectives with the Ministry on strategic priorities for 2026 and areas for collaboration.
Independent Assessment to Support Oversight
Presenting the Site Visitation Report, the Chairman of the Awarding Panel, Kwame Jantuah, Esq., underscored the importance of the exercise as an independent technical assessment of selected project sites visited during last year’s awards process.
“The Site Visitation Report provides an independent, expert assessment of operational sites and projects reviewed by the Panel,” he said. “We believe this document can serve as a useful reference point to support policy refinement and strengthen the Ministry’s oversight responsibilities across the sector.”
He noted that the Awards’ structured evaluation process, including site visits and technical reviews, reinforces credibility and provides actionable insights for both regulators and operators.
Commitment to Excellence
Chief Executive Officer of the Awards Secretariat, Ing. Henry Teinor, reiterated the scheme’s commitment to promoting excellence and strengthening the sector’s long-term development.
“As we mark our 10th anniversary, we remain committed to championing operational excellence, innovation, and good governance within Ghana’s energy sector,” he said. “This anniversary is a renewed pledge to support the advancement of the sector in alignment with national priorities.”
He described the courtesy call as the formal opening of a broader calendar of anniversary activities, including stakeholder engagements, policy dialogues, and commemorative events leading up to the awards ceremony later in the year.
Ministry Reaffirms Strategic Priorities
Deputy Minister Richard Gyan-Mensah commended the execution of the 9th Edition of the Awards and welcomed the roadmap shared for the 10th anniversary.
“The Ministry acknowledges the strategic role the Ghana Energy Awards continues to play in highlighting performance and encouraging healthy competition within the sector,” he said. “The 9th Edition was well executed, and with the roadmap presented, we expect an even more impactful 10th Anniversary celebration.”
He reiterated the Ministry’s openness to collaborative initiatives that align with the government’s broader energy vision.
“We remain open to partnerships that help advance the government’s objectives for the sector and inspire industry players to give their best, champion excellence, and pursue innovation,” he added.
Outlining the Ministry’s key objectives for 2026, Gyan-Mensah disclosed that the government is working “around the clock” to ensure Ghana achieves a 90% electricity access rate by the end of the year.
He further highlighted Ghana’s recent ratification of a $2 billion agreement extending the Jubilee and TEN oilfield licences to 2040. The deal, approved in February 2026 and involving Tullow Oil, Kosmos Energy, PetroSA, and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), secures investment for up to 20 new wells aimed at boosting production. It also increases GNPC’s stake by 10% from 2036 and is expected to enhance domestic gas supply for power generation.
The Deputy Minister added that Ghana has reached an agreement with Nigeria to increase gas supply to support power generation, while discussions are ongoing regarding the country’s nuclear energy pathway, including whether to pursue small modular reactors or large-scale nuclear facilities.
He also disclosed renewed efforts to ensure malfunctioning streetlights are fixed nationwide to improve public lighting and safety.
The 10th Ghana Energy Awards is expected to reflect a decade of recognising industry leadership and impact. Further details on anniversary activities, stakeholder engagements, and the official theme for the 10th Edition will be announced in the coming weeks.