Liberia: LEC’s New MD Vows To Tackle Liberia’s Power Challenges
The new Managing Director of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), Mohammed Sheriff, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Mines and Energy, Wilmot Paye.
Both MD Sheriff and Minister Paye exchanged friendly notes with bright prospects of forging a cordial working relation that provides practical solutions to addressing challenges facing electricity availability, sustainability and affordability in Liberia.
During the official visit, the new LEC Managing Director also met in audience, the Deputy Minister for Energy, Charles Umehai, who heads the Department of Energy.
Minister Paye assured the LEC MD that his administration remains open and supportive in cooperating with the Corporation to revamp the provision of electricity which is a key driver to economic growth and national development.
As sector lead, the Ministry of Mines and Energy has and continues to exercise a strong leadership and policy guidance role, ensuring that all actors of the sector are on course with effective and efficient implementation of government programs and projects.
Mr. Sheriff was recently appointed by the President of the Republic, H.E Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., after the conclusion of an independent recruitment process spearheaded by the Minister of Mines and Energy as Chairman.
He comes to the position as Head of the national power utility – (LEC) having provided quality leadership over the sub-regional electricity body known as CLSG, which connects Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea in terms of electricity supply.
His appointments come at a critical time when the government is intensifying efforts to stabilize and reform the electricity sector. With new leadership in place, there are hopes for a renewed focus on improving the efficiency and reach of Liberia’s electricity distribution.
Beaming with smiles and positive hopes, Mr. Mohammed Sheriff looked ready to hit the ground running in leading reforms and prevailing on transformation at the LEC where necessary in order to revitalize the Corporation.
As the country looks toward progress in the energy sector, the acting management at LEC faces the significant task of overcoming longstanding challenges to deliver reliable and affordable power to the people of Liberia.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Executive Secretary Of PURC Pays A Courtesy Call To Ashanti Regional Minister
The Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Dr. Shafic Suleman, paid courtesy call on Ashanti Regional Minister Hon. Dr. Frank Amoakohene on Friday, April 4, 2025, as part of his official working tour in the Ashanti Region.
The visit forms part of the Commission’s deliberate and sustained efforts to strengthen institutional collaboration with key Stakeholders and discuss critical issues affecting water and electricity service delivery in the region.
Dr. Shafic expressed the team’s appreciation to the Minister for the warm reception and congratulated him on his appointment as Regional Minister. He emphasised that the visit was formally to introduce the Commission’s presence and leadership to the Minister and to explore collaborative strategies for addressing service delivery challenges in water and electricity.
Dr. Shafic also outlined the Commission’s national initiative aimed at proactive stakeholder engagement, identifying utility service bottlenecks, and proposing solutions. The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) is committed to timely interventions and plans to launch a virtual stakeholder platform for real-time customer concern resolution.
“The PURC’s approach emphasizes the importance of stakeholder management in achieving successful outcomes. By engaging stakeholders, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing effective solutions, the Commission aims to enhance utility services and customer satisfaction”.
Hon. Dr. Frank Amoakohene welcomed this initiative and confirmed his interest in participating and making the enabling environment for state institutions, including PURC, to carry out their mandate. “The Regional Minister, among others, is to facilitate the implementation of presidential policies and therefore pledged his full support to PURC’s activities in the region”.
According to Dr. Amoakohene, it appears there is a lack of effective communication from Utility Service Providers, particularly during planned maintenance exercises and emergency power outages, and that continue to be a major concern among residents and called for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and other utility service providers to improve their responsiveness, openness, and adopt an integrated and responsive communication strategy. “I have received many complaints regarding high utility tariffs, perceived expensive prepaid meters fees, access to potable water in hinterlands, and accessibility of fire hydrants, which are often obstructed, during fire outbreaks”
Hon. Dr. Amoakohene concluded by reaffirming that his office remains open for continuous engagement and expressed optimism that proactive public engagement and service transparency will go a long way in reducing consumer dissatisfaction.
Dr Amoakohene accepted the proposal from Dr Shafic for the Commission to create a common WhatsApp platform for key stakeholders in the region to share information and offer real-time solutions to the challenges of electricity and water.
Dr. Shafic assured the Hon. Minister that the concerns raised would be factored into the Commission’s strategy for Ashanti as it remains a strategic priority for PURC.
The Executive Secretary of PURC was accompanied by Alhaji Jabaru Abukari, Director for Regional Operations and Consumer Services; Dr. Eric Kofi Obutey, Director for Research and Corporate Affairs; Mr. Leon Acquaye, Deputy Director, Regional Operations and Consumer Services responsible for the Southern Zone; Dr. Robert Tia Abdulai Aziz, Head of Corporate Affairs; Mr. Peter Agbemefor, Assistant Manager, Finance; and Mr Godfred Kwaku Ennin, the Secretary to the Executive Secretary.
The Ashanti regional team of PURC, comprising Mr. Edward Boduah, Regional Manager; Mr. Richard Asiedu, Regional Public Relations and External Affairs Officer; Mr. Frank Agyekuhene, Complaints Officer; Mr. Alex Asare, Complaints Officer; Ms Adubea Anita Ntim, Administrative Officer; and Mr. Francis Asenso Yeboah, Transport Officer were all present to assist in the success of the Executive Secretary’s tour of the region
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Immediate Past Energy Commission Head Appointed MD Of Karpower Ghana
Rev. Ing. Oscar Amonoo-Neizer, the immediate past Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, Ghana’s technical regulator for electricity and natural gas, has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Karpowership Ghana.
Karpowership Ghana is the second-largest independent power generator in the Republic of Ghana, operating a 470 MW power plant, after Sunon Asogli Power Ghana, which operates a 560 MW combined cycle plant.
Ing. Oscar Amonoo-Neizer brings to his new role over 30 years of wealth of experience in the energy sector, spanning policy and energy management, technical regulation, electrical design, and project coordination.
Ing. Oscar Amonoo-Neizer played a pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s energy sector through his work in policy formulation, regulatory compliance, and strategic development at the Energy Commission.
His leadership was instrumental in implementing technical regulations, developing energy efficiency standards, and strengthening compliance frameworks within Ghana’s electricity and natural gas industries.
He also previously served as Director of Energy at the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), where he led technical audits, policy development, and regulatory enforcement to ensure efficiency and reliability in the electricity sector.
Ing. Amonoo-Neizer is a trained Electrical Engineer from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
He holds an Executive MBA from the University of Ghana Business School and a Postgraduate Certificate in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from Fachhochschule Aachen in Germany.
He is a member of the Ghana Institution of Engineers (GhIE) and has been actively involved in international energy negotiations and regulatory forums.
Commenting on his new role, Ing. Amonoo-Neizer said, “As the new Managing Director of Karpowership Ghana, I am excited to lead a company that is committed to supplying reliable power to the national grid.
“Together with our talented team, we will continue to strengthen operations and ensure that Karpowership Ghana remains a cornerstone of the country’s power sector for years to come.”
Karpowership Ghana continues to be a key player in Ghana’s energy mix, delivering consistent and reliable power to the national grid.
Under Amonoo-Neizer’s leadership, the company is poised to consolidate its impact while exploring new opportunities for growth and development.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
OPEC+ Countries Boost Oil Production Amid Healthy Market Outlook
Eight OPEC+ countries – Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman – held a virtual meeting on April 3, 2025, to assess global market conditions and outlook.
Given the strong market fundamentals and positive outlook, the countries decided to implement a production adjustment of 411,000 barrels per day in May 2025, as part of their gradual return of 2.2 million barrels per day voluntary adjustments.
This adjustment, equivalent to three monthly increments, may be paused or reversed based on market conditions, allowing the group to maintain oil market stability.
The countries also aim to fully compensate for any overproduced volume since January 2024 and will submit updated compensation plans to the OPEC Secretariat by April 15, 2025.
The eight OPEC+ countries reaffirmed their commitment to voluntary production adjustments and will hold monthly meetings to review market conditions, conformity, and compensation.
Their next meeting is scheduled for May 5 to determine June production levels.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria:NNPC Ltd Names New 8-Man Senior Management Team
Nigeria: Nigeria’s national oil company, NNPC Limited, has announced the appointment of a new 8-man Senior Management Team following the appointment of Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer.
A statement issued by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd, mentioned Roland Ewubare as Group Chief Operating Officer; Adedapo Segun as Group Chief Financial Officer; and Olalekan Ogunleye as Executive Vice President, Gas, Power & New Energy.
Other members of the team are: Udy Ntia as Executive Vice President, Upstream; Mumuni Dangazau as Executive Vice President, Downstream; Sophia Mbakwe as Executive Vice President, Business Services; and Adesua Dozie as Company Secretary & Chief Legal Officer.
“All appointments are with immediate effect,” the statement said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GRIDCo Restores Full Power Supply After System Disturbance
The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), operator of the National Interconnected Transmission System, has announced the full restoration of power supply following a system disturbance that occurred on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
Some parts of Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, Techiman, Bui, Tumu, Sawla, and other areas in Northern Ghana experienced a power outage on Thursday night.
According to GRIDCo, the outage was caused by a fault at 20:09 hours on the Tafo-Nkawkaw transmission line, resulting in a trip. While efforts were underway to restore the line, adjacent lines tripped, causing a loss of some power plants.
“This loss of generation resulted in the loss of power supply to some parts of Accra and Kumasi, as well as the Northern parts of Ghana beyond Kumasi,” GRIDCo explained in a statement.
GRIDCo’s System Control Centre (SCC) immediately took steps to stabilize the power system and commenced restoration of supply to affected areas. Power supply was fully restored at approximately 22:57 hours.
GRIDCo apologizes to the general public for the inconvenience caused by this incident.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Northern Region Hit By Massive Power Outage…Residents Sweat In Darkness
Residents of northern Ghana, who are served by the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), are experiencing darkness due to a power outage from the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo).
A notice shared and sighted by this portal and confirmed by an official of NEDCo reads: “We are currently experiencing outage from GRIDCo affecting all NEDCo areas. Technical men are working to restore power. Sorry for the inconvenience caused.”
NEDCo, a subsidiary of state-owned Volta River Authority, supplies power to the Northern Region, Upper East Region, Savanna Region, North East Region and Upper West Region, Bono, Bono East, Ahafo regions and part of the Ashanti and Volta regions.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana Weighs Three Options For Private Sector Participation In ECG, NEDCo
Ghana’s energy sector stakeholders have proposed three options for the government to consider in introducing Private Sector Participation (PSP) in the power distribution sector.
A seven-member technical committee constituted by the Energy Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor, to solicit the views of Ghanaians on the government’s plan to introduce private sector participation in both the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), submitted its report on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, highlighting the three options for consideration.The three proposed options are:
- Entity Concession, where the whole distribution business would be given to a private concession as one whole concession.
- Multiple Lease, where power distribution across the country would be divided into several parts and awarded to private operators.
- Service Franchise, where the private sector would operate the network, the low voltage network from the distribution transformer to deliver services to the homes.
Zambia: Energy Minister Pushes For More Investment In Mini-Grids
Zambia’s Energy Minister, Makozo Chikote, has reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding electricity access through mini-grid projects.
Speaking at the 8th Mini Grid Action Learning Event in Lusaka on April 2, 2025, Minister Chikote noted that the country has made significant progress in increasing the number of operational mini-grids, from just two to 19.
These mini-grids are providing reliable electricity to off-grid areas, supporting businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities.
“This expansion demonstrates our dedication to ensuring that no Zambian is left behind in accessing clean and affordable electricity,” Chikote said.
“We are working with various stakeholders and development partners to scale up these solutions even further.”
The government has set an ambitious target to achieve universal electricity access by 2030, which requires 3.2 million new connections.
Key initiatives such as the Micro-Generator Scheme and the Presidential Solar Initiative are expected to play a crucial role in adding 270 megawatts to the national grid.
Chikote also stressed the importance of diversifying Zambia’s energy mix beyond hydropower to ensure long-term stability in the face of climate change.
The Secretary General of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Madam Chileshe Kapwepwe underscored the importance of regional collaboration in advancing sustainable energy solutions.
“By fostering cooperation among member states, we can share best practices, mobilize resources, and implement innovative mini-grid technologies that will bridge the energy access gap across the region,” Kapwepwe said.
She emphasized that partnerships among governments, private sector players, and development organizations are key to achieving the goal of universal electricity access.
World Bank Country Manager for Zambia, Achim Fock, reiterated the institution’s support for the country’s energy sector transformation. He highlighted the National Energy Advancement Transformation initiative aimed at improving Zambia’s electricity sector by 2033.
“The focus is on addressing immediate financial challenges while laying the groundwork for a diversified and sustainable energy future,” Fock stated.
The 8th Mini Grid Action Learning Event continues until April 3, featuring discussions, workshops, and site visits to mini-grid projects.
The outcomes of this gathering are expected to accelerate Zambia’s rural electrification agenda and serve as a model for other nations striving for sustainable energy access.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: WAPCo Trains 164 Nigerian Artisans, Invests $750,000 Annually
The West African Gas Pipeline Company Ltd. (WAPCo) has committed over 750,000 dollars annually to train more than 164 artisans in Nigeria, with a focus on empowering local communities.
Dr Isaac Adjei-Doku, General Manager, Corporate Affairs of WAPCo, made this announcement during the graduation ceremony of youth participants from operational areas in Ota, Ogun State.
Adjei-Doku said that the company also provided start-up tools and scholarships to deserving students in Nigeria.
“Every year, we allocate no less than 750,000 dollars across the four countries we operate in and we’ve been doing this for over a decade.
“In Nigeria alone, WAPCo supports around 170 individuals annually through vocational training and scholarships across Ogun and Lagos States,” he said.
Adjei-Doku explained that while some equipment was not brought to the event in Ogun State due to logistical challenges, similar programmes were carried out in other regions, such as Badagry.
“Typically, each candidate receives support valued at no less than 600 dollars,” he added.
Adjei-Doku emphasised WAPCo’s ongoing investment in the communities where their pipeline passes.
The general manager said that this includes funding educational initiatives like building schools and hospitals, as well as transitioning to livelihood programmes aimed at directly empowering local populations.
He said that the company introduced the Livelihood Programme to identify talented but disadvantaged individuals within their communities, offering scholarships and vocational training through the Community Youth Employment Scheme (CYES).
The spokesperson said that the scheme, which is being celebrated, focuses on providing the skills needed to start businesses and create lasting opportunities.
Adjei-Doku highlighted Nigeria as the company’s largest community, with 56 communities located along the pipeline.
“We feel it’s our responsibility to give back to the communities that allow us to operate here.
“The company’s efforts align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as they prioritise social investment and community empowerment.
“Upon completing their training, beneficiaries receive tools to start their own businesses, helping to lift themselves and others out of poverty.
“WAPCo ensures follow-up support for those who have benefited from their programmes, fostering long-term success,” he added.
He said that over the years, WAPCo had built strong, incident-free relationships with the communities along their pipeline, spanning more than 20 years.
During the ceremony in Ota, the General Manager of Corporate Affairs also noted the significant funding allocated to scholarships and CYES, aimed at supporting students and young entrepreneurs in their journey toward higher education and self-sufficiency.
The local leadership expressed their gratitude to WAPCo for its contributions.
Oba Abdul Azeez Akinde, the Oloja Ekun of Igbesa Land, commended the company for its positive impact on the community, vowing to ensure the protection of the pipeline.
He urged the youth to wisely use the tools they received to empower themselves and their communities.
Similarly, Oba Abdul-Wasiu Ogungbayi, the Onitetiku of Owode, Ota, called for monitoring of the beneficiaries, ensuring they make the most of the opportunities provided to them.
One of the beneficiaries, Adeyemi Oluwagbenga, expressed their appreciation for WAPCo’s vocational training initiatives, which, along with the provision of tools, offer a pathway to economic independence and serve as a model for others in their communities.
NAN reports that the ceremony featured the distribution of various tools, including ovens, refrigerators, freezers, building materials, sewing machines and catering equipment, empowering the graduates to begin their entrepreneurial journeys.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Fuel Prices Fall Amid Strong Rand
South Africa has announced a reduction in petrol and diesel prices for April, bringing relief to motorists.
The price drop is driven by lower global oil prices and a stronger rand.
A statement issued by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources confirmed 53 cents and 72 cents reduction for 93 and 95 octane petrol respectively.
Diesel price has also seen a decrease of 83 and 85 cents per litre, depending on the grade. Paraffin at the retail level has decreased by R1.14 per litre.
Fuel Pricing Manager at the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Robert Maake says, “The reason for these decreases is the lower oil prices and stronger rand against the dollar during the period under review.
The minister has approved the annual adjustment to the transport tariffs and will range from zero cents per litre in zone 1a to 7.5 cents a litre in zone 14c, which is in Mokopane and Limpopo.
This means that the fuel price changes will be different in the 54 magisterial district zones.”
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: ECG’s Containers Are Not Missing; They Are Still At Tema Port – Says Former MD
The former Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama, Esq., has expressed optimism that the 1,347 containers reported missing from ECG’s inventory are still at the Tema Port.
“Honestly, I strongly believe the containers are at the port,” Mahama stated confidently in an interview with Accra-based TV3.
His comments come in response to a report by a technical committee set up by the Minister of Energy and Green Transition to investigate procurement activities which revealed that over 1,300 containers with critical electrical equipment belonging to ECG had disappeared from the Tema Port.
The purported missing containers had raised concerns about possible mismanagement, corruption, or smuggling within ECG’s supply chain.
However, Mahama dismissed suggestions that ECG itself lost the containers, asserting that they were never in the company’s custody.
“This conversation would be different if we were saying that the containers were in the custody of ECG and got lost. But that is not the conversation. The conversation is that those containers are at the port, … have we visited the other terminals?” he asked.
He further questioned why ECG’s containers would be auctioned without the company’s knowledge, stating that unpaid duties should not lead to secretive disposal.
“ECG hasn’t paid its duties. So why auction a container belonging to ECG without notifying ECG? Because in my candid opinion, that’s the only way a container can leave the port,” he asserted.
Mahama also challenged the notion that a container could simply vanish.
“A container is not like a piece of paper that you fold and throw away. For international supply chain logistics, a container has a unique number,” he explained.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: VRA Holds Annual Volunteer Program At Chemu Senior High
The Volta River Authority (VRA), Ghana’s largest state-owned power generation company, held its annual employee volunteer program at Chemu Senior High Technical School in Tema Community 4.
This flagship program allows VRA staff to dedicate two working days to providing career guidance, counseling, and voluntary teaching at select senior high schools within VRA’s operational area.
Over 300 students attended this year’s event, which featured a Career Guidance ICT Boot Camp led by Prince Albert Tawiah, VRA’s Principal System Administrator.
Addressing the students, Mr. Samuel Fletcher, Acting Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Services at the Volta River Authority (VRA), advised them to discipline themselves and work towards developing their future careers.
Mr Fletcher reminded them they were in school to learn; therefore, “if it’s not about learning, then you have no business being in school.”
Mr. Fletcher stated that the programme was one of their corporate social responsibilities, adding that they believe that the students would have a better opportunity and make informed decisions about their future careers when they were engaged before completing school.
“We feel that opening these up and bringing them such education to complement what the teachers do will give the best opportunity to the children to make informed decisions going into the future,” he added.
He further said even though having 30 staff of the VRA out on the field to interact with the students was a lot of money, the authority believes in education, health, community interest activities, and the environment and was ready to therefore invest in them.
He further noted that providing such counselling would also help the students to be focused and get the chance to benefit from scholarships for tertiary students and become professionals to benefit the country.
He disclosed that since 2017, when the Employee Voluntary Programme commenced under its Community Development Programme, students from 26 schools across its operational regions have benefitted.
Mrs. Vincentia Kyere Anin-Agyei, headmistress of Chemu Senior High Technical School, commended the VRA for the initiative, noting that it would help in the students’ study as the new curriculum questions are mostly application-based.
Mrs. Anin-Agyei said, “It is important to give the students this kind of opportunity for them to learn outside the books; they should also have other engagements to broaden their knowledge.”
She appealed to the VRA and other institutions to help the school to acquire more computers to help the students have enough for practicals.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
“We feel that opening these up and bringing them such education to complement what the teachers do will give the best opportunity to the children to make informed decisions going into the future,” he added.
He further said even though having 30 staff of the VRA out on the field to interact with the students was a lot of money, the authority believes in education, health, community interest activities, and the environment and was ready to therefore invest in them.
He further noted that providing such counselling would also help the students to be focused and get the chance to benefit from scholarships for tertiary students and become professionals to benefit the country.
He disclosed that since 2017, when the Employee Voluntary Programme commenced under its Community Development Programme, students from 26 schools across its operational regions have benefitted.
Mrs. Vincentia Kyere Anin-Agyei, headmistress of Chemu Senior High Technical School, commended the VRA for the initiative, noting that it would help in the students’ study as the new curriculum questions are mostly application-based.
Mrs. Anin-Agyei said, “It is important to give the students this kind of opportunity for them to learn outside the books; they should also have other engagements to broaden their knowledge.”
She appealed to the VRA and other institutions to help the school to acquire more computers to help the students have enough for practicals.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Vivo Energy Ghana Names Christian Li As New MD
Vivo Energy Ghana, the company responsible for marketing and distributing Shell-branded fuels and lubricants, has announced the appointment of Christian Li as its new Managing Director following the passing of former MD, Jean-Michel Arlandis.
Christian Li, a Mauritian national, brings nearly 30 years of experience in general management, business development, and sales and marketing across more than 20 African countries.
Prior to his appointment, he served as Head of International Business for Engen, overseeing operations in Namibia, Botswana, DRC, Mauritius, Lesotho, and Eswatini.
His leadership journey includes a four-year tenure as Managing Director of Engen Namibia, where he was recognized among the top 10 executives for three consecutive years.
Before that, he held senior roles in South Africa, Mauritius, and the Republic of Congo, including an eight-year stint with Chevron before joining Engen Mauritius in 2011.
Announcing his appointment, Franck Konan-Yahaut, Vivo Energy’s Executive Vice President for West and Central Africa, expressed confidence in Christian’s leadership:
“Christian brings a wealth of knowledge, a commitment to excellence, and a drive for continuous improvement. He will be an invaluable addition to our team.”
In response, Christian expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to collaborate with industry players and stakeholders to foster innovation and excellence in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
“Having worked in various capacities across multiple sectors, I am optimistic that we will elevate an already robust business to even greater heights,” he stated.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com