The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has vowed to expose its members who fail to comply with regulations governing the petroleum downstream sector and instead engage in illegal activities to the detriment of the majority of industry players.
This bold pronouncement follows the release of the 2025 Mid-Year Industry Report on the Petroleum Downstream Sector, which revealed several infractions and irregularities in the volumes of petroleum products sold by some smaller oil marketing companies.
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Monday, the Board Chairman of COMAC, Mr. Gabriel Kumi, said the Chamber will not sit idle while a few members tarnish the image and integrity of the industry.
He noted that the Chamber fully supports President Mahama’s vision of “resetting the country” and stands ready to collaborate with government to sanitize and reform the petroleum downstream sector.
“The rot in the report is massive, and we’re ready to reset this industry. We can’t allow this to continue. There are a lot of irregularities—small companies lifting unthinkable volumes. It is outrageous,” Mr. Kumi fumed.
Mr. Kumi alleged that some OMCs and individuals may be misreporting product distribution data.
“You cannot tell me that LPG consumption increased by only 5% nationally but shot up by 86% in the Upper West Region. This is absolutely ridiculous,” he stated.
“We believe some products are lifted, sold in Accra, and falsely recorded as deliveries to the Upper West Region in order to claim higher transport reimbursements from the UPPF.”
He noted that the largest LPG station in the Upper West Region recorded only a 6.5% growth, making the reported figures even more questionable.
Mr. Kumi called on the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to deploy its full monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to address the issue, stressing that the regulator’s tracking system should be able to verify actual delivery routes.
“The NPA tracks every truck that loads petroleum products in Ghana. A proper review of the tracking data will reveal whether these reported volumes actually reached the Upper East and Upper West regions,” he emphasized.
He said the irregularities affect about 95% of COMAC’s member companies, urging the NPA and relevant ministries—particularly the Ministries of Energy and Finance—to take decisive action to safeguard the integrity of the petroleum pricing and distribution system.
Mr. Kumi commended the leadership and professionalism of the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr. Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, since assuming office as head of the downstream petroleum regulator.
However, he cautioned that all the CEO’s commendable efforts could be undermined if the current challenges facing the sector are not addressed decisively.
“If he is not able to deal with a canker that affects about 95% of us, then we cannot call him our leader,” he stated.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria is in discussions with China’s Export-Import Bank for a $2 billion loan to construct a new electricity super grid aimed at addressing the country’s chronic power supply challenges, Minister for Power Adebayo Adelabu has disclosed.
Speaking at a summit in Abuja on Monday, October 6, Adelabu said the project will strengthen transmission across Nigeria’s eastern and western regions, where most industrial consumers are located.
He explained that the initiative is part of government efforts to decentralise power generation and encourage heavy energy users who left the unreliable national grid to reconnect.
“It’s part of plans to decentralise power generation in Nigeria and get the heavy commercial users that left the power grid because of its unreliability to return,” Adelabu said.
Nigeria’s generation capacity stands at about 13 gigawatts, but only a third of that reaches consumers through the central grid, which often suffers system collapses.
As a result, many companies rely on self-generated power, accounting for nearly half of total consumption.
The new super grid, Adelabu said, will improve power flow to industrial zones and support manufacturing growth.
Since President Bola Tinubu took office in 2023, Nigeria has implemented several economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, a tax overhaul, and enhanced security in oil-producing regions to attract investment.
The administration also approved tariff adjustments for select urban consumers to strengthen the financial viability of the power sector.
According to Adelabu, the policy led to a 70 percent increase in revenue for electricity distribution companies in 2024, with projections to reach ₦2.4 trillion ($1.6 billion) this year.
Source: https:// energynewsafrica.com
Consumption of premix fuel — the blend of marine lubricants and gasoline used to power outboard motors in Ghana’s artisanal fishing industry — has recorded a sharp decline in the first half of 2025.
According to the Midyear Industry Report released by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), premix fuel consumption fell by 23.47%, from 18.6 million litres in the first half of 2024 to 14.2 million litres during the same period in 2025.
The report noted declines across nearly all consuming regions, with the Eastern Region recording the steepest fall at -56.14%, followed by the Northern (-36.78%), Greater Accra (-29.32%), and Brong Ahafo (-29.63%) regions.
Reductions were also recorded in the Central Region (-23.31%), Volta Region (-11.08%), and the Western Region (-5.51%).
By contrast, the Ashanti, Upper East, and Upper West regions reported no activity during the period, highlighting the regional concentration of premix supply along Ghana’s coastal and riverine areas, where fishing is most prevalent.
COMAC attributed the steady decline to ongoing distribution challenges, including diversion and systemic inefficiencies.
“While reported diversion cases appear to be reducing, new challenges are emerging —notably hoarding and resale at inflated prices,” the report stated.
The Chamber warned that these practices could limit fuel access for artisanal fishers and threaten national food security due to reduced fishing output.
A three-day national strike prompted by layoffs at the Dangote refinery has led to production losses of 600,000 barrels, the chief executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company has said.
“I think it was unfortunate that the Dangote and PENGASSAN issue led to strike and whenever there is strike and critical staff manning critical facilities are not available and optimum production is almost impossible.
In this particular case, we actually lost significant production of over 200,000 bpd that was deferred,” Bayo Ojulari told media.
The main Nigerian oil union launched a nationwide strike last month after the Dangote refinery fired as many as 800 workers.
The strike lasted for three days, threatening to reduce fuel supply in the country relying on the new processing facility and in several neighboring countries, which import fuels from Dangote.
The Nigerian oil workers’ union, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), said that the Dangote refinery, owned by Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, has fired the workers for unionizing.
The Dangote management, for its part, said that the dismissals were part of staff restructuring and those dismissed engaged in “acts of sabotage”.
The strike came at a time when Nigeria’s oil industry is staging a recovery, with oil production on the rise and investments climbing. Production as of September—before the strike—averaged between 1.7 million barrels daily and 1.83 million barrels daily, with active rigs rising from 31 at the start of the year to 50 by July, according to a report from the oil ministry.
According to NNPC’s Ojulari, the September average was 1.68 million barrels, which was an increase from August. In natural gas, Nigeria produced 7 billion cubic feet daily last month, the top executive also told media, adding that by the end of the year, oil production should rebound to 1.8 million barrels daily.
Source: oilprice.com
The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s indigenous oil marketing company, GOIL PLC, Edward Abambire Bawa, has held a strategic meeting with top officials of Planet One, the company’s joint venture partner for the Deepwater Cape Three Points (DWCTP) project offshore Ghana.
According to Mr. Bawa, the engagement focused on ensuring full readiness ahead of the exploratory drilling campaign scheduled for next year. Discussions centred on operational preparedness, project financing, local content participation, and strict adherence to regulatory and environmental standards.
“For GOIL, the DWCTP project represents more than exploration; it embodies our determination to build local technical capacity, enhance national energy security, and position Ghanaian enterprise at the core of upstream value creation,” Mr. Bawa emphasised.
He reaffirmed GOIL’s commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the project’s success.
“We remain committed to working closely with all stakeholders — including the Petroleum Commission, GNPC, and our host communities — to ensure that this venture contributes meaningfully to Ghana’s energy future,” he added.
GOIL selected Dubai-based Planet One Group as its joint venture partner after American oil and gas supermajor ExxonMobil relinquished the offshore exploratory block in 2021.
Before ExxonMobil’s exit, the U.S. firm held an 80% interest, while GNPC owned 15% and GOIL Upstream the remaining 5% stake.
However, after ExxonMobil’s withdrawal, GOIL Upstream Ghana was assigned the 80% participation interest previously held by Exxon and directed to secure a farm-in partner.
The U.S. oil supermajor had invested close to US$50 million in the block, including acquiring seismic data, before abandoning it.
In 2023, GOIL Upstream signed Farm-in and Joint Operating Agreements with Planet One Group, signalling their commitment to advancing the project.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The 2025 Midyear Industry Report on Ghana’s petroleum downstream sector has stirred controversy among oil marketing companies, who are questioning the sharp increase in petrol, diesel, and LPG consumption in the Upper East and Upper West regions despite relatively low economic activity in those areas.
For the first half of the year, Ghana’s petroleum consumption across all products reached over 3.62 billion litres, representing a 17.65% increase over the 3.07 billion litres consumed during the same period in 2024.
Surprisingly, the Upper East Region recorded an exceptional 80.2% growth, followed by the Ashanti Region with 22.2%, Upper West with 21.7%, and the Eastern Region with 21.2%.
The Brong Ahafo Region followed with 19.2%, the Western Region with 17.9%, and the Central Region with 16.2%, while Greater Accra recorded 6.9% growth. The Northern and Volta Regions recorded 9.4% and 3.4% growth respectively.
In terms of products breakdown, the report revealed that petrol consumption in the Upper East Region grew by 86.39%, while diesel increased by 68.54%, alongside a 32.37% rise in LPG consumption and a dramatic 571.53% surge in Cell Site Gasoil.
However, kerosene usage declined by 50%, indicating that households are shifting to cleaner fuels.
Regional Fuel Consumption Analysis
The Ashanti Region recorded an 18.57% rise in petrol consumption, 7.49% in diesel, and 18.28% in LPG, reaffirming its status as Ghana’s economic and commercial hub. Demand for Cell Site Gasoil surged by 261.54%, while kerosene consumption fell slightly by 12.5%.
In the Upper West Region, total supply rose by 21.72%, driven by an impressive 85.93% jump in LPG — the strongest in the country and clear evidence of successful LPG penetration. Petrol rose by 24.71%, diesel by 12.96%, while kerosene demand remained stagnant.
The Eastern Region expanded by 21.17%, supported by strong growth in diesel (12.99%) and petrol (15.84%), while LPG inched up by only 1.32%. Kerosene and premix consumption, however, declined sharply by 7.14% and 56.14%, respectively. The standout product was Cell Site Gasoil, which recorded an extraordinary 1,021.59% growth.
In the Western Region, consumption grew by 17.87%, led by diesel (37.34%) and petrol (47.73%), reflecting increased mining and industrial activity. LPG use rose moderately by 11.48%, but kerosene (-76%) and Cell Site Gasoil (-40.54%) volumes declined. Notably, Marine Gasoil (Foreign) surged by 832.09%, reinforcing the region’s role as Ghana’s offshore and maritime hub.
Greater Accra, the largest consumer with over one billion litres, grew by just 6.94%, indicating a saturated market. Petrol and diesel consumption increased marginally by 4.57% and 3.55%, respectively, while kerosene fell sharply by 41.72%, and Marine Gasoil (Local) declined by 24.52%. In contrast, Fuel Oil for Power Plants skyrocketed by 4,572.7%, driven by industrial power generation needs.
The Volta Region recorded the slowest growth at 3.37%. Gains in petrol (17.29%) were outweighed by declines in diesel (-4.53%), LPG (-31.09%), and kerosene (-100%). Although Cell Site Gasoil rose sharply by 538.79%, overall volumes remained low.
In the Brong Ahafo Region, total volumes rose by 19.17%, supported by robust growth in petrol (31.95%) and diesel (32.36%). LPG dipped slightly by 8.34%, while Cell Site Gasoil fell sharply by 70.52%.
Finally, the Northern Region recorded a 9.37% increase in total volumes, with diesel (12.89%) and petrol (9.82%) leading the growth. However, LPG consumption fell significantly by 49.53%, a concerning setback to national efforts to promote LPG use in the northern sector. On a positive note, Cell Site Gasoil rose by 70.85%.
COMAC Challenges Report Findings
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Monday, October 6, 2025, the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), Dr. Riverson Oppong, and Board Chairman, Mr. Gabriel Kumi, described the midyear report figures as “very outrageous.”
They questioned why regions with relatively low economic activity recorded high fuel consumption compared to economically vibrant areas.
According to them, some Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) may be lifting products from depots in Tema but dumping them in Greater Accra, while falsely claiming to have transported them to the Upper East and Upper West Regions to fraudulently claim the Unified Petroleum Price Fund (UPPF).
They further noted that the infractions and irregularities in the 2025 midyear industry report were worse than those recorded in the same period of 2024.
Dr. Oppong and Mr. Kumi expressed shock that two of their members — Yass Oil and Moari Oil — with 79 and 9 retail outlets respectively, could increase their half-year sales from 25 million and 28 million litres in 2024 to 120 million litres in the first half of 2025.
Dr. Oppong added that COMAC has written to the two OMCs and to the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), the industry regulator, to seek clarification on the reported irregularities
Kenya Power has unveiled its revamped digital service platforms aimed at enhancing the experience of its more than 10 million electricity customers.
In a statement, the company also announced the launch of an AI Chatbot dubbed “Nuru”, which will respond to customers’ queries on the company’s website and Facebook page, KenyaPowerCare.
The chatbot will also allow customers to report incidents such as power outages and chat directly with a customer care representative.
“Customers are not just part of our business; they are the very reason we exist. Every decision we make and every investment we undertake must revolve around making our customers’ lives easier, more predictable, and more enjoyable. I am happy that through research and customer feedback, we are launching these innovative products today, which will play a vital role in enhancing their interactions with us,” said Kenya Power’s General Manager for Commercial Services and Sales, Eng. Rosemary Oduor.
The company’s MyPower App has been redesigned with a modern interface, making it more user-friendly and incorporating additional features such as the ability to manage multiple accounts (for landlords), monitor monthly token usage, and access direct chat support via the WhatsApp channel.
Additionally, the revamped app allows customers to purchase tokens, pay their electricity bills, self-read their postpaid meters, lodge billing complaints, and access scheduled power interruption notices.
To enhance accessibility across Kenya’s diverse linguistic landscape, the company has added a Kiswahili menu to its USSD code *977#, enabling millions of customers to navigate services at their convenience.
Through the USSD *977#, customers can also access digital receipts for all payments made to the company. The updated USSD platform further allows customers to assign unique names to their accounts for easy reference.
“At the very heart of our mandate as a Board of Directors is customer experience. We are not stopping here. We are keenly listening to feedback from our customers to develop products and strategies that empower them to engage with us proactively, because we know that when customers are happy, they pay willingly, losses reduce, revenues grow, and our financial position strengthens,” said Kenya Power Board Director, Ruth Muiruri.
In the last financial year, the company recorded growth in the number of customer requests on its self-service platforms, in tandem with its expanding customer base.
Total customer interactions on the MyPower App increased by 22.12% during the financial year ending June 30, 2025, rising to 2.02 million compared to 1.65 million interactions recorded in the previous financial year.
Similarly, customer requests via the company’s USSD code *977# increased by 13.58%, from 1.62 million to 1.84 million during the same period.
The growing uptake of self-service platforms resulted in a reduction in the number of calls to the company’s contact centre by 900,000, dropping from 5.2 million to 4.3 million during the period under review.
Beyond digital engagement, Kenya Power has also undertaken several physical customer outreach initiatives.
In the financial year ended June 30, 2025, the company conducted 839 visits to large-power and SME customers, and 537 engagements with corporate clients—demonstrating its responsiveness to both mass-market and institutional customers.
Additionally, the company held over 1,332 baraza-style campaigns nationwide targeting domestic customers, addressing various issues such as billing and electrical safety.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Kosmos Energy’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Andrew G. Inglis, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to continue partnering with Ghana and Senegal to develop their oil and gas resources, in order to spur economic growth and improve the welfare of their citizens.
He noted that both Ghana and Senegal have adopted gas-to-power policies, signaling their commitment to using natural gas as a primary fuel for electricity generation.
Speaking during a panel discussion moderated by Mr. NJ Ayuk, Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC), at the just-ended African Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa, Mr. Inglis emphasized that natural gas remains a cheaper fuel option for power generation compared to other energy sources.
He expressed optimism that gas prices in Ghana would become even lower as Kosmos and its partners have decided to invest US$2 billion in the Jubilee Oil Field.
Mr. Inglis commended Ghana’s impressive achievements in gas development, noting that the West African nation’s gas prices are even lower than those in Texas, USA—one of the world’s most advanced energy markets.
The Kosmos CEO stated that the company’s future oil and gas development strategy would focus on cost-effectiveness to support the local economies of both Ghana and Senegal.
“Kosmos can only win if the country wins and prioritizes the interests of its development partners before considering Kosmos’ profit,” Mr. Inglis assured.
He further observed that massive investments in oil and gas production have a ripple effect on host nations’ infrastructure development—such as roads, schools, hospitals, and other social services—thereby boosting socioeconomic progress.
It is for this reason, he said, that Kosmos Energy plans to invest US$2 billion in Ghana’s energy sector to maximize output from the Jubilee and TEN fields by extending their operating licenses to 2040.
If the investment initiative proves successful, it will result in the drilling of 20 additional wells and a continuous reduction in routine gas flaring.
Kosmos Energy also plans to enhance local economic opportunities through initiatives such as its Innovation Center Project, which supports environmental sustainability by funding reforestation and carbon offset projects in its partner countries.
In Senegal, the company intends to focus on developing the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) field, with the aim of providing domestic energy to stimulate economic growth while reducing emissions by displacing heavy fuel oil.
Kosmos Energy is also targeting investments in community development through support for entrepreneurship and local livelihood projects.
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, who was also on the panel, affirmed Ghana’s commitment to working with investors like Kosmos, emphasizing that Ghana seeks partnerships that ensure a sustainable win-win outcome.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Italian oil and gas firm, Eni, has signed a petroleum exploration contract with the Ivorian Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy for the CI-707 offshore block in Abidjan.
The oil giant will conduct exploration activities for a maximum duration of nine years.
According to the company, the exploration licence covers an area of approximately 2,926 square kilometres in the Ivorian sedimentary basin, at water depths ranging between 1,000 and 3,000 metres.
The newly licensed area is geologically continuous with the nearby CI-205 block, where Eni announced the discovery of Calao in March 2024.
This proximity presents a strategic opportunity for identifying similar geological structures, paving the way for potential synergistic developments in the future.
With this new licence, Eni further consolidates its presence in Côte d’Ivoire, where it has been operating since 2017, with current equity production exceeding 62,000 barrels of oil and 75 million cubic feet of gas per day. Production is expected to rise to 150,000 barrels of oil and 200 million cubic feet of gas per day with the start of Phase 3.
The company is now active in 10 offshore blocks in the country — CI-101, CI-205, CI-401, CI-501, CI-504, CI-526, CI-706, CI-708, CI-801, and CI-802 — in addition to the newly acquired CI-707 block.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
In line with its core values, particularly safety and care, Vivo Energy Ghana, the exclusive distributors and marketers of Shell branded fuels and lubricants, continues to pioneer initiatives that create real impact for its people, customers and the communities it serves.
Anchored on these values, Vivo Energy Ghana, has launched the maiden edition of She’llFix, an industry-first initiative designed to equip female drivers with essential car maintenance skills.
The launch took place at the Shell Airport City service station in Accra and attracted female drivers, partners, industry stakeholders, and the media from all across the country.
The launch of She’llFix featured a series of insightful presentations on car maintenance, road safety, and a session dubbed “the police and you”, which provided participants with experiential knowledge to improve their driving experiences.
A major highlight of the launch event was the practical basic car maintenance demonstration, during which participants learned how to check oil levels, jump-start a car battery, and handle common roadside issues.
One of the key takeaways was that the first step in car care is identifying and knowing the right products to use for your car. With Shell’s range of high-quality fuels and lubricants, participants were educated on how choosing the right products protects their engines, improves performance, and guarantees long-term vehicle health.
Adding excitement to the day, a Spin the Wheel session gave participants the chance to win amazing prizes and goodies, including Shell cards, insurance discount coupons, branded She’llFix souvenirs, free makeovers, and more.
In his keynote address, Mr. Christian Li, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana underscored the company’s commitment to championing diversity, inclusion, and empowerment. He highlighted that She’llFix is an extension of ShePower, the company’s flagship diversity and inclusion programme, and aligns with its vision of becoming the leading and most respected energy business in Africa.
Christian Li, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana Limited
“At Vivo Energy, we live by our core values of Safety, Excellence, Caring, Respect and Integrity. She’llFix brings these values to life by equipping women with the knowledge and skills to drive safely, confidently, and independently,” he said.
“She’llFix is our way of showing you that we see you, we respect you, care for you and believe in your potential,” he further stated.
The special Guest of Honour, Madam Esther Ambah Numaba Cobbah, President of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Ghana, commended Vivo Energy Ghana for this innovative initiative.
Madam Esther Ambah Numaba Cobbah
She remarked: “I sense that Vivo Energy is an organisation that seeks to showcase the capabilities of women in even technical areas in society, and I feel very excited to be part of this She’llFix initiative.
” I am confident it will successfully change the orientation of women regarding the management of vehicles and the preconceived ideas about women not being able to handle technology will once again be shattered.”
The launch also featured an exhibition walkthrough, where participants could engage with car maintenance experts, partners, and product displays designed to enrich their overall experience.
This initiative is a testament of Vivo Energy Ghana’s continued commitment to empower its customers and the communities it serves.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s power transmission company, GRIDCo, has announced that it will take the 161kV Akosombo–Nkawkaw transmission line out of service from Sunday, October 5, to Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
According to the company, the temporary shutdown is to allow for the relocation of two transmission towers along the Kumasi–Accra highway to make way for ongoing road expansion works by the Ghana Highway Authority.
In a statement issued on Friday, GRIDCo assured consumers that arrangements have been made to ensure an uninterrupted power supply during the period.
The company added that its engineers will remain on standby to respond swiftly in the unlikely event of any incident.
GRIDCo apologised for any inconvenience the exercise may cause the public and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining reliable service.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
A massive fire erupted at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery in Los Angeles County following an explosion on Thursday night, multiple sources confirmed.
According to the El Segundo Police Department, officers and firefighters responded to the refinery after receiving multiple reports of an explosion. Eyewitnesses said the blast felt like a small earthquake.
Crews from the Los Angeles County Fire Department also joined the response. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services said it was coordinating with state and local authorities.
The refinery, which has its own fire department, was able to mount an immediate response. El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentel said no injuries had been reported.
“We were able to respond with Chevron fire immediately; our station is about a quarter mile away from the gates of Chevron,” Pimentel told CBS News.
“Obviously, we are very concerned, and there is a lot of investigative work to be done to determine what happened.”
Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell said crews had contained the blaze to one section of the refinery. She emphasized that residents did not need to evacuate but advised them to remain indoors, while visitors were urged to avoid El Segundo for the time being.
“It has been contained, and there is no cause for alarm for El Segundo or the surrounding areas,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell also warned that the fire could affect air quality in El Segundo and neighboring cities. However, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) reported no elevated levels of toxins at the time, though conditions could change.
“We’re currently not seeing any elevation of particulate matter or air toxins,” said Nahal Mogharabi, AQMD assistant deputy of communications. “That may change as the smoke settles this evening.”
Mogharabi advised residents to close their doors and windows if they see or smell smoke.
El Segundo Fire Department Division Chief Casey Snow confirmed there were no injuries and no hazards to nearby Manhattan Beach. He said gasoline and diesel were still burning but noted the fire was expected to either burn out naturally or be extinguished in due course.
According to Chevron, the El Segundo refinery, built in 1911, processes about 276,000 barrels of crude oil per day and is the largest producing refinery on the U.S. West Coast.
The refinery is located just a few miles south of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Airport officials said the fire had not affected operations, with no flights cancelled, delayed, or diverted in the immediate aftermath.
Source: https:// energynewsafrica.com
Dr. Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) – the body spearheading the establishment of the West African nation’s first nuclear power plant – has stated that floating nuclear power plant (FNPP) technology is not a suitable option for Ghana to consider.
According to him, the opportunities associated with land-based nuclear power plants far outweigh those of the emerging floating nuclear power technology.
Speaking on Thursday, October 2, 2025 during a Workshop for Media Professionals held at the BPA Heights Conference Hall in Accra, Dr. Yamoah was clear and direct: “Ghana without a nuclear power plant is far better off than Ghana with a floating reactor.”
He explained that floating nuclear reactors are not a practical solution for the country, but rather a scheme pushed by those seeking to profit from selling electricity.
“This whole proposal isn’t a real project. It’s about finding a market for selling power,” he said.
Dr. Yamoah emphasized that the NPG remains fully committed to a nuclear program that genuinely benefits Ghana.
“Our approach is focused on what’s best for the country,” he noted, adding that nuclear energy is about much more than electricity.
“We need to be cautious because the nuclear agenda is bigger than just power generation.”
He said the floating nuclear reactor technology is not a viable option, stressing that the NPG will never endorse such a proposal.
Taking the opportunity to educate the public, Dr. Yamoah reminded participants that while Ghana’s nuclear power project aims to boost the country’s energy and economy, it is not a quick fix to electricity challenges.
“No country uses nuclear energy to solve immediate power shortages,” he stressed.
Instead, he explained, nuclear energy is designed to add long-term value to economic growth.
“The role of nuclear energy should be as a foundation that goes beyond electricity. It should act as a catalyst to fuel industry, grow the economy, and add value to Ghana’s raw materials,” Dr. Yamoah said.
Source: https:// energynewsafrica.com
GOIL PLC, Ghana’s largest indigenous oil and gas marketing company, is set to add 12,000 metric tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage capacity within the next year, anchored by a $5 million investment, according to Group CEO and Managing Director Edward Abambire Bawa.
Speaking during a panel discussion on the topic “Monetising LPG to Enhance the Value of the Barrel in Africa’s Inland Markets” at African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, Bawa said the company is spearheading a transformative expansion in LPG storage capacity to meet rising domestic demand and strengthen the country’s energy security.
Guided by the 2024 baseline consumption of 340 million kilograms of LPG sold nationally, the expansion seeks to bridge critical supply gaps, given that current storage capacity covers only two to three weeks of national demand.
“This storage limitation is both a challenge and a prime investment opportunity. Expanding infrastructure is fundamental to unlocking the full monetisation potential of LPG, benefiting producers, distributors, and end consumers alike,” Bawa noted.
GOIL’s latest initiatives reflect its broad commitment to infrastructure development. These include the rollout of multiple Autogas stations across five regions, including Accra and Kumasi, as well as the inauguration of a polymer-modified bitumen terminal in Tema to support related energy needs.
The company’s distribution network spans the entire country, servicing diverse consumer segments while driving sustainable growth and strategic investment partnerships. Recognising the challenges posed by limited LPG infrastructure—especially in rural areas—GOIL remains committed to expanding access through well-designed policies, increased investment, and innovative business models, including digital payment solutions that align with household cash flows.
Mohammed Amin Naderian, Head of Energy Economics & Forecasting at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), stressed LPG’s critical role in sustainable development: “Our research at GECF highlights that LPG is a vital component within the broader narrative of gas’s role in sustainable development. Monetising gas is not just about producing more volumes, but about creating value along the entire supply chain—from production, storage, and transportation to distribution and ultimately the household consumer. In Africa particularly, market creation and capacity development are two sides of the same coin.”
He added: “We caution against mistaking policy as the solution itself. Policy acts as a catalyst to break poverty and energy poverty traps, accelerating monetisation through industrialisation and job creation for Africa’s youth. However, poorly designed or inconsistent policies risk causing market distortions or sudden collapses. Stable, transparent, and well-structured regulations are essential to reduce investment risks and provide predictability for investors and consumers.”
Sebastian Wagner, Managing Partner at DMWA Resources, drew lessons from Rwanda’s successes, stressing the importance of stable regulations, transparent investor incentives, and innovative business models—such as digital payments tailored to household cash flows. He highlighted LPG’s growing role in Africa’s energy transition: “LPG often flies under the radar compared to LNG, but it is gaining momentum through well-structured investments and government partnerships aimed at reducing gas flaring and capturing value.”
Adding a South African perspective, Sesakho Magadla, CEO of PetroSA, said: “LPG demand in South Africa is largely driven by population growth and rising energy needs, yet infrastructure development continues to lag behind. Consumption stands at about 350,000 metric tons annually, with peak demand reaching up to 550,000 metric tons in winter and summer.
“New investments in reverse flow pipelines and terminals in Durban are therefore crucial to meeting national demand. But it is only through close collaboration between the public and private sectors, with projects such as SANPC and Avedia Energy, that we can enhance LPG importation and distribution capacity, ensuring greater market stability and access.”
“We remain committed to working closely with all stakeholders — including the Petroleum Commission, GNPC, and our host communities — to ensure that this venture contributes meaningfully to Ghana’s energy future,” he added.
GOIL selected Dubai-based Planet One Group as its joint venture partner after American oil and gas supermajor ExxonMobil relinquished the offshore exploratory block in 2021.
Before ExxonMobil’s exit, the U.S. firm held an 80% interest, while GNPC owned 15% and GOIL Upstream the remaining 5% stake.
However, after ExxonMobil’s withdrawal, GOIL Upstream Ghana was assigned the 80% participation interest previously held by Exxon and directed to secure a farm-in partner.
The U.S. oil supermajor had invested close to US$50 million in the block, including acquiring seismic data, before abandoning it.
In 2023, GOIL Upstream signed Farm-in and Joint Operating Agreements with Planet One Group, signalling their commitment to advancing the project.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, who was also on the panel, affirmed Ghana’s commitment to working with investors like Kosmos, emphasizing that Ghana seeks partnerships that ensure a sustainable win-win outcome.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com 
