Ghana: Eunice Biritwum Appointed New Executive Secretary Of Energy Commission
Ghana’s technical regulator for electricity and natural gas, Energy Commission, has announced the appointment of Mrs. Eunice A. Biritwum as new Executive Secretary of the Commission effective 05 February, 2025.
She takes over from Ing. Oscar Amonoo-Neizer who held the position from September 2019 until 04 February, 2025.
Mrs. Biritwum is a Power Utility Professional with 33 years of experience in the energy industry.
Having worked with various companies in Ghana, the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Sierra Leone and the Gambia, her expertise spans independent power generation, renewable energy integration, project development and implementation, contracts negotiation, project management, integrated utility and independent power production (IPP) operations management and governance.
She is equally competent in policy development, integrated power systems planning, and non-generation services such as energy efficiency, and transmission infrastructure development.
Her experiences have led her to develop skills in new business start-ups, organizational set-up and restructuring, Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), global marketing management, power trading and wholesale energy markets transactions administration.
Additionally, she is an advocate for gender inclusion in business and the energy sector.
Prior to her appointment, Eunice was an Associate Director at Deloitte & Touche (“Deloitte”) focused on developing the new Energy Consulting Business for the firm, after completing a four + year assignment with Deloitte on the USAID Power Africa West Africa Energy Program as Outcome 1 Lead.
She was the first CEO for CENIT Energy Limited, Ghana, an Independent Power Producing Company (IPP), where together with her experience as Project Director for the Tema Osonor Power Project which became CENIT, she gained expertise in the development and negotiation of power purchase agreements (PPAs) and the project financing of energy infrastructure projects.
Her interests in regional integration within the energy sector and the benefits power pool led to the appointment of CENIT Energy to the Board of the West Africa Power Pool (WAPP) in 2017, the first for an Independent Power Producing Company.
Mrs. Biritwum was a member of the Energy Commission’s Technical Committee for electricity between 2013 and 2015, and again from 2019 to 2024.
The Energy Commission invites its staff, partners and stakeholders to accord Mrs. Biritwum the necessary courtesies to make her tenure a successful one
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Egypt, Cyprus Seal Historic Gas Deal
Egypt and Cyprus have signed two groundbreaking agreements to develop Cypriot natural gas discoveries using Egyptian infrastructure.
This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in the region’s energy landscape, bolstering cooperation between Egypt and Cyprus.
The agreements, signed on the sidelines of the Egypt International Energy Conference EGYPS 2025, are a crucial step towards Egypt’s vision of becoming a regional hub for natural gas trade and transportation.
The two agreement were witnessed by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt and Nikos Christodolidis of Cyprus.
By leveraging Egyptian facilities, Cyprus can now tap into the global market, with Egypt poised to receive, process, and re-export Cypriot gas to Europe.
The first agreement was inked by Engineer Karim Badawi, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Mr. George Papanastasio, Cyprus’ Minister of Energy, Trade and Industry, and Engineer Claudio Descalzi, President of Eni Italian Company.
The second agreement was signed by the same ministers, along with Mr. Clay Neff, President of Chevron Global Company for exploration and production activities.
This historic deal is expected to accelerate the development of Cypriot gas fields, including the “Kronos” and “Aphrodite” fields, which will be linked to Egyptian facilities.
As negotiations continue to bring more Cypriot gas to Egypt, this partnership is set to reshape the region’s energy dynamics, fostering greater cooperation and economic growth.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s Downstream Petroleum Sector Stakeholders Gather For Maiden Dialogue
Ghanaian players in the petroleum downstream sector on Tuesday convened at the Fiesta Royale Hotel in Accra, the capital of Ghana, to discuss key issues and map out a sustainable future for the industry.
The two-day Petroleum Downstream Dialogue 2025, organised by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), began on Tuesday 18 and would end on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
The event featured the new Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, as the Special Guest, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo Esq., Chief Executive Officer of Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), Executive Director of Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) Benjamin Boakye, Executive Director of Institute for Energy Security (IES), Nana Amoasi (VII), and several captains of the oil and gas industry.
Tuesday’s discussions focused on policy development and regulatory reforms, local content and participation in the downstream petroleum sector, and energy transition in the sector.
In his welcome address, Gabriel Kumi, the Managing Director of Pacific Oil and Chairman of COMAC, noted that the downstream industry faces numerous challenges, including regulatory bottlenecks, restrictive policies and operational hurdles, as well as global price volatility, infrastructural gaps and financial constraints.
However, he emphasised that these challenges also present opportunities for innovation, collaboration and strategic frameworks that can transform the downstream sector.
Through interactive panel discussions and networking sessions, the dialogue aimed to explore actionable strategies for overcoming these challenges and unlocking new avenues for growth and sustainable development.
Mr Kumi expressed his gratitude to the distinguished guests, including the Minister for Energy and Green Transition and the CEO of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) for their presence and commitment to collaboration and support for the industry
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com Kenya: Electricity Demand Hits Record High Of 2,316 MW
Kenya Power has announced that the country’s electricity consumption has reached a new record high, with a peak demand of 2,316 MW recorded on February 12, 2025. This surpasses the previous peak of 2,304 MW recorded on January 15, 2025.
Statistics from Kenya Power’s National Control Centre shows that peak electricity demand has been steadily growing over the last 3 years with the growth rate gaining momentum in 2024.
Electricity demand exceeded the 2,000 MW threshold towards the end of 2021 and peaked above 2,100 MW in 2022 but remained steadily below 2,200 MW in 2023 before regaining momentum in June 2024.
According to Kenya Power’s Managing Director & CEO, Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Siror, the growth in demand has been driven by investments in stabilizing the National Grid and completing key projects. These include the Kimuka 220/66kV substation and the 33kV double circuit interconnector between Narok and Bomet.
“The investment in upgrading transmission lines by Kenya Power and KETRACO has resulted in a more stable grid,” said Dr. Siror.
“In the last six months, we also connected over 198,535 new customers to the national grid.”
Kenya Power expects steady growth in electricity demand in the short and medium term, driven by grid reinforcement and connectivity projects.
The company is implementing the donor-funded Last Mile Phases IV and V, which will connect a total of 289,121 new customers to the national grid.
To drive electricity demand and promote environmental conservation, Kenya Power is championing the uptake of e-cooking and electric motorization.
The company has set up four E-cooking hubs and is working with various players to drive the adoption of E-cooking in institutions.
Dr. Siror emphasized the need to increase electricity generation to meet growing demand and improve spinning reserves.
“To meet the growing electricity demand, the focus should now shift toward increasing the country’s electricity generation. This will improve spinning reserves to the standard 15% level to cater for contingency scenarios that have increased in recent years,” said Dr. (Eng.) Siror.
Source: https//energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: TCN Debunks False Reports Of National Grid Collapses
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has dismissed reports of two national grid collapses in 2025, labeling them as mischievous and misleading.
According to TCN, these reports emanate from unauthorized sources and do not reflect the actual state of the national grid.
TCN emphasized that the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) is regulated by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and governed by industry documents.
These documents grant the National Control Centre System Operator or its designated backup, the National Supplementary Control Centre (SNCC), the exclusive right to provide information to the public about grid events and status.
Regarding a recent incident on February 12, 2025, TCN explained that the Omotosho-Ikeja West 330kV transmission line tripped, causing a cascaded outage that affected Abuja, Lagos, and Osogbo.
However, other parts of the country remained unaffected, and bulk power supply to the affected areas has since been restored.
TCN urged the public and reporters to disregard unfounded information about the national grid and instead rely on official statements from the TCN’s Public Affairs Department.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Sudan’s Om Dabakir Transformer Station Damaged In Drone Attack
South Sudan’s Electricity Company has reported that a drone attack on Sunday struck the Om Dabakir transformer station, damaging the transformer that supplies power to the White Nile, Kosti, and Rabak areas.
According to the company, this is the seventh consecutive targeting of power stations, following previous attacks on Merowe Distribution, Merowe Transformer (twice), Al-Shouk, and Dongola.
These repeated attacks have significantly impacted essential services, including water and healthcare, for citizens.
The Sudan Electricity Company has assured the public that a technical team is working to assess the damage and restore power to the affected areas as soon as possible.
The company will provide further updates on the situation.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: NPA Boss Tours Fuel Installations In Tema
The Acting Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., has embarked on a tour of fuel installations in the country to apprise himself of their operations.
The visits are to give him first-hand information about the ongoing work, prospects and challenges with the view to offering the needed regulatory support and direction.
He is accompanied by the Deputy Chief Executive, Dr Sheila Addo, and the management staff of the Authority.
The first port of call was the Ghana Petroleum Mooring Systems Limited (GPMS) where the team was taken offshore and briefed on how fuel vessels are berthed and how the fuel is discharged through pipes to terminals.
The team also visited the Ghana Bunkering Services Limited where it was taken through how fuel is discharged into tankers for onward distribution to oil marketing companies.
Thereafter, the team visited the Sentuo Oil Refinery Company Limited and the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).
Speaking at the TOR, Mr Tameklo Esq. stressed the need for new management of TOR to work on getting the refinery to start refining crude oil for the local market.
That, he said, would reduce the importation of refined oil and consequently ease the pressure on the cedi.
In his remarks, the Acting Managing Director of TOR, Dr Yusif Sulemana, stated that management would ensure the revamping of TOR to perform its core function of crude oil refinery.
Speaking at Sentuo Oil Refinery, the NPA Boss affirmed the commitment of the Authority to supporting Sentuo in completing the second phase of its project.
The second phase is to rump up Sentuo’s refinery from 40,000 barrels per day to 100,000 barrels per day.
Mr Tameklo Esq. urged the management of Sentuo to engage more Ghanaians, especially petrochemical engineering students and others from the other technical departments, to allow for technology transfer.
He said recruiting Ghanaians is cheaper than hiring the services of expatriates.
The NPA Boss welcomed the proposal by the Setuo management to start loading fuel at night in line with the 24-hour economy policy of the government.
He said NPA’s technical inspectors would follow up on the request and advise accordingly.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The team also visited the Ghana Bunkering Services Limited where it was taken through how fuel is discharged into tankers for onward distribution to oil marketing companies.
Thereafter, the team visited the Sentuo Oil Refinery Company Limited and the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).
Speaking at the TOR, Mr Tameklo Esq. stressed the need for new management of TOR to work on getting the refinery to start refining crude oil for the local market.
That, he said, would reduce the importation of refined oil and consequently ease the pressure on the cedi.
In his remarks, the Acting Managing Director of TOR, Dr Yusif Sulemana, stated that management would ensure the revamping of TOR to perform its core function of crude oil refinery.
Speaking at Sentuo Oil Refinery, the NPA Boss affirmed the commitment of the Authority to supporting Sentuo in completing the second phase of its project.
The second phase is to rump up Sentuo’s refinery from 40,000 barrels per day to 100,000 barrels per day.
Mr Tameklo Esq. urged the management of Sentuo to engage more Ghanaians, especially petrochemical engineering students and others from the other technical departments, to allow for technology transfer.
He said recruiting Ghanaians is cheaper than hiring the services of expatriates.
The NPA Boss welcomed the proposal by the Setuo management to start loading fuel at night in line with the 24-hour economy policy of the government.
He said NPA’s technical inspectors would follow up on the request and advise accordingly.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Kwame Ntow Amoah Replaces Edward Bawa As New Acting CEO Of GNPC
The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has announced the appointment of Mr Kwame Ntow Amoah as its new acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), replacing Edward Abambire Bawa who has been reassigned to GOIL PLC after serving as an acting CEO of the corporation for less than a month.
Mr Amoah brings over 25 years of experience to the table in the oil and gas sector, having served as a Deputy Chief of GNPC in charge of Commercial and Corporate Services between 2016 and 2017.
In 2017, Mr Amoah was reassigned to the Ministry of Energy, currently Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, and held the position of Director of Petroleum.
Besides, he has served as chairman and member of various national, international,
and industrial boards and committees.
He has played a pivotal role in international arbitration cases involving Ghana.
His contributions include serving as Technical Advisor for Ghana in the Maritime Boundary Case, which the country won on September 23, 2017.
His efforts have led to securing significant investments, savings, and
financing for both GNPC and the country.
He played a key role in attracting investments leading to the exploration successes that established Ghana as a commercial oil production province.
He was also instrumental in securing approximately US$7 billion in investment for the Sankofa Oil and Gas Development Project backed by US$700 million in partial risk guarantees from the World Bank.
He holds an MBA from IMD, Switzerland, and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Ghana.
He has also participated in various international leadership and management training programmes, as well as specialised courses in energy and petroleum management.
In a statement issued by Eric Pwadura, Manager Corporate Affairs, GNPC extended its heartfelt congratulations to Mr Amoah on his appointment and looked forward to his leadership in advancing the strategic vision of the corporation.
“We are confident his expertise and dedication will drive GNPC’s continued growth and success,” said Eric Pwadura.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Botswana: TLOU Energy To Build Gaspowered Data Center At Lesedi Project
Australian-based energy firm, Tlou Energy, has signed an agreement to build a data center at its gas production site in Lesedi, Botswana. The facility will be powered by gas-generated
electricity from Tlou’s coal bed methane (CBM) production.
Under the non-binding agreement with an unnamed data center developer, the Lesedi site will host a “highdensity computational facility.” While specific technical details have not been disclosed, Tlou Energy confirmed that a proof of concept has been completed.
The data center developer will fund additional gas wells to scale up production in anticipation of both the data center and Tlou’s 10MW gasto-power project, which was launched last year. The project, which extracts methane gas from underground coal, aims to expand to 25MW in the coming years.
The Lesedi Power Project is situated in Botswana’s Central District, approximately
100 kilometers (62 miles) northwest of Serowe. This location provides direct access
to Botswana’s national power grid and the Southern African Power Pool, making it a prime site for energy distribution.
Tlou Energy stated that the data center will have the capability to take gas-generated electricity in smaller tranches than a traditional power station. This means flared gas from the dewatering process can be utilized to generate revenue instead of being wasted.
Botswana currently has a small data center market, with only local operators Nashua Nest
and Digital Delta present in the capital, Gaborone.
The latter facility was developed by the Chinese firm China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation. In late 2023, telecom provider Orange also launched a data center in Gaborone.
Despite the country’s limited data center infrastructure, Tlou Energy’s project signals a shift toward integrating energy solutions with digital infrastructure, further positioning Botswana as a growing player in Africa’s energy and technology sectors.
Source: Tuesday Grill
Ghana: Robert Lartey Appointed Acting CEO Of Ghana Gas
President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Ing. Dr. Robert Kofi Lartey as the acting CEO of Ghana National Gas Company Limited, replacing Dr. Benjamin K.D. Asante, who served for eight years under the previous administration.
Dr. Lartey brings over 25 years of experience in the energy sector, having previously worked as General Manager for Operations, Director of Operations, and Senior Manager, Engineering and Operations at Ghana Gas Company.
He played a crucial role in ensuring a reliable supply of economic fuel to Ghana’s power sector.
Upon his appointment, Dr. Lartey met with Ghana Gas management and outlined his vision to support the government’s 24-Hour Economy Programme.
He emphasized the need for safe and reliable gas transportation, constant gas supply to key industries like agriculture and transportation, and expediting projects like the LPG Bottling Plant to create jobs and sustain economic growth.
Dr. Lartey expressed confidence in the expertise and professional backgrounds of the management and staff, urging them to align with the company’s vision for growth and national development.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Gambia: NAWEC Probes Fire Incident Near Basse Power Station
The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) of The Gambia has launched an investigation into a fire incident that occurred near the Basse Power Station on Friday, February 14, 2025, at approximately 11:45 AM.
According to NAWEC, the fire destroyed several cable drums stored adjacent to the power station. Fortunately, the power station itself was not affected by the fire and remains safe, the company assured.
NAWEC’s swift response and investigation aim to determine the cause of the incident and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
NAWEC’s swift response and investigation aim to determine the cause of the incident and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: NNPC Debunks Viral Video Claiming Its Fuel Doesn’t Last
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd has dismissed a viral video circulating online that falsely claims NNPC fuel is of poor quality and doesn’t last.
The company described the allegations as baseless, unfounded, and lacking credibility.
In a statement released on Saturday, February 15, 2025, NNPC Ltd reassured consumers that its fuel is carefully formulated to ensure optimal efficiency, durability, and environmental sustainability.
The company noted that a significant percentage of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) sold at NNPC retail stations in Lagos, where the video originated, is sourced from the Dangote Refinery, a strategic partner that adheres to strict industry standards.
NNPC Ltd condemned the video as a desperate attempt by economic saboteurs to misinform the public and tarnish the company’s reputation.
The company warned that it will take firm legal action against individuals or groups spreading falsehoods about its brand and operations.
“NNPC Ltd. will take a firm legal action against individuals or groups who intentionally spread falsehoods about our brand and operations. Those engaged in such malicious activities will be held fully accountable unde the law,” the company stated.
NNPC Ltd urged the public to disregard fabricated content and rely on verified sources for accurate information.
The company said it remains committed to ensuring fuel availability, affordability, and quality for all Nigerians while maintaining global industry standards.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Kow Eduakwa Sam Appointed CEO Of Bui Power Authority
President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Ing Kow Eduakwa Sam as the new Acting Chief Executive Officer of Bui Power Authority (BPA).
Ing Eduakwa Sam is a seasoned electrical engineer with over 25 years of experience in the power sector.
He replaces Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi, who served as Chief Executive Officer of BPA from September 3, 2021, under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration.
Prior to his appointment, Ing Kow Eduakwa Sam was the Head of Project Development at VRA.
At a symbolic meeting at the BPA Head Office in Accra on Friday, the outgoing CEO, Ing Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi, officially introduced Ing Kow Eduakwa Sam to the management and staff of BPA and handed over the company to him.
Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi expressed his gratitude to the Management and Staff of BPA for their support during his tenure.
He recounted his journey as CEO, which began on September 3, 2021, and highlighted the challenges and achievements of his leadership.
Ing Dzamesi emphasised the importance of teamwork and professionalism, noting that the Authority’s success was a collective one.
He expressed his confidence in the incoming CEO, Ing Kow Eduakwa Sam, describing him as a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the Energy sector.
Mr Dzamasi urged Management and staff to extend their full support to the new CEO to ensure a smooth transition and continued progress for the Authority.
“I am delighted to hand over to Ing Kow Eduakwa Sam, who comes with a wealth of experience from the energy sector. I am confident that he will build on the foundation we have laid and take BPA to even greater heights,” Dzamesi stated.
On his part, the newly appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer of BPA, Ing Kow Eduakwa Sam, expressed his gratitude to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minster for Energy and Green Transition, for the trust and confidence reposed in him.
He acknowledged the contributions of previous CEOs and commended their achievements in advancing the Authority’s mandate.
“I bring to BPA a wealth of experience and a commitment to firm, fair and proactive leadership. The power sector requires a high level of stakeholder consciousness, and I am determined to ensure that BPA remains responsive to the needs of all stakeholders,” Ing Sam stated.
He also highlighted the importance of innovation and urged the young professionals in the Authority to harness their creativity to drive the organisation forward.
“I see a lot of young talent here, and I encourage you to ignite your innovative spirit. Together, we can position BPA as a leader in the energy sector and a blessing to our nation, Ghana,” he added.
The management and staff of BPA extended their heartfelt gratitude to Ing Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi for his leadership and welcomed Ing Kow Eduakwa Sam as the new CEO of the Authority.
Profile Of Ing Kow Eduakwa Sam
Ing. Kow Eduakwa Sam is a seasoned electrical engineer with over 25 years of experience in Strategic Leadership, Project and Contract Management, Protection and Control Engineering, Control and Instrumentation Engineering, as well as Technical and Energy Auditing.
He holds an MBA in Management Information Systems from the University of Ghana (2004) and a BSc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (1998).
Additionally, he has earned postgraduate certificates in Project/Investment Appraisal and Risk Management from Duke University (2012) and Power System Analysis from the University of Pennsylvania (2011).
In his most recent role as Head of Project Development at VRA’s Engineering Services Department, Ing. Sam led a team of engineers in identifying and developing bankable conventional and renewable energy projects, including Solar PV and Wind, to expand VRA’s power generation portfolio.
Notable projects developed under his leadership include the Lawra and Kaleo Solar PV projects, as well as the Floating Solar PV project, which is slated for implementation by the end of 2025.
Ing. Sam is credited with the development of VRA’s Project Life Cycle (PLC) and project templates, which guide and standardize the development and implementation of projects at VRA.
Part of his responsibilities included reviewing and auditing VRA’s projects to ensure compliance with the PLC and Procurement Procedures.
He possesses a strong understanding of Strategic Leadership and has acted as Director on various occasions in the absence of the substantive Directors of the Technical Services and Engineering Services Departments at VRA.
Ing. Sam is a member of the Ghana Institution of Engineers.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Energy Minister Seeks Collaboration To Revitalize Petroleum Industry
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has called for collaboration to revive the country’s petroleum sector.
He pledged the government’s commitment to working closely with stakeholders to restore investor confidence and boost production in the upstream oil and gas sector.
During a roundtable discussion with members of the Ghana Petroleum Upstream Chamber in Accra, Minister Jinapor emphasized the need for collective effort to address the challenges facing the sector.
This move aims to enhance production, promote investment, and ensure the sustainable growth of Ghana’s petroleum industry.
Hon. Jinapor acknowledged the challenges facing the sector, including declining crude oil production, regulatory failures, and diminishing investor confidence.
He attributed these setbacks to poor decision-making and opacity in the industry, warning that Ghana’s upstream sector faces an imminent collapse if urgent measures are not taken.
“The petroleum sector, which once showed a promising future, has retrogressed rapidly in recent years, with crude oil production dropping by over 30% with exploration, appraisal, and development are at their lowest since 2017,” he stated.
The Minister in highlighting the importance of the upstream sector to the country’s economy, noted that crude oil contributed about 35% of Ghana’s foreign exchange exports and 20% of domestic revenue in 2022.
He also emphasised the cost-saving benefits of transitioning fully to gas-powered electricity generation, revealing that Ghana spends about $1 billion annually on liquid fuel.
To address the challenges, the Minister announced plans to review the country’s upstream petroleum policies and regulatory framework to ensure fairness, consistency, and transparency. He stressed the need for predictability in the sector to attract and retain investors.
“The hard truth is that the upstream sector faces imminent collapse if the current trend is not reversed. We must create an enabling environment for investment through policy consistency, transparency, and effective regulation,” he added.
He assured stakeholders that the government is committed to resolving key industry disputes, including the ongoing ENI unitization issue, which has affected Ghana’s international reputation.
As part of efforts to stabilize the upstream sector, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor emphasised that his office remains open for dialogue, suggestions, and constructive criticism.
“I do not claim to know it all. There is a lot more to learn from you, and together, we can turn this sector around,” he assured industry players.
Speaking on behalf of the Ghana Petroleum Upstream Chamber, the Chief Executive, Mr. David Ampofo expressed confidence in the Minister and his ability to safeguard the fortunes of the industry. He assured him of their support and commitment to reforms aimed at addressing pertinent issues in the sector.
The meeting was attended by 21 industry players, both foreign and local, officials of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, GNPC, and Petroleum Commission.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
“The petroleum sector, which once showed a promising future, has retrogressed rapidly in recent years, with crude oil production dropping by over 30% with exploration, appraisal, and development are at their lowest since 2017,” he stated.
The Minister in highlighting the importance of the upstream sector to the country’s economy, noted that crude oil contributed about 35% of Ghana’s foreign exchange exports and 20% of domestic revenue in 2022.
He also emphasised the cost-saving benefits of transitioning fully to gas-powered electricity generation, revealing that Ghana spends about $1 billion annually on liquid fuel.
To address the challenges, the Minister announced plans to review the country’s upstream petroleum policies and regulatory framework to ensure fairness, consistency, and transparency. He stressed the need for predictability in the sector to attract and retain investors.
“The hard truth is that the upstream sector faces imminent collapse if the current trend is not reversed. We must create an enabling environment for investment through policy consistency, transparency, and effective regulation,” he added.
He assured stakeholders that the government is committed to resolving key industry disputes, including the ongoing ENI unitization issue, which has affected Ghana’s international reputation.
As part of efforts to stabilize the upstream sector, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor emphasised that his office remains open for dialogue, suggestions, and constructive criticism.
“I do not claim to know it all. There is a lot more to learn from you, and together, we can turn this sector around,” he assured industry players.
Speaking on behalf of the Ghana Petroleum Upstream Chamber, the Chief Executive, Mr. David Ampofo expressed confidence in the Minister and his ability to safeguard the fortunes of the industry. He assured him of their support and commitment to reforms aimed at addressing pertinent issues in the sector.
The meeting was attended by 21 industry players, both foreign and local, officials of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, GNPC, and Petroleum Commission.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com