Madagascar’s president on Friday dismissed Minister for Energy and Hydrocarbons Olivier Jean-Baptiste following massive protests over crippling power and water shortages, which have made life unbearable for many citizens.
The demonstrations turned violent, leading to widespread destruction of property.
Protesters expressed anger over persistent outages that leave homes and businesses without electricity for more than 12 hours a day in one of the world’s poorest countries.
Frustrated by the mass action, President Andry Rajoelina sacked the minister in a bid to calm citizens, but the move appeared insufficient to ease tensions.
Organisers of Friday’s protest urged those dissatisfied with Rajoelina’s government to “come in numbers” for a “peaceful demonstration” on Saturday, distancing themselves from the looting that reportedly took place on Thursday.
Some citizens accuse the government of failing to improve living conditions.
The unfortunate situation compelled Authorities to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew after banks and shops were robbed and set on fire, while the homes of three pro-government parliamentarians were torched.
Five protesters were killed in the violence, a hospital source told AFP.
In addition to the capital, authorities on Friday placed four other major cities—Antsiranana, Majunga, Toliara and Antsirabe—under an extended nighttime curfew.
One young activist, who returned to clean up a looted bookstore, said he had left before the unrest escalated but admitted that other youths might have been behind the destruction.
“Maybe they were frustrated. Maybe they were sent to break things. They’re already poor and have nothing. So they take what little they see,” he told AFP, requesting anonymity for fear of reprisals.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The West African Gas Pipeline Company Ltd. (WAPCo) has raised concerns over ongoing illegal mining activities along its gas pipeline network in Nigeria, warning of grave safety and environmental risks.
According to WAPCo’s Head of External Relations in Nigeria, Mr. Temitope Sodeinde, illegal sand mining along the pipeline’s right of way has created hazardous pits as deep as five meters, threatening the structural integrity of the underground pipeline.
He noted that multiple excavators and tipper trucks were operating simultaneously, encroaching on established boundaries.
“The company is deeply concerned about the safety of illegal miners operating dangerously close to the pipeline, which poses significant risks to both the community and their livelihoods.
“We are working closely with security agencies to monitor and protect the pipeline,” Sodeinde said, according to a report by Punch Newspaper.
Sodeinde further disclosed that the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies had pledged to arrest those involved in illegal mining along the pipeline network.
“This is a high-pressure gas pipeline buried underground. We regularly hold town hall and pipeline awareness meetings to educate communities about the dangers.
“Mining activities this close to the pipeline risk a catastrophic fire or explosion if disturbed,” he warned.
According to him, even a small mistake could trigger disaster, putting lives and property at serious risk.
“This is a threat we have been trying to prevent for years, and it requires urgent action,” he stressed.
Also speaking, the Area Commander of Agbara Police, ACP Folashade Tanaruno, urged illegal miners to cease their activities or face arrest.
She stressed that miners must maintain at least 100 meters distance from the pipeline to avoid potential explosions.
The Area Commander of the NSCDC, Mrs. Esther Odesanya, confirmed that security agencies had stepped up surveillance and would continue to arrest illegal miners.
She also urged all miners to obtain proper mining certificates before operating in the area.
“Illegal mining along the pipeline right of way endangers the entire community. No one caught violating this will be spared,” Odesanya said.
The Oloja-Ekun of Igbesa Kingdom, Oba Abdul-Aziz Akinde, condemned the illegal mining, describing it as economic sabotage and a grave threat to communities along the pipeline.
Represented by Oba Nasir Olayemi, the Olodan of Odan, Akinde warned residents against allowing illegal miners to operate near the pipeline.
He said, “The palace has petitioned the Federal Government and established a committee to verify miners’ licenses.
“There is no excuse for violating legal frameworks. We are collaborating with law enforcement to ensure proper action is taken.”
He added that while some miners claimed to hold government licenses, law enforcement agencies were working to clarify the situation and protect the environment.
Chairman of Yewa Zone Miners, Mr. Balogun Moshood, acknowledged the environmental damage caused by illegal mining but insisted that most miners under their umbrella are duly registered.
He alleged that some illegal miners operate with the collusion of security personnel.
“We are educating and monitoring our members to avoid mining near the gas pipeline.
“We will direct them to stop all activities close to the pipeline and maintain the required 100-meter safety distance,” Moshood assured.
On September 20, 2025, Punch Online reported that the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) had sealed a partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Mining Marshals to intensify the fight against illegal mining.
The alliance was unveiled during a courtesy visit by the Marshals’ Commander, ACC Attah John Onoja, to the RMRDC headquarters in Abuja.
Onoja noted that the partnership is expected to “combine scientific data with boots-on-the-ground security to protect Nigeria’s mineral wealth.”
“To be effective in securing Nigeria’s mineral wealth, the Mining Marshals must work hand-in-hand with research institutions like the Raw Materials Council,” he added.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Africa-focused independent oil and gas company Tullow Oil plc (Tullow) has completed the sale of its entire working interest in Kenya to Auron Energy E&P Limited, an affiliate of Gulf Energy Ltd.
This follows Gulf Energy’s satisfaction of all conditions precedent under the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) first announced on 21 July 2025.
Tullow has received the full proceeds of Tranche A (US$40 million) under the terms of the SPA.
The transaction represents the sale of 100% of the shares in Tullow’s subsidiary, Tullow Kenya BV, which holds Tullow’s entire working interests in Kenya, for a minimum cash consideration of US$120 million, subject to customary adjustments.
According to Tullow, the proceeds will be used to strengthen its balance sheet.
The sale of its Kenyan subsidiary marks Tullow’s exit from the country after 14 years.
Tullow retains royalty payments, subject to certain conditions, and a no-cost back-in right for a 30% participation in potential future development phases.
Commenting on the deal, Ian Perks, Chief Executive Officer of Tullow, said:
“The successful completion of this transaction marks a significant milestone for the company and the achievement of another one of our key 2025 strategic priorities.
“The use of proceeds helps to further strengthen our balance sheet and I would like to thank the team for their hard work and commitment, which have helped position the company strongly as we look to refinance our capital structure this year.
“On behalf of everyone at Tullow, I extend our best wishes to the people and Government of Kenya and wish Gulf Energy every success as they advance this project.”
Also commenting, Mr. Paul Limoh, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Energy Ltd, said:
“We are delighted to complete this transaction and to bring these assets under the stewardship of Gulf Energy Ltd. This project will play an important role in advancing Kenya’s domestic energy sector, creating opportunities for growth and development in the Turkana region, as well as supporting the country’s long-term energy security. We thank Tullow for its years of investment and commitment, and we look forward to building on that foundation as we work with partners and stakeholders to take the project forward.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) has committed $16 million towards accelerating energy access and clean energy deployment in Africa, Ecofin Agency reported, citing GEAPP officials.
The organization said the funds will bolster Mission 300, a joint initiative led by the World Bank and the African Development Bank to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.
GEAPP added that it plans to invest $7.5 billion over the next five years to expand clean energy solutions across the continent.
The contribution forms part of a broader collective effort.
Created in 2021 by the IKEA Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Bezos Earth Fund, GEAPP operates in more than 30 countries.
It combines philanthropic and public financing to leverage development banks and private investors.
The alliance said such contributions aim to provide coherence and visibility to global efforts, demonstrating that modest funding can deliver significant impact when aligned with large-scale strategies.
Despite growing mobilization, Africa’s energy needs remain vast.
The International Energy Agency estimated in 2024 that developing countries outside China must multiply clean energy investments sixfold to reach $1.6 trillion annually by the early 2030s in order to meet climate commitments.
In this context, contributions like GEAPP’s are critical, particularly when integrated into collective initiatives that pool resources and align objectives.
The trajectory of Africa’s electricity access will depend, in part, on the convergence of such efforts.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, performed a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday to mark the start of construction of a 1,000-kilowatt (1 MW) solar power plant at the Dawhenya Irrigation Site in the Greater Accra Region.
The project, funded by the Korean Government with $5 million under the Water-Energy-Food Nexus Project (WEFP), and implemented by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition (MoEn) in collaboration with the Korean Association of Machinery Industry (KOAMI), covers the cost of the solar plant, capacity building of staff, and site rehabilitation.
It is expected to provide a more reliable electricity supply to the facility, boosting irrigation and food production.
The actual construction is expected to begin early next year and be completed within an eight-month period. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Jinapor described the initiative as “a foundation for innovation, sustainability, and prosperity for generations to come,” stressing its role in addressing the twin challenges of energy transition and food security.
“Without clean, affordable, and reliable energy, irrigation systems cannot function; without water, we cannot grow food; and without food, our people cannot thrive,” he said.
The Minister said the plant would provide reliable power for irrigation, reduce dependence on costly diesel generators, and boost rice production and food security in Dawhenya and beyond.
It would also lower greenhouse gas emissions in line with Ghana’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and create green jobs for youth and women in agriculture and renewable energy. Mr. Jinapor observed that Ghana’s dependence on rain-fed agriculture remained a major setback.
While South Korea had irrigated over 800,000 hectares and partially irrigated 200,000 hectares of farmland as far back as 2009, Ghana irrigates only about three percent of its cultivated land, despite irrigation potential of between 360,000 and 1.9 million hectares.
He noted that food inflation had been a key driver of Ghana’s overall 23.8 percent consumer price inflation in 2024, citing rising costs of staples such as rice, yam, and tomato.
The Minister outlined the government’s target of bringing more than one million hectares under irrigation in the next five years, beginning with the deployment of 400 solar water pumps in 2026 and scaling up to 3,500 pumps by 2028 to irrigate about 400,000 hectares.
He assured that the Ministry was working with the Ministry of Finance to secure tax exemptions on imported materials and equipment for the plant and urged the Renewable Energy and Green Transition Directorate to ensure timely completion.
The Minister appealed to farmers and residents of Dawhenya to take ownership of the facility and safeguard it, adding that encroached irrigation lands must be reclaimed for their intended agricultural use.
A representative of the Korean Ambassador to Ghana, Madam Kim Hyunjoo, said the project was more than just a source of clean energy, stressing its direct link to both Ghana’s “Feed Ghana” Programme and Korea’s “K-Rice Belt” initiative.
She commended the collaboration between Ghanaian institutions and Korean agencies, noting that their joint efforts were deepening bilateral relations.
Mr. Kyu Young Hwang, President and CEO of Kunhwa Engineering and Consulting Co. Ltd, said his company was proud to be part of the milestone initiative, describing it as both historic and transformative.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s national electricity transmission company, GRIDCo, has raised alarm over the growing threat illegal mining—popularly known as galamsey—poses to the country’s power infrastructure.
The destructive activities of illegal miners have already devastated large portions of the nation’s forest belt and polluted vital water bodies, sparking public concern.
The situation has also increased operational costs for the Ghana Water Company Limited, with experts warning that the country risks importing water in the future if urgent and coordinated measures are not taken.
GRIDCo raised these concerns during a visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy as part of its three-day tour of energy sector agencies.
Ing. Frank Otchere, Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Engineering and Operations at GRIDCo, described the situation as “a near disaster.”
According to him, illegal miners are increasingly operating dangerously close to high-voltage transmission towers, particularly within areas cleared for power line maintenance—known as right-of-way zones.
“Now the right-of-way clearing has become lucrative for galamseyers. In several areas, we find that overnight people move in to carry out galamsey activities very close to our towers,” he said.
Otchere explained that while transmission towers may appear to be simple steel structures, they are carefully engineered with precise foundations tailored to the terrain.
Encroachment from mining activities can weaken these foundations, threatening the stability of the entire power transmission network.
“There are some towers that we have had to rush to reinforce with intermediary measures,” he revealed.
Even more worrying, Otchere disclosed that GRIDCo maintenance teams have come under attack in some areas, with staff being shot at by armed individuals while carrying out routine inspections and repairs.
“There are some areas where, when our maintenance teams go in, they get shot at, and some of them have had to run for their lives,” he said.
Otchere stressed that GRIDCo can no longer manage the threat alone and called for urgent support from national security forces to protect the country’s critical energy infrastructure.
“We are getting to a point where GRIDCo alone cannot manage. We need support from all the security forces to be able to do that,” he appealed.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Energy, Hon. Emmanuel Bedzrah, assured GRIDCo of Parliament’s support to address the situation.
He also appealed to illegal miners to desist from operating near power lines and to refrain from attacking GRIDCo personnel.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Electricity workers in the Federal Republic of Nigeria have suspended their less than a day-long industrial action following a swift intervention by the country’s Minister of Power and officials from the Ministry of Labour.
The strike, if not addressed immediately, could have resulted in a nationwide power outage. Nigeria has long struggled to ensure reliable electricity supply for homes and businesses, forcing many to leave the national grid and invest in alternative energy sources to sustain operations.
The workers, under the aegis of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC), had issued an ultimatum that expired on September 23, 2025, over unresolved demands.
Following the expiration, a directive was issued on September 24, urging workers to commence strike action on September 25.
However, after extensive deliberations at a meeting held at Fraser Suites in Abuja—attended by officials of the Ministry of Power, NUEE, and SSAEAC—the parties reached a five-point resolution.
Key among the resolutions was the unions’ agreement to honour the minister’s request to review the committee’s report by October 6–7, 2025, with implementation expected to begin the same month.
It was also agreed that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and NISO would jointly evaluate the financial implications of the report and prepare an implementation plan for discussion with the minister and the unions.
In addition, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) was urged to expedite the review of tariffs for both TCN and NISO to pave the way for implementation.
The unions further secured assurances that no employee would be victimised for participating in the industrial action.
Based on these commitments, NUEE and SSAEAC announced the suspension of their protest to allow time for the resolutions to be implemented.
This agreement marks a critical step in resolving tensions within the sector while safeguarding electricity operations nationwide.
The resolution read in part: “Following the ultimatum issued by the in-house unions (NUEE & SSAEAC) to TCN Management on various labour issues, which elapsed on Monday, 23rd September 2025, the Minister of Power, represented by senior directors of the ministry, intervened to apprehend the picketing exercise embarked on by the unions.
“After extensive discussions, the following agreements were reached: That the unions honour the minister’s request to review the committee’s report by 6th/7th October 2025; that TCN and NISO shall evaluate the financial implications of the report and prepare an implementation plan; and that both in-house unions will reconvene with TCN and NISO management to resolve other issues accordingly.”
Union leaders explained that their decision to suspend the strike was meant to give room for implementation of the resolutions, stressing that compliance would be closely monitored.
The unions’ demands included the immediate implementation of the National Minimum Wage, an end to the casualisation of workers, provision of working tools and operational vehicles, payment of staff salaries owed since April 2025, supply of Personal Protective Equipment last provided in 2021, settlement of retirement benefits, and resolution of issues arising from the unbundling of TCN.
NUEE Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, told local reporters that management’s repeated promises had gone unfulfilled.
“We have been making demands for a long time. The issue of consequential adjustment to the minimum wage, non-availability of working tools, promotion issues, and a whole lot of other things remain unresolved. We gave a deadline, it expired on Monday, and after our follow-up meeting on Wednesday ended in a deadlock, we had no choice but to proceed with the strike,” Igwebike said, as reported by Punch Newspaper.
Source: energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s President, Mr. John Dramani Mahama, has officially launched the country’s National Energy Compact under the umbrella of Mission 300 on the sidelines of the ongoing 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Mission 300—a bold initiative spearheaded by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank—seeks to connect 300 million people in Africa to clean, affordable, and reliable electricity by 2030.
Other key partners in the program include the Rockefeller Foundation and Sustainable Energy for All.
Under the Compact, Ghana has set out four transformative objectives:
Increase the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix from 4% to 10% by 2026, and to 30% by 2035; Mobilize significant investment in the energy sector; Promote clean cooking solutions; and Advance the productive use of energy to support economic growth.
Speaking at the launch, President Mahama said: “Ghana believes universal access to energy is essential for empowering businesses, reducing poverty, and ensuring equal opportunities for all.”
He emphasized that achieving this vision requires strong partnerships between governments and the private sector, supported by an enabling environment for sustainable investment.
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, noted that Ghana’s embrace of Mission 300 serves as a blueprint for attracting $20 billion in investments over the next decade, with a focus on grid modernization, renewable energy projects, and energy efficiency.
This initiative directly addresses Africa’s persistent energy access gap, where nearly 600 million people still live without electricity. By connecting individuals, businesses, and entire economies to power, Mission 300 aims to transform lives—energizing hospitals and schools, creating jobs, and stimulating investment and trade across the continent.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Police in Niger State, Federal Republic of Nigeria, have arrested 12 suspects involved massive theft and vandalism of equipment at the Kainji Power Plant valued at over ₦4.8 billion.
According to Wasiu Abiodun, Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, the arrest follows a complaint from Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd on August 11, 2025, after uncovering a long-running conspiracy by security staff at the Kainji Power Plant.
“An inspection at the navigation lock yard of the Kainji Power Plant revealed that some navigation lock metals and beams worth billions of naira were vandalised and carted away by unknown persons. Following this, two supervisors at the plant were arrested and transferred to SCID Minna,” the statement read.
The suspects, identified as Shaibu Abu Sufyan (35) and Ibrahim Musa (31), initially denied involvement. However, Abu Sufyan later confessed and implicated ten other security personnel under his supervision.
They include Zayyanu Musa, Jibrin Abdullahi, Hassan Musa, Micah Adamu, Attahiru Umar, Abdulrahman Usman, Ismaila Ibrahim, Mubarak Husseini, Adamu Abubakar, and Abdullahi Abubakar (aka Zuma).
Investigations further revealed that the group conspired with scrap dealers Musa Khalid, Abah Khalid, and Abdullahi of Nasarawa village, Mashegu LGA.
According to police, the dealers mobilised heavy equipment to dismantle the metals using acetylene gas, cut them into pieces, and transported them in trucks during weekends at night.
“These criminal activities have been ongoing since 2023. So far, ₦12.5 million in transactions were traced between Abu Sufyan and one of the dealers, while ₦11.5 million was linked to Ibrahim Musa. The stolen items were sold to companies in Lagos, Kwara, and Osun States,” police disclosed.
The Command confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the dealers and other collaborators.
Separately, on May 3, 2025, the Defence Headquarters confirmed the arrest of four security personnel for aiding terrorist operations in the North-East.
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, the suspects included two personnel from the hybrid forces who had been working alongside troops to combat insurgency.
They were arrested between April 26 and 29, during operations across Bama, Kukawa, and Madagali LGAs. He added that they were among four terrorist logistics suppliers apprehended by troops.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
One of Russia’s biggest energy companies and exporters, Novatek, has resumed gas condensate processing at its second unit at Ust-Luga, a major complex and export port on the Russian Baltic Sea, a month after it was damaged by a Ukrainian drone attack, market sources told Reuters on Wednesday.
Until the unit was fixed to become operational again, Novatek rerouted approximately 70,000 metric tons of gas condensate to the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk.
The Ust-Luga complex, operated by Novatek, was hit by a Ukrainian drone strike at the end of August. It was the second time Ukraine has attacked – and damaged – the Ust-Luga port this year.
As a result of the late August strike, the three units at Novatek’s complex were damaged after a fire. Reports had it that all operations at the complex were shut in for several days, including loadings of fuel.
One unit of the damaged complex was expected to resume operations within days of the drone hit, but a second unit was set to take several weeks to repair. Repairs at a separate unit that was most seriously damaged by the attack could take up to six months, according to market sources who spoke to Reuters at the time.
Ust-Luga, one of the key export hubs for Russian crude oil and fuels, has three processing units and refines stable gas condensate into light and heavy naphtha, jet fuel, fuel oil, and gasoil.
The August attack on Ust-Luga was the second time this year that Ukraine has hit and damaged the Novatek complex at the port.
In January, the Russian company was forced to suspend operations at the fuel export terminal at the Ust-Luga complex following a drone attack by Ukrainian forces, which caused a fire at one fuel storage tank.
Meanwhile, Russia is considering extending its current ban on exports of gasoline and introducing a ban on diesel exports as fuel shortages have emerged amid intensified Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries and other energy infrastructure.
Source: Oilprice.com
Ghana’s largest state-owned power generation company, the Volta River Authority (VRA), has hosted a high-powered delegation from Uganda’s energy sector on a courtesy visit to the Authority’s Head Office, Electro-Volta House, in Accra.
The visit was a gesture of goodwill and an opportunity to strengthen ties between the Ugandan energy sector and the VRA, fostering mutual understanding, knowledge-sharing, and the exploration of potential areas of collaboration.
The Acting Chief Executive of VRA, Ing. Edward Obeng-Kenzo, expressed delight at the visit and underscored the importance of such engagements in enhancing cooperation and benchmarking institutional practices. He further emphasized the Authority’s openness to joint initiatives that create shared opportunities for both parties.
During the meeting, Mr. Clement Boakye, Director of Corporate Strategy, provided an overview of VRA’s diverse operations in hydro, thermal, solar, and mini-grid power generation. He also highlighted upcoming projects, outlined current challenges, and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to innovation and long-term energy security.
This was followed by a presentation from Ing. Abdul Noor Wahab, Director of Water Resources and Renewable Energy, who highlighted VRA’s mini-grid projects. He noted that eight mini-grids are currently operational, expanding electricity access to rural and island communities. He also discussed challenges in system management and outlined strategies to enhance efficiency, expand coverage, and ensure sustainable delivery.
The delegation actively engaged during an interactive session, gaining deeper insight into VRA’s operational framework and its measures for addressing challenges while driving continuous improvement.
The meeting concluded with closing remarks from Eng. David Birimumaso, Assistant Commissioner of Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), and Mr. Samuel Fletcher, Acting Deputy Chief Executive (Services) of VRA.
Other members of the VRA Executive present included Mr. Samuel Odartey Lamptey, Acting Deputy Chief Executive (Engineering and Operations), and Mr. John Maxwell Mbeele, Acting Deputy Chief Executive (Finance).
The Ugandan delegation was led by Ms. Mbakolaki Oliver, representing the Hon. Minister of State, MEMD. It included senior officials such as Protaze Tibyakinura of the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), Kasoba Albert of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), Evelyn Manyiraho of the National Planning Authority, and Namuli Monica Mukasa from the Ministry of Finance.
They were joined by representatives from academia, development partners, and other agencies, including Makerere University Business School, GIZ, MEMD, and MoFPED.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Vitol, a global energy and commodities trading company, has acquired a 30% stake in the Baleine project offshore Côte d’Ivoire, this portal can confirm.
Following the acquisition, Eni, the operator, will hold 47.25%, Vitol 30%, and Petroci, Côte d’Ivoire’s national oil company, the remaining 22.75%.
In a statement, Eni noted that the transaction aligns with its strategy of optimising its upstream portfolio by accelerating the monetization of exploration discoveries through the divestment of equity stakes, a model known as the “dual exploration model.”
Eni and Vitol are already partners in the OCTP and Block 4 projects in Ghana, and this transaction further strengthens their collaboration in West Africa.
Eni has been present in Côte d’Ivoire since 2015. Baleine is Eni’s first development in the country, and the first net-zero development in Africa.
The giant Baleine field was discovered in 2021, two decades after the last commercial discovery in the country, and achieved production in record time in 2023.
Currently, Baleine produces over 62,000 barrels of oil and more than 75 million cubic feet of gas per day from Phases 1 and 2.
With the launch of Phase 3, production is expected to rise to 150,000 barrels of oil and 200 million cubic feet of gas per day, positioning Baleine as a cornerstone in meeting the country’s domestic energy needs.
Vitol has maintained an upstream presence in the West African region for many years.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the theft of electricity infrastructure belonging to Kenya Power in the Manyatta Kona Maji area of Kisumu County.
The suspects, Stephen Bala Magak and Frederick Odhiambo Owino, are accused of receiving stolen energy infrastructure from vandals in the region and reselling it to individuals who engage in illegal electricity connections.
Kenya Power’s security team, working in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, managed to recover equipment valued at approximately KShs 3 million.
The items included six steady bars, one cross arm (channel), three rolls of stay wire measuring about 100 metres, 146 shackle insulators, and around 20 metres of HT aluminium conductors.
“The two suspects are already in custody, and this operation is a testament to our commitment to weed out all persons involved in illegal activities within the network. We call upon members of the public to work with us in reporting and safeguarding the infrastructure that powers their businesses and lives,” said Kenya Power’s Security Services Manager, Maj. (Rtd.) Geoffrey Kigen.
He added: “The Western Region and Kisumu County have been experiencing power challenges, some stemming from vandalism and, in some cases, illegal connections. Through a coordinated security operation between Kenya Power and the Kisumu Central Sub-County Police, we have managed to recover a huge consignment of our equipment valued at approximately KShs 3 million. We thank the law enforcers for their support in our fight against criminal activities that compromise the stability of power supply and endanger lives.”
The Energy Act 2019 criminalises tampering with electricity installations, energy theft, vandalism, and damage to power infrastructure. Offenders face a fine of up to KShs 5 million, a prison sentence of up to five years, or both.
These security operations underscore Kenya Power’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted power supply to its customers.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
A renowned economist and Board Chairman of the Energy Commission (EC) of Ghana, Prof. John Gartchie Gatsi, has urged women to show interest in electrical wiring training programs and get certified by the Commission.
He said this would enable them to become professional electricians, increase female representation in the field, and compete with their male counterparts for opportunities.
He noted that the electrical wiring profession is very lucrative, yet only a few women pursue training programs to become certified professionals.
Speaking at the 23rd Graduation Ceremony for Certified Electrical Wiring Professionals in Accra, Prof. Gatsi revealed that out of the 18,435 certified electrical wiring professionals in Ghana, only 183—representing just 0.01%—are females.
He described the situation as unhealthy and called for urgent action to encourage more female enrollment in order to bridge the gender gap.
According to him, Ghana needs more certified electrical wiring professionals to help reduce incidences of fire in homes, factories, offices, and other manufacturing environments.
To address this challenge, Prof. Gatsi promised to collaborate with the appropriate authorities to eliminate the influx of fake electrical wires and related products by tightening monitoring at the ports and intensifying inspection drives by Energy Commission staff.
He further assured the nation of the Commission’s commitment to improving the professional environment of electrical wiring practitioners. He disclosed that customer care and other innovative modules would be added to the training curriculum to align with modern trends in the electrical wiring industry.
In an interview with this portal, the Assistant Manager in charge of the Electrical Wiring Secretariat (EWS) at the Energy Commission, Mr. Stephen N-ebe Yomoh, said that 1,163 candidates sat for the various categories of examinations this year. Out of this number, 80.56% passed the Domestic category.
He added: 88.50% of candidates in the Commercial category were successful while 77.27% passed in the Industrial category with 44.90% also passed in the Inspector category.
In total, Mr. Yomoh disclosed that 944 candidates were successful, representing an overall pass rate of about 81.17%.
“This brings the total number of electricians certified by the Commission to 18,435 nationwide,” he affirmed.
Mr. Yomoh, however, expressed concern over the continuous activities of uncertified electricians who exploit the unsuspecting public, often resulting in avoidable fire outbreaks.
Delivering the keynote address, the Registrar of the Engineering Council, Ing. Isaac Bedu, urged certified electrical professionals to exhibit the highest professional and ethical standards to protect Ghanaian homes and industries from fire disasters.
Ing. Isaac Bedu
He also encouraged aspiring electricians to take advantage of the Energy Commission’s certification examinations to qualify as certified professionals.
The Director at the Energy Commission, Mr. Anthony Bleboo, who was among the guests, cited the Electrical Wiring Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 2008), describing them as a milestone in addressing fire hazards.
He used the opportunity to urge graduates to uphold professional standards as they enter the job market.
“This will ensure that electrical installations are done correctly and that public safety is protected,” he emphasized.
He reminded the graduates that they would be held accountable for all installations they undertake.
The overall best candidate for the 2025 examination was Larnyoh Mawuliku Kumordji from the Accra Examination Centre. He received GHS 1,000 and assorted products from Reroy Cables Co. Ltd and Nexans Kabel Metal Ltd.
The overall best female candidate was Dzandu Vivian, also from Accra Centre. She received GHS 3,000 in cash and products from Focus Cables Co. Ltd, Reroy Cables Co. Ltd, and Nexans Kabel Metal Ltd.
Other award winners included: Best Inspector Candidate: Larnyoh Mawuliku Kumordji – products from Services Merchandise Ltd.
Best Industrial Candidate: Awudi Isaac (Accra Centre) – products from Services Merchandise Ltd.
Best Commercial Candidate: Dzandu Vivian – products from Services Merchandise Ltd.
Best Domestic Candidate: Amekor Ishmael (Accra Centre) – products from African Diamond Cables Co. Ltd.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 
Speaking at the launch, President Mahama said: “Ghana believes universal access to energy is essential for empowering businesses, reducing poverty, and ensuring equal opportunities for all.”
He emphasized that achieving this vision requires strong partnerships between governments and the private sector, supported by an enabling environment for sustainable investment.
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, noted that Ghana’s embrace of Mission 300 serves as a blueprint for attracting $20 billion in investments over the next decade, with a focus on grid modernization, renewable energy projects, and energy efficiency.
This initiative directly addresses Africa’s persistent energy access gap, where nearly 600 million people still live without electricity. By connecting individuals, businesses, and entire economies to power, Mission 300 aims to transform lives—energizing hospitals and schools, creating jobs, and stimulating investment and trade across the continent.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 
Other award winners included: Best Inspector Candidate: Larnyoh Mawuliku Kumordji – products from Services Merchandise Ltd.
Best Industrial Candidate: Awudi Isaac (Accra Centre) – products from Services Merchandise Ltd.
Best Commercial Candidate: Dzandu Vivian – products from Services Merchandise Ltd.
Best Domestic Candidate: Amekor Ishmael (Accra Centre) – products from African Diamond Cables Co. Ltd.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com