Nigeria: Sahara Group Foundation Expands Its Go Recycling Hubs To Boost Environmental Sustainability
Sahara Group Foundation, the corporate social impact vehicle of Sahara Group, has commissioned its 15th Sahara Go Recycling Hub in Ijede, Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable waste management, environmental protection, and community empowerment in Nigeria.
The new hub, strategically located opposite the General Hospital in Ijede, extends the Foundation’s growing recycling campaign, building on the success of 14 hubs already established across Lagos.
The Sahara Go Recycling initiative is designed to promote a circular economy by reducing waste, fostering resource recovery, and empowering local communities with opportunities to earn income from recyclables.
Speaking at the commissioning, Chidilim Menakaya, Director of Sahara Group Foundation, said: “The launch of the Ijede Go-Recycling Hub is not just about environmental sustainability; it is about redefining value, creating opportunities for economic empowerment, and building resilient communities that can lead the charge for sustainability.
Every plastic bottle, aluminium can, or piece of paper recycled here marks a step toward a cleaner environment, stronger livelihoods, and a future where waste is transformed into wealth.”
She underscored the Foundation’s vision of inspiring a ripple effect of sustainable practices across communities.
The event was attended by the Chief Executive Officer of Egbin Power Plc, executives and representatives of Sahara Group, Egbin Power Plc, and Ikeja Electric, the Vice Chairman of Ijede Local Council Development Area (LCDA), officials from the Ijede General Hospital, as well as dignitaries, traditional leaders, and community members.
Mokhtar Bounour, CEO of Egbin Power Plc, remarked: “At Sahara, Egbin, Ikeja Electric, and across all our businesses, we don’t just say it—we act on it. We are committed to making a difference and ensuring that communities are empowered.
A cleaner Ijede means a healthier Ikorodu and ultimately a stronger Nigeria. This initiative has the power to enhance public health while stimulating economic empowerment for our people.”
Hon. Kabir Femi Kareem, Vice Chairman of Ijede Local Government, representing the Executive Chairman, emphasised the hub’s importance to Ijede residents, especially given its strategic location.“The essence of this project is environmental sustainability and value creation. When we transform our waste into resources, it is a symbiosis—improving our environment, reducing greenhouse gases and global warming. Ultimately, we are creating job opportunities and saving energy.”
He urged all Ijede residents to embrace the project and minimise improper waste disposal.
High Chief Mustapha Lasisi, Baale of Ipakan Community, Ijede, commended the collaboration between Sahara Group Foundation, Egbin Power Plc, Ijede LCDA, and EcoBarter, describing the hub as a vital contribution to the well-being and livelihoods of Ijede residents, particularly for its economic value.
Since its inception, the Sahara Go Recycling Initiative has collected over 500 tonnes of recyclable waste and facilitated payouts exceeding ₦50 million to beneficiaries. The programme has positively impacted more than 1,000 households, creating alternative income streams, supporting livelihoods, and reinforcing environmental sustainability.
The new hub in Ijede was implemented in partnership with Egbin Power Plc, Ijede LCDA, and EcoBarter. It provides a convenient drop-off point for recyclable materials, including plastics, cartons, paper, and aluminium cans.
Residents are encouraged to exchange their recyclables for incentives at the hub—joining a growing network of locations across Lagos, including Ijora, Ikorodu, Agege, Festac, Onigbongbo, Lagos Island, Oworonshoki, Ikotun, Apapa, Igbogbo Baiyeku, Kosofe, Ifako-Ijaye, and Navy Town.
Mrs. Ayodele Michael Oluwakemi, Council Manager of Ijede Local Government, called on residents to embrace the initiative, sort their waste, and turn in recyclables to the hub in exchange for value, noting that this will contribute to a cleaner, greener Ijede.
Roseline Idehai, representing EcoBarter, added: “At EcoBarter, we believe waste is not a problem but an opportunity. Our partnership with Sahara Group Foundation ensures this opportunity becomes a sustainable reality—empowering individuals and inspiring collective action toward a cleaner Lagos. We allow people to use their waste as currency and get value for every recyclable turned in.”
Mr. Disu Shoyiga, Personal Assistant to the Executive Chairman, Ijede Local Government, noted the health benefits of the initiative, stating: “A cleaner environment translates directly into healthier lives. The added benefit of this project is the economic value it brings to the people. We are grateful to the Sahara Group Foundation and will ensure that the hub remains viable.”
Reiterating Sahara Group Foundation’s vision, Chidilim Menakaya added:
“The Sahara Go Recycling project is creating a ripple effect across Lagos, enabling households and communities to see value in responsible waste management. Through strategic partnerships, we are amplifying impact and building sustainable ecosystems for future generations.”
She concluded: “At Sahara Group Foundation, we believe in EXTRApreneurship—building sustainable ecosystems through collaborations that inspire change. With Ijede now part of our network, we are one step closer to achieving a truly circular economy in Nigeria.”
Sahara Group Foundation plans to expand the Go Recycling Initiative to more communities in Lagos and across Africa, reinforcing its mission of Building Sustainable Communities through EXTRApreneurship.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Energy Minister Launches GH¢1 Million Scholarship Fund For Constituents
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Yapei Kusawgu in the Savannah Region, has launched an Education Scholarship Fund with a seed capital of GH¢1 million to support brilliant but needy tertiary students in his constituency.
According to the Minister, the initiative seeks to provide financial assistance to students across various levels of education—from basic to tertiary institutions—helping to ease the financial burden on parents and promote equal access to quality education.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Jinapor reaffirmed his commitment to human capital development, emphasizing that education remains the most powerful tool for transforming lives and communities.
He stated that the fund will be managed transparently to ensure that beneficiaries are selected based on merit and genuine need.
“The Education Scholarship Fund forms part of my broader vision to empower the youth, improve educational outcomes, and promote sustainable development in the Yapei Kusawgu Constituency,” the Minister wrote on his Facebook page after the launch.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya Power Records KShs.24.47 Billion Profit After Tax Driven By Higher Sales And Improved System Efficiency
Kenya Power has recorded a profit after tax of KShs.24.47 billion( equivalent of $188,957,528.91) for the 2024/25 financial year, driven by lower costs of sales, higher electricity unit sales, and improved system efficiencies.
However, the company’s profitability declined by 18.7% compared to the KShs.30.08 billion recorded in the previous financial year.
The growth in profitability was supported by an increase in electricity sales, which rose by 887 GWh to 11,403 GWh — representing an 8% increase in sales — while total unit purchases grew by 787 GWh. The overall cost of sales declined by 4%, from KShs.150.6 billion to KShs.144.6 billion, resulting in savings of KShs.5.94 billion.
The savings were largely attributed to the stability of the Kenyan shilling against major foreign currencies in which most Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are denominated.
“The base tariff has been coming down over the last two years, reflecting the government’s commitment to lowering the cost of electricity. This is a positive move for consumers as it makes electricity more affordable, encouraging higher consumption.
In turn, this will positively impact the company as we can leverage economies of scale to remain profitable. You can already see that impact in our results this year, as we sold more units at a lower price and still remained profitable,” said Kenya Power Managing Director and CEO, Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Siror.
The company’s operating expenses decreased by KShs.3.86 billion, mainly due to lower expected credit losses, reflecting prevailing macroeconomic conditions and improved customer payment behavior.
The utility’s Board of Directors has recommended a final dividend of KShs.0.80 per ordinary share, having already paid an interim dividend of KShs.0.20 per share in the first half of the year.
“For the second year in a row, the company is paying out a dividend to investors, and we remain confident that as our financial performance improves, dividend payments will be sustained.
Dividend payouts have significantly strengthened investor confidence in the company. The Kenya Power share price has appreciated by more than 900% — from a low of KShs.1.38 in December 2023 to over KShs.15.
This performance reflects renewed investor confidence in our transformation journey and our capacity to deliver sustainable growth and long-term value,” said Joy Brenda Masinde, Kenya Power Board Chairperson.
From a customer perspective, the company surpassed the 10 million customer mark, connecting 401,848 new customers during the period and expanding its total customer base to over 10.1 million.
Kenya Power also improved its distribution and transmission efficiency to 78.79%, up from 76.84% the previous year, driven by ongoing grid upgrades, system reinforcement, and loss reduction initiatives.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Chevron Appoints Kevin McLachlan To Lead Global Exploration
Chevron Corporation announced that Kevin McLachlan will assume the role of Vice President of Exploration, overseeing the company’s worldwide exploration portfolio from Houston.
McLachlan will succeed Liz Schwarze, who will retire in February 2026 after more than three decades at Chevron.
The appointment marks a significant leadership transition within Chevron’s upstream division. McLachlan brings more than 30 years of international experience in exploration, production, and carbon management, having held senior positions at TotalEnergies, Murphy Oil, Nexen, and ExxonMobil.
His expertise spans oil and gas discovery, field development, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) initiatives—areas that align with Chevron’s evolving exploration strategy amid a changing energy landscape.
Clay Neff, President of Chevron Upstream, described McLachlan as “an experienced energy executive with a strong record of leading and driving exploration organizations to achieve industry-leading performance and value creation.”
Neff also praised Schwarze for her “thoughtful and collaborative leadership” across multiple Chevron businesses, noting her lasting impact on exploration performance and portfolio development.
Chevron’s exploration operations remain a cornerstone of its global upstream business, which spans major basins across the U.S., Africa, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. The company continues to emphasize a dual strategy—expanding oil and gas production while reducing carbon intensity and developing new businesses in renewable fuels, hydrogen, and CCS.
The leadership change comes as oil majors reassess exploration strategies in light of capital discipline, geopolitical shifts, and energy transition pressures. McLachlan’s background suggests Chevron will continue pursuing technically driven, high-value exploration opportunities while integrating carbon management into its upstream operations.
Source: Oilprice.com
Ghana: Logistical And Infrastructure Challenges Among Causes Of High Fuel Prices – CBOD
The Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) has identified logistical and infrastructure constraints as key factors contributing to the high cost of fuel in the Republic of Ghana.
In an article, the CBOD noted that the limited mooring facilities contribute to delays in product discharge, resulting in higher demurrage costs that are ultimately passed on to consumers.
“The government, since 2016, granted a 15-year exclusive right to GPMS to operate the SPM and CBM mooring facilities in Tema, thereby prohibiting the construction of any additional mooring facility along Ghana’s shores during this period.
This exclusivity has created a monopoly, allowing GPMS to impose exorbitant discharge fees averaging US$8 per metric tonne (MT), significantly higher than the sub-regional average of US$5 per MT. These high fees are passed on to consumers through the PBU, contributing to higher pump prices,” a portion of the article stated.
Below is the full article
Logistical and Infrastructural Constraints in the Petroleum Downstream
Among the many factors that impact the operations and efficiency of Petroleum Service Providers (PSPs) in the Downstream Petroleum Sector of Ghana is inadequate infrastructure. Infrastructure is the backbone of the petroleum sector, especially given the sensitive nature of petroleum products.
Although emphasis has always been given to the impact of international price volatilities of Crude oil and the Cedi/US$ exchange rates as the main causes of the constant hikes in prices of fuel at the pumps, little is known about the cost borne by consumers due to the constraints of infrastructure in the sector.
In Ghana, the pricing of petroleum products is guided by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) pricing formula known as the petroleum products Price Build-Up (PBU). The PBU stipulates the indices that are considered in the estimation of the pump prices.
The key components include International Price (FOB), Foreign Exchange (FX) rate, Suppliers’ Premium, and the constant conversion factors from metric tonnes to litres.
The Suppliers’ Premium includes all the other costs incurred by the Bulk Imports Distribution and Export Companies (BIDECs) for importing the petroleum product, including discharge fees, storage and rack loading fees, bank financing costs, demurrages, sample analysis, etc.
The higher the cost of the various components of the Suppliers’ Premium, the higher the price of petroleum products at the pumps.
With regard to storage cost, available data indicates that Ghana is underutilising its installed petroleum products storage capacity. This implies that there is an oversupply of storage facilities for petroleum products.
The tank-turn ratio, which is a measure of storage utilisation, reveals that the tank-turn for petrol, diesel, and LPG stood at approximately 26%, 28%, and 30% as of the end of 2023.
Ghana’s storage cost of petroleum products is estimated to be the lowest in the sub-region, at about US$5/MT, due to the oversupply of storage facilities.
However, the major cost components that continue to impact the pump price of petroleum products besides the depreciation of the cedi are huge demurrages and high discharge fees. Ghana currently has about four mooring facilities for the discharge of crude oil and other petroleum products from vessels offshore to storage terminals.
These facilities include the Single Point Mooring (SPM) and Conventional Buoy Mooring (CBM) operated by the Ghana Petroleum Mooring Services Ltd (GPMS), the Tema, and Takoradi Oil Jetties.
The SPM has a water depth of about 22.0m with an allowable draft of 17m, which connects tankers of a maximum of 155,000 DWT. It is mainly used for the discharge of crude oil. Available data indicates that the SPM discharges about 341,160 MT of crude oil annually.
The CBM has a water depth of 18.0m with an allowable draft of 12.2m, which connects tankers with a maximum length of 203.0m, a breadth of 32.2m, and a maximum of 50,000 DWT. The CBM is the main discharge facility for white products, mainly gasoil and gasoline, through 12’’ hoses and 18’’ pipelines. It discharges over 3 mn MT of petroleum products annually.
The Tema and Takoradi Oil Jetties are unable to receive larger vessels, which are the types of vessels typically used in delivering petroleum products in the sub-region.
Although the Tema Oil Jetty is a multi-purpose product terminal that allows for the discharge and loading of petroleum and various petroleum products, it is typically not used for the discharge of petrol and diesel.
The government, since 2016, granted a 15-year exclusive right to GPMS to operate the SPM and CBM mooring facilities in Tema. Thus prohibiting the construction of any additional mooring facility on the shores of Ghana during the 15 years.
This exclusivity right has created a monopoly, allowing GPMS to impose exorbitant discharge fees of an average of US$8/MT, significantly higher than the sub-regional average of US$5/Mt. These high fees are passed on to consumers through the PBU, contributing to higher pump prices.
Moreover, the exclusivity right has barred the construction of an additional mooring facility on the coast, thus amplifying vessel congestion (the struggle for vessels to berth and discharge products), given the fact the country’s import of petroleum products has surged from an average of about 3.66mn mt in 2018 to over 5.20 mn mt in 2024.
The vessel congestion has also been exacerbated by a drastic decline in local production in recent years due to the shutdown of TOR’s refinery units, necessitating more imports.
Data shows that national consumption has increased from 3.3omn mt in 2016 to 4.49mn mt in 2023, representing about a 36% increase without any infrastructure increase in the mooring system.
Following the higher discharge fees, landlocked neighboring countries in the subregion patronize port facilities in other neighbouring countries for the importation of petroleum products.
Data from the NPA shows that less than 8% of petroleum products imported into Ghana are being transited to Burkina Faso and Mali due to the low patronage of our ports owing to higher discharge fees.
Total exports in 2016 stood at about 532,802 mt in 2016 compared to 314,234 mt in 2023. Petroleum products transited to Burkina faso, Mali and Niger through the ports of Ghana also declined from about 96,870 mt in 2016 to about 28,720 mt and 83,980 mt in 2018 and 2022, respectively.
In order to minimize the persistent congestion at the CBM and the potential erratic supply of petroleum products, the NPA undertook to implement a laycan schedule that regulates the order with which BIDECs can have access to the CBM to import products.
The laycan schedule regulates the days in which a vessel of a particular BIDEC importing product is permitted to berth at the CBM and discharge into the storage terminals.
In as much as the laycan intervention is to ensure that at all times there are sufficient volumes of all petroleum products stock in the country, this system has led to stock imbalances; disproportional supply of petroleum products. Thus, posing a national security risk in the event of a prolonged technical breakdown of the CBM.
Moreover, due to the increasing need to import petroleum products to meet increasing national demand, coupled with the limited discharge facility, vessels are delayed offshore beyond normal times. It is reported that some vessels are delayed for over 30 days.
These delays result in unprecedented demurrages, which are ultimately passed on to consumers as higher pump prices.
CBOD estimates the average demurrage incurred due to challenges with the discharge of products from vessels to be about US$1.5 mn to US$2 mn monthly. This is estimated to be about US$25 mn annually. Which is ultimately paid by the Ghanaian consumer.
In conclusion, the 15-year exclusivity right given to GPMS is largely restricting the ability of BIDECs to import petroleum products regularly. It has also stifled competition in the sector, leading to higher discharge fees and huge demurrages.
This also poses a looming national security risk, as a prolonged facility breakdown could severely disrupt petroleum imports.
Given Ghana’s lack of strategic petroleum stock, such a scenario would have dire consequences. Moreover, the higher discharge fees continue to impede the transit and re-export of petroleum products to other countries.
To address these challenges, the government must review the exclusivity right to permit the construction of additional mooring facilities. This would enhance competition, reduce discharge fees and demurrage costs, and improve the overall efficiency of petroleum product imports.
By implementing these measures, Ghana can ensure a more resilient and cost-effective downstream petroleum sector while alleviating the financial burden on consumers. It will also incentivise the other landlocked countries in the subregion to patronise the Ghanaian port and storage depots for the import of petroleum products.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Osun’s Light: A New Era Of Electrification And Industrialization
By: Adetayo Adegbemle
Osun State is standing at a pivotal moment, transitioning from a power consumer dependent on the often-failing national grid to an emerging regulatory and generation hub.
With the recent passage of the Osun State Electricity Market Regulatory Bill 2025, the state has signalled a robust readiness to seize control of its electricity destiny, setting the stage for aggressive electrification and a corresponding boost in industrialization.
This landmark legislation, a direct response to the Electricity Act 2023 which devolved power sector authority to states, is the essential policy framework required to power Osun’s economic future.
The Legislative and Regulatory Foundation
Osun’s preparedness is firmly rooted in its decisive legal and institutional actions.
The Osun State House of Assembly’s passage of the Electricity Market Regulatory Bill 2025 is the foundational step.
This bill paves the way for the establishment of the State Electricity Regulatory Agency (SERA) or Osun State Electricity Regulatory Commission (OSERC).
This body will be empowered to: Issue licenses to private power producers, mini-grid operators, and other sector investors. Regulate and monitor the in-state electricity market.
Set rules and standards for electricity generation and distribution.
Address customer-service complaints and act as a watchdog against the alleged exploitation by existing distribution companies (DisCos) like the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
The state government, through the Ministry of Energy, has already been directed to develop a detailed implementation plan with clear timelines and deliverables.
This proactive step, including a mandate to seek supportive assistance from the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), demonstrates a practical commitment to a smooth and effective transition of regulatory authority.
The legal and institutional frameworks are not just proposed; they are rapidly being instantiated.
Catalysing Electrification and Investment
The new electricity framework is expressly designed to address the chronic power supply crisis in Osun and drive widespread electrification.
By diversifying and regulating its power sources, the state aims to achieve self-sufficiency and even potentially export power to neighbouring states.
Unlocking Private Sector Participation
The new law is an open invitation to investors. The regulatory commission will grant licenses for off-grid and mini-grid power generation, providing a clear path for private firms to participate in the local electricity market.
The key benefits for investors include:
- Regulatory Certainty: A state-level regulator will provide clearer, more localized rules, removing bureaucratic hurdles previously managed at the federal level.
- Diversified Energy Mix: Osun is rich in natural resources, including solar and river assets. The policy encourages the adoption of renewable energy (solar and hydro) to complement traditional power sources, attracting investment in clean and sustainable energy projects. This is critical for powering communities currently without grid access through schemes like the “Electrify Osun” program, which targets all towns and villages.
- Consumer Protection: By regulating service delivery and addressing issues like arbitrary billing and lack of smart meters, the commission will create a more stable and predictable market environment, boosting consumer confidence and ensuring a more viable revenue stream for investors.
- Attracting New Industries: The confidence provided by a state-controlled, transparent, and investment-friendly electricity market will be a significant factor for companies looking to establish new facilities.
- Economic Transformation: By resolving the chronic power crisis, the state is deepening and boosting its overall economy.
Ghana: PRESEC Wins 2025 Energy Commission SHS Renewable Energy Challenge
The Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC-Legon) has emerged winner of the 2025 Energy Commission’s Renewable Energy Challenge after defeating five other schools at the grand finale of the highly patronised competition.
PRESEC scored 81% at the grand finale held at the Accra International Conference Centre on October 7, 2025, with a project focused on “Sustainable Energy for a Healthier Future.”
Their innovation, dubbed “Health Kiosk,” uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address challenges in Ghana’s healthcare delivery system by providing preliminary diagnoses and monitoring patients’ vital signs.
For emerging as champions, PRESEC received a cash prize of GH¢220,000, along with renewable energy products, books, and other items.
Judges and participating schools were impressed by the creativity and innovation of the PRESEC team, particularly their live demonstration of how the Health Kiosk operates—scanning users, checking vital statistics such as Body Mass Index (BMI) and blood pressure, and offering preliminary diagnoses through real-time interactions with patients.
The students explained that the objective of their project was to provide basic healthcare services to rural communities, reduce the pressure on medical doctors, and bridge gaps in access to healthcare across the country.
Ahantaman Girls’ Senior High School placed second with 79%, earning GH¢140,000 and other prizes for their creativity and clear presentation on clean energy sources.
Ola Girls’ Senior High School came third with 76% and received GH¢100,000.
Dabopka Technical Institute placed fourth with 75%, Adidome Senior High School fifth with 74%, and Damongo Senior High School sixth with 73%. Each received GH¢42,000 for their participation.
In a speech read on behalf of the substantive Minister, the Chief Director at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, Mr. Solomon Adjetey Sowah, reiterated government’s commitment to advancing renewable energy and green technologies as part of Ghana’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy.
He emphasized the importance of youth participation, noting that students’ creativity and innovation are vital to Ghana’s energy future. He encouraged schools to continue developing practical solutions—such as biogas treatment and energy efficiency technologies—that can address real environmental challenges.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, Mrs. Eunice A. Biritwum, commended the students for their innovative projects addressing healthcare delivery, food security, and waste management, all contributing to Ghana’s sustainable energy future. She also announced support for these projects through a partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
A total of 120 schools participated in this year’s competition—comprising 99 mixed schools, 14 girls’ schools, and 7 boys’ schools. Out of this number, six schools qualified for the grand finale.
The 2025 theme for the Energy Commission’s SHS Renewable Energy Challenge was “Sustainable Energy for a Healthier Future,” emphasizing the interconnection between food security, waste management, and healthcare delivery.
Launched in 2019, the Energy Commission’s Senior High Schools Renewable Energy Challenge aims to foster interest in renewable energy and energy efficiency among students in Ghana’s secondary and technical institutions.
The initiative is collaboration between the Energy Commission and the Ghana Education Service (GES) and serves as a platform for students to showcase innovative, locally sourced renewable energy projects.
Source: https:// energynewsafrica.com
Judges and participating schools were impressed by the creativity and innovation of the PRESEC team, particularly their live demonstration of how the Health Kiosk operates—scanning users, checking vital statistics such as Body Mass Index (BMI) and blood pressure, and offering preliminary diagnoses through real-time interactions with patients.
The students explained that the objective of their project was to provide basic healthcare services to rural communities, reduce the pressure on medical doctors, and bridge gaps in access to healthcare across the country.
Ahantaman Girls’ Senior High School placed second with 79%, earning GH¢140,000 and other prizes for their creativity and clear presentation on clean energy sources.
Ola Girls’ Senior High School came third with 76% and received GH¢100,000.
Dabopka Technical Institute placed fourth with 75%, Adidome Senior High School fifth with 74%, and Damongo Senior High School sixth with 73%. Each received GH¢42,000 for their participation.
In a speech read on behalf of the substantive Minister, the Chief Director at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, Mr. Solomon Adjetey Sowah, reiterated government’s commitment to advancing renewable energy and green technologies as part of Ghana’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy.
He emphasized the importance of youth participation, noting that students’ creativity and innovation are vital to Ghana’s energy future. He encouraged schools to continue developing practical solutions—such as biogas treatment and energy efficiency technologies—that can address real environmental challenges.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, Mrs. Eunice A. Biritwum, commended the students for their innovative projects addressing healthcare delivery, food security, and waste management, all contributing to Ghana’s sustainable energy future. She also announced support for these projects through a partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
A total of 120 schools participated in this year’s competition—comprising 99 mixed schools, 14 girls’ schools, and 7 boys’ schools. Out of this number, six schools qualified for the grand finale.
The 2025 theme for the Energy Commission’s SHS Renewable Energy Challenge was “Sustainable Energy for a Healthier Future,” emphasizing the interconnection between food security, waste management, and healthcare delivery.
Launched in 2019, the Energy Commission’s Senior High Schools Renewable Energy Challenge aims to foster interest in renewable energy and energy efficiency among students in Ghana’s secondary and technical institutions.
The initiative is collaboration between the Energy Commission and the Ghana Education Service (GES) and serves as a platform for students to showcase innovative, locally sourced renewable energy projects.
Source: https:// energynewsafrica.com Ghana: COMAC Vows To Support Petroleum Downstream Reset
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 In Talks With China For $2 Billion Loan To Build Power Super Grid
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
Ghana: Premix Fuel Consumption Drops By 23.47% In First Half Of 2025
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.
Source: https:// energynewsafrica.comThe Dangote Refinery Strike Cost Nigeria 600,000 Barrels Of Oil 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
GOIL CEO Meets Planet One Officials Ahead of Deepwater Cape Three Points Drilling
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
“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: It’s Outrageous That Petrol Consumption In Upper East Rose By 86.39% In Just Half A Year; Something Is Wrong – COMAC
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 FindingsAddressing 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
Source: https:// energynewsafrica.comKenya Power Unveils Revamped Digital Customer Engagement Platforms And First AI Chatbot
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