Nigeria: Fuel Queues Will Begin To Disappear From Wednesday–NNPCL Assures Nigerians
Nigeria’s National Oil Company (NNPC) Limited has assured Nigerians that the ongoing fuel shortages that have resulted in long queues in the West African nation will begin to disappear from today, Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
Olufemi Soneye, Chief Communications Officer, NNPCL, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Lagos.
According to NNPC Limited, they currently have products exceeding 1.5 billion liters, which can last for, at least, 30 days.
Chief Communications Officer of NNPC Limited, Mr Olufemi Soneye, revealed this as reported by News Agency of Nigeria.
“Unfortunately, we experienced a three-day disruption in distribution due to logistical issues, which has since been resolved.
“However, as you know, overcoming such disruptions typically requires double the amount of time to return to normal operations,” he said.
He said: “Some folks are taking advantage of this situation to maximize profits.
“Thankfully, product scarcity has been minimal lately, but these folks might be exploiting the situation for unwarranted gain.
“The lines will be cleared out between today and tomorrow,” Mr. Soneye assured.
Similarly, Hammed Fashola, the National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, expressed hope that the queues in Lagos and Ogun would ease off this week, relying on the words of the NNPCL.
Mr Fashola, however, stated that the queues in Abuja might tarry a bit due to the distance to Lagos.
“The information available to us from the NNPCL was that there was a logistics problem, and when that happens, it will disrupt the supply chain.
“That might be a delay in the movement of ships from the mother vessel to the daughter vessel before it gets to the depot tanks.
“Before we can correct that, surely it will take some days. I think by Tuesday or Wednesday, there will be more products available for lifti¹ng by marketers.
“It might take time before it can ease off in Abuja, considering the distance to Lagos and the bad roads; Lagos might be calm this new week,” Mr Fashola assured.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Eskom Pulls Services From Cape Town Suburb After Attack On Employees
South Africa power utility Eskom has withdrawn from Site B in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, after staff members were attacked on Monday, leaving one employee severely injured.
According to a report by News24.com, the power utility had temporarily suspended its operations in the X and XA sections of Site B following the incident.
In a statement, Eskom said two of its staff members were assaulted by “individuals from the community”.
The attackers also allegedly took the staff members’ vehicle keys, which prevented them from completing their work.
“One of the employees sustained severe injuries and is currently receiving medical attention. During the incident, an Eskom enterprise digital assistant (a specialised mobile computing device) was also taken along with the keys, however, only the vehicle keys have been recovered,” the utility said.
The temporary suspension of services is likely to delay electricity restoration efforts, and customers may experience prolonged periods without electricity.
“Eskom will be working closely with local authorities while reviewing the incident before deciding when staff may re-enter the area to resume operations. Eskom strongly condemns the harassment of its employees, and their safety will always remain our highest priority,” the statement said.
This is not the first time the power utility has withdrawn services from an area due to violence toward its employees.
In August 2023, Eskom suspended its services in Khayelitsha, Delft, Belhar, Dunoon, Philippi and Fisantekraal after a vehicle was petrol-bombed during an ongoing taxi strike.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: NERC Deregulates Meter Prices Under MAP Scheme
The Nigerian government has announced the deregulation of electricity meter prices under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme effective May 1, 2024.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said this on Monday in a circular jointly signed by the commission’s Chairman, Sanusi Garba, and its Commissioner, Legal, Licencing and Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye.
The new order, according to the commission, shall be determined through a competitive bidding process with customers provided with a choice of authorised vendors.
Last September, the Nigerian government approved an upward review in the prices of pre-paid electricity meters in the country.
The price of the single-phase meter (4G, bright) was increased to N81,975.16 from N58,661.6, while the price of a Three-phase meter (4G, smart) was raised from N109,684.36 to N143,836.10.
But in its circular on Monday, NERC said Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) and the Local Meter Manufacturer/Assembler (LMMAs) have requested a further review of meter prices in consideration of significant changes in the NGN/USD foreign exchange rate and inflation rate since the last price review in September 2023.
The substantial changes in these macroeconomic variables have constrained their ability to supply meters at the approved regulated price.
It said the commission had noted the need for the efficient pricing of meters to respond more quickly to changes in macroeconomic parameters, particularly exchange rates.
“The commission has further taken cognisance of the constraints/challenges faced by MAPs and LMMAs and therefore approved the deregulation of prices of meters deployed under the MAP scheme with effect from 1 May 2024.
“The cost of prices of meters deployed under the MAP scheme is hereby deregulated to enable end-use customers to acquire meters from MAPs of their choice based on competitive open market prices determined from transparent bidding frameworks,” the circular read.
The commission explained that all MAP permit holders are henceforth eligible to provide services and transact for the provision of meters and metering services with any DisCo in the Federal Republic of Nigeria with their existing permit.
It said the lifting of the restriction on permitting to operate in all DisCos is subject to the mandatory requirement for MAPs to comply with the associated DisCo-specific requirements/specifications.
“All DisCos shall ensure the effective and seamless integration of smart meters deployed by MAPs with the DisCo’s head-end and meter data management systems.
“All DisCos shall provide a publicly accessible online portal on their website where prospective MAPs can view the DisCo’s technical specifications and commercial terms for participation as a MAP within its network area,” it said.
It noted that all DisCos are required to conduct a thorough test and confirm specifications for new meters proposed by a prospective MAP.
They conclude no later than 20 working days from the date the proposed MAP fulfils all the requirements specified on the online portal to participate within its network area.
Where a meter fails the confirmation test, it said, the DisCo shall immediately notify the MAP stating the points of failure.
It added that meters to be deployed under the MAP scheme may include other types of meters, including basic electronic meters, Internet of Things (loT) meters, DIN Rail meters and Current Limiters, but subject to full compliance with the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) Metering Code and the requirements/specifications of DisCos.
“The type of meter applicable to a customer under the MAP scheme shall be at the discretion of the DisCo regarding the customer’s energy consumption profile.
“The pricing of meters under the MAP scheme is hereby deregulated but subject to open, transparent competition amongst MAP permit holders.
The commission shall, in the interim, manage the process of submitting price offers valid for one month (or as may be determined by the Commission) for meters deployed under the MAP scheme to engender transparency and competition.
“This order is issued without prejudice to existing obligations and commitment of DisCo to existing MAPs,” it said
Source: https:// energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Petrol Price To Increase In May
South Africans will have to reach deeper into their pockets this coming month as the price of petrol is expected to increase from Wednesday.
The price of both grades of petrol (93 ULP and LRP) and (95 ULP and LRP) is set to increase by 37 cents a litre.
This means that a litre of 95 petrol, which currently costs R25.12 in Gauteng, will now cost R25.49 cents a litre as of Wednesday.
Other consumers will breathe a slight sigh of relief as the prices of both grades of diesel, paraffin and LP Gas are expected to decrease.
The price adjustments were announced by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE).
The adjusted prices are as follows:
Petrol (93 ULP and LRP): 37 cents increase.
Petrol (95 ULP and LRP): 37 cents increase.
Diesel (0.05% sulphur): 30 cents decrease.
Diesel (0.005% sulphur): 36 cents decrease.
Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): 19 cents decrease.
Single Maximum National Retail Price for illuminating paraffin: 25 cents decrease.
Maximum LP Gas Retail Price: 46 cents decrease.
The department explained the adjustments in prices in a statement on Monday.
“The average brent crude oil price increased from 84.22 US Dollars (USD) to 88.10 USD per barrel, during the period under review.
“There was a lot of volatility in the market during this period. The main contributing factor is the growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and sustained production cuts by OPEC+ Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries countries.
“The average international product prices of petrol increased following the higher brent crude oil prices and anticipated demand for the driving season during the period under review.
The diesel, illuminating paraffin and LP Gas prices decreased on average due to seasonal changes and reduced demand in the Northern Hemispheres as they move away from their winter season.
“The movement in product prices has led to a lower contribution to the basic fuel price (BFP) of petrol by 34.41 cents a litre and higher contributions to the BFP of diesel by 39.33 cents a litre and illuminating paraffin by 22.35 cents per litre,” the DMRE said.
A weakening Rand was also a contributing factor.
“The Rand depreciated, on average, against the US Dollar [from 18.04 to 18.90 Rand per USD during the period under review when compared to the previous one.
This led to higher contributions to the basic fuel prices of all products by about 2.50 cents per litre on all products,” the department said
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ukraine Asks Europe To Help Protect Gas Storage Sites From Russian Strikes
The head of Ukraine’s state energy company has appealed to the European Union to help protect gas storage sites from Russian strikes.
“It is of interest of the EU to protect storage, transportation and production facilities”, Oleksiy Chernyshov, chief executive of Naftogaz, told the Financial Times.
Europe has been storing natural gas in the Ukraine after its own capacity filled up amid depressed demand.
Russia, for its part, has been focusing its attacks on energy infrastructure, including gas storage sites.
“Ukraine is playing a key role for central and eastern Europe’s security of gas supply this winter,” Natasha Fielding, Argus Media’s head of European gas pricing, told the FT In January.
European demand has been subdued in recent months due to slowing economic activity, but Europe still needs a lot of natural gas for space heating and power generation, hence the demand for Ukrainian storage space.
“Technologically, we’re all fit, and we have managed to repair the [damaged surface] equipment and we fulfill our obligations to our customers,” Naftogaz’ Chernyshov told the Financial Times.
Apparently, this is not enough to make sure the storage sites remain functional, so Chernyshov made the case for more air defense systems.
The protection of energy assets requires “a very high number” of air defense systems, he said, adding that “We might remain in a position where we would still need more air defense” and that “EU countries, of course, should play a crucial role in that assistance.”
Besides gas storage, Ukraine is still a major conduit for Russia’s pipeline gas to Europe, which Chernyshov also noted.
“The reason why Naftogaz has continued with this transit deal even amid the war with Russia is to satisfy the EU’s gas needs and to remain as a reliable partner to the bloc,” he said.
The call from Naftogaz’s chief executive comes after the U.S. Congress approved another $61 billion in military aid for the Ukrainian government last week.
Source: Oilprice.com
Sierra Leone: Staying In Office While Freetown, Others Were Without Electricity Was Embarrassing To Me – Former Energy Minister
Sierra Leone’s immediate past Energy Minister Alhaji Kanja Sesay has said remaining in office while Sierra Leoneans, especially those in Freetown, the capital, were without power for days was an embarrassment to him, hence his decision to resign from his position.
“It was so embarrassing to me that for 10 days there was no power in Freetown because Karpowership had shut down,” Alhaji Kanja Sesay told Michael Creg Afful, Editor of energynewsafrica.com via telephone.
The Turkish power company – Karpowership – has been supplying power to Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone.
However, Alhaji Kanja Sesay said his country was not prompt in payment, resulting in an accumulated debt of about US$ 48million owed the company.
He said the last time his country paid part of the debt owed Karpowership was in July 2023.
The unpaid bills somehow affected the company’s operations, forcing it to pull the plugs which threw Freetown and other areas into darkness for days.
Last Friday, the sector minister, Alhaji Kanja Sesay, tendered his resignation letter to the President due to the power situation.
Alhaji Kanja Sesay told this portal that the decision of Karpowership brought a lot of pressure on him and businesses, for which reason he decided to step down so that someone else could take over.
Asked whether he resigned because there was pressure from the government or the citizens, Alhaji Kanja Sesay responded negatively.
He said, “I resigned of my own volition because the situation was getting to much.”
“The power situation was affecting lives and businesses and people were complaining,” he added.
Asked whether he was surprised that the government paid $17million to Karpowership few hours after he had resigned, Alhaji Kanja Sesay could not give a definite answer but laughed.
Continuing, he said he read a story that said Ghana owed independent power producers which include Karpowership about US$1.8billion and wondered why they acted badly in Sierra Leone.
Mr Sesay served as the Energy Minister for six years and was regarded as one of President Bio’s finest ministers during his first term in office.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Federal Gov’t Requires $10bn To Revive Power Sector
Nigeria’s will require about 10 billion dollars investment yearly, to revive the power sector for the next 10 years, Minister for Power, Adebayo Adelabu has said.
“For this sector to be revived, government needs to spend nothing less than 10 billion dollars annually in the next 10 years.
”This is because of the Infrastructure requirement for the stability of the sector, but government cannot afford that.
“And so we must make this sector attractive to investors and to lenders.
“So for us to attract investors, and investment, we must make the sector attractive, and the only way it can be made attractive is that there must be commercial pricing,” Chief Adebayo Adelabu said.
The Minister was speaking in Abuja on Monday, at a one day investigative hearing on halting the electricity tariff increase by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) organised by the Senate Committee on Power.
He added: “If the value is still at N66 and government is not paying subsidy, the investors will not come.
“But now that we have increased tariff for a Band, there are interest been shown by investors.”
The minister said the major challenge in the sector was absence of liquidity, saying that the sector had been operating on a subsidised tariff regime, given the absence of a cost reflective tariff.
He said that the subsidy had not be funded over the years as huge liabilities was being owed the Generating Companies ( GenCos) and the Gas Companies.
Mr Adelabu said the inability of the government to pay the outstanding N2.9 trillion subsidy was due to limited resources, hence the need to evolve measures to sustain the sector.
He appealed to the lawmakers to support the process of paying the debt owed operators across the value chain of generation, transmission and distribution.
“The increase is based on supply, saying that any customer that do not received 20 hours power supply will not be made to pay the new tariff,” he said.
He said the government was committed to ensuring sustainable reform in the sector, saying that there was need to clear the outstanding debt owed GenCos and Gas companies.
To improve power supply, he said government was investing in hydroelectric power, adding that construction of 700 megawatt power in Zungeru had commenced, while Kashimbila Hydroelectric power plant of 40 megawatt was awaiting evacuation to improve generation.
The minister said there was also an ongoing investment of 26 small hydropower dams to boost electricity production across the country.
However, members of the committee in their separate remarks decried the experiences of Nigerians on electricity supply over the years, despite the unbundling of the sector.
Sen. Lola Ashiru, the Vice-Chairman of the committee said Nigerians were paying for inefficiency of power sector operators.
Ashiru said there was a lot of inefficiency across the value chain of generation, transmission and distribution.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Fuel Tanker Explodes On Accra-Kumasi Highway
A fuel tanker with registration number GS 5343-18 exploded on the Kumasi-Accra highway on Monday, April 29, in the morning.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) which disclosed this on its official Facebook page said the Suhum Fire Station, which is under the leadership of STNO II Darwah Prince Ofobi, received a distress call and quickly responded.
The GNFS said firefighters were able to bring the situation under control within minutes, and they extinguished the fire entirely shortly after.
According to the GNFS, although the head of the Man Diesel Truck got damaged, the timely intervention of personnel of the service saved the situation.
It was not clear whether the tanker was carrying petroleum products.
The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation, even though there were no injuries.
“Despite extensive damage to the tanker’s head and its contents, the quick action of the crew prevented a catastrophic explosion of the tanker truck saving the entire bulk and its contents. The swift response of the crew showcased their dedication and bravery in the face of danger,” GNFS stated.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Egypt To Halt All LNG Exports From May To Meet Domestic Needs
Egypt has halted all LNG exports from May onwards to meet is domestic needs, according to local media, in light of reduced gas production and heightened summer demand.
The country has switched to imports for the first time since 2018, and was reported to have imported two prompt cargoes from Vitol and Trafigura , one of which was delivered April 13 at Jordan’s Aqaba terminal.
This delivery marked the first reported usage of the Suez Canal since January, when LNG players steered away from using the route due to geopolitical risks in the Red Sea region following a string of attacks on commercial ships crossing the Bab al-Mandab Strait by Houthi rebels in Yemen since October 2023.
However, risks in the region are still looming and no ship is yet recorded to be transiting northbound via the canal to Europe.
The imports into Egypt are hence expected to command a risk premium which is providing support to the price strength in the Atlantic as sellers wait to supply into the much-anticipated Egyptian demand.
“Yeah, I think Suez itself is fine. it’s the Gulf of Aden that is still an issue, so you can go southbound through the Suez to Egypt but there still hasn’t been cargoes going northbound from the Middle East to Europe,” David Lewis, LNG analyst at S&P Global Commodity Insights said.
Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, assessed the US Gulf Coast LNG freight rate to Japan/Korea via the Suez Canal at $2.23/MMBtu on April 23, down 2 cents/MMBtu on the day.
The freight rate was 12 cents/MMBtu higher than the route round the Cape of Good Hope and 69 cents/MMBtu higher than the cheapest route, via the Panama Canal.
On the pipeline side, European market participants have been closely monitoring Egyptian LNG as a determinant of pipeline gas prices in Europe.
“Aside from US feedgas deliveries, I think that the thing to watch for this summer is how much LNG is Egypt importing.
“It seems that they might be importing more than I expected, and this is likely to increase the tightness of LNG supply into Europe, which can be bullish for the TTF,” a UK-based gas analyst said.
In recent events, Egypt’s state-owned gas company EGAS issued a buy tender for one cargo, to be delivered between May 18-19, 2024. The tender will close at 1 pm Cairo time on April 24.
Source: Spglobal.com
South Africa: Eskom Reduces Reliance On Diesel To Generate Electricity
South Africa’s power utility company, Eskom has reduced its reliance on diesel usage for generate electricity.
This follows reports that it has ramped up its use of diesel to keep the lights on.
According to SABC report, Eskom has not imposed rolling blackouts for almost a month.
The power utility said it has sufficient generation capacity and emergency reserves to meet demand.
Eskom’s Head of Generation Bheki Nxumalo on Sunday briefed the media at Megawatt Park in Johannesburg on the status of the grid ahead of winter.
“Actually, the way we are burning diesel now because we use the reference of winter as well and a budget for this year is you look at the budget for this month in particular, we are almost like 40% below that and that compared to last year we burned about R3 billion for the month of April and this year we are at about R1,4 billion, so it shows that actually we are burning less.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Namibia: NAMCOR Signs Deal With Chevron To Develop Offshore Block
Namibia’s national oil company, NAMCOR has signed a development deal with Chevron that will see the U.S. oil major take an 80% operating working interest in an offshore block in the Walvis Basin.
The farm-out agreement with Chevron Namibia Exploration Limited (CNEL) will see the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) and local company Custos Energy each retain a 10% interest in petroleum exploration license 82.
Oil companies are flocking to Namibia, excited by the southern African country’s plans to open up a major new frontier basin with recent offshore finds ranking among the largest this century.
“Our partnership with CNEL and Custos Energy represents a shared vision for the future of Namibia’s energy landscape,” Ebson Uanguta, interim Managing Director of NAMCOR, said in a statement on Monday, April 29, 2024.
Namibia, which has yet to produce any oil or gas, has become an exploration hotspot after offshore discoveries by TotalEnergies and Shell, and is planning for its first output by 2030.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Fuel Supply Shortages Likely To Be Resolved In Two Weeks
Nigeria’s fuel shortage situation is expected to last for two more weeks, according to the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).
This comes despite assurance by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NPCL) that it has adequate stock of the product.
In a statement, the Public Relations Officer of IPMAN, Chinedu Ukadike, mentioned that the product is currently unavailable in the country due to challenges in sourcing caused by ongoing maintenance at refineries in Europe.
“The situation is that there is no product. Once there is a lack of supply or inadequate supply, what you will see is scarcity and queues will emerge at filling stations.
“On the part of NNPCL, which is the sole supplier of petroleum products in Nigeria, they have attributed the challenge to logistics and vessel problems.
“Once there is a breach in the international supply chain, it will have an impact on domestic supply because we depend on imports. I also have it on good authority that most of the refineries in Europe are undergoing turnaround maintenance, so sourcing petroleum products has become a bit difficult.
“NNPC Group CEO has assured us that there will be improvement in the supply chain because their vessels are arriving. Once that is done, normalcy will return. This is because once the 30-day supply sufficiency is disrupted, it takes two to three months to restore it.
“We expect that by next week or so, NNPC should be able to restore supply and with another week, normalcy should return.
“NNPC has said the marketers who have not been able to renew their licences will not be allowed to remain on their portal which has been shut for some time now. Because of this, we have not been able to request new products.
“At this nascent period of deregulation, you will discover that this leads to scarcity, even when the product arrives. As it is now, even by their data, out of 15,000 marketers that are on the portal with licences, only 1,050 renewed their licences.
“The requirement for renewal by NMDPRA is so much. Marketers are facing a hostile environment. NNPC placed a deadline of April 15, 2024, for marketers to renew their licences.
“We are, therefore, appealing to NNPC to extend this deadline and also to NMDPRA to hasten the release of licences of marketers who have completed their processes, and also reduce bottlenecks around licence renewals.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Political Interferences Cause Of Ghana’s Power Crisis–Dr Apetorgbor
The Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Independent Power Generators, Ghana, Dr Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, has blamed the energy crisis Ghana is currently experiencing on political interferences in the energy sector value chain.
He noted that the electricity sector is critical in driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for its citizens.
However, he said persistent political interference has undermined the sector’s sustainability, resulting in erratic power supply, financial instability and diminished investor confidence.
In an article titled: ‘The Detrimental Effects of Political Interference on Ghana’s Electricity Sustainability’, Dr Elikplim highlighted several issues that have arisen due to political interferences in the sector.
“Political interference often leads to short-term decision-making, neglecting long-term technical planning and infrastructure development.
“This lack of strategic foresight hampers the sector’s ability to meet growing demand and adapt to emerging challenges such as climate change and technological advancements,’’ he said.
Continuing, he said political interference has created an uncertain business environment for investors in Ghana’s electricity sector.
“Constant policy changes, arbitrary decision-making and political patronage discourage long-term investments and deter private sector participation, limiting the sector’s growth potential and hindering its ability to attract much-needed capital and expertise,’’ he added.
The Detrimental Effects of Political Interference on Ghana’s Electricity Sustainability
The electricity sector plays a critical role in driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for its citizens.
However, persistent political interference has undermined the sector’s sustainability, resulting in erratic power supply, financial instability, and diminished investor confidence.
Disruption of Technical Planning:
Political interference often leads to short-term decision-making, neglecting long-term technical planning and infrastructure development.
This lack of strategic foresight hampers the sector’s ability to meet growing demand and adapt to emerging challenges such as climate change and technological advancements.
Inefficient Resource Allocation:
Political agendas sometimes prioritize short-term gains over prudent resource allocation in the electricity sector.
This results in mismanagement of funds, inefficient operations, and inadequate maintenance of critical infrastructure, ultimately compromising the reliability and resilience of the electricity supply.
Erosion of Regulatory Independence:
The independence, professionalism and fairness of the regulatory bodies, PURC and EC is essential for ensuring fair competition, consumer protection, and investment stability in the electricity sector.
However, political interference is undermining regulatory independence, leading to regulatory capture, favoritism, and market distortions that stifle innovation and hinder market efficiency.
Investor Uncertainty:
Political interference creates an uncertain business environment for investors in Ghana’s electricity sector.
Constant policy changes, arbitrary decision-making, and political patronage discourage long-term investments and deter private sector participation, limiting the sector’s growth potential and hindering its ability to attract much-needed capital and expertise.
Social and Economic Impacts:
Erratic electricity supply resulting from political interference has significant social and economic consequences for Ghanaian citizens and businesses.
Power outages disrupt daily life, impede productivity, and undermine the competitiveness of industries, leading to job losses, reduced income, and diminished quality of life for millions of the Ghanaian (end users).
Addressing the negative impact of political interference on the sustainability of electricity supply in Ghana requires an unbiased and concerted effort from all stakeholders.
It is essential to depoliticize the sector, strengthen regulatory independence, and prioritize long-term planning and investment.
By fostering a conducive environment for private investors, promoting transparency and accountability, and upholding the rule of law, Ghana can unlock the full potential of its electricity sector and ensure a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply always.
Dr, Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor
CEO, Independent Power Generators, Ghana
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Ghana’s NPA CEO Re-elected ARDA President
Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, National Petroleum Authority’s (NPA) CEO, Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has been re-elected as President of the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA) for a second term in office during ARDA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Cape Town, South Africa, which ended on Friday, April 26, 2024.
Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid was unanimously endorsed by the Executive Committee of the Association, following his renomination by the Executive Secretary, Anibor O. Kraga.
He was elected last year during the ARDA WEEK and has steered the continental body to achieve its strategic objectives.
Over the period under review, he led ARDA to improve its presence and visibility by securing key continental and global energy platforms to advocate for the inclusion and participation of the African downstream in the global energy transition conversations.
These global platforms have helped to secure strategic partnerships and alliances.
The leadership of Dr Abdul-Hamid also secured financial stability for the association through an improved membership drive with dues payment and sponsorships from strategic partners.
He also initiated structural reforms in the organisation to improve the inclusion and working conditions of staff at the secretariat of the association.
Dr. Abdul-Hamid will serve his last one year term.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com