Nigeria is considering stripping its state oil company of its decisive role in managing existing oil contracts and transferring that authority to the upstream regulator, in what could be the most significant shake-up since the 2021 Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Under the proposal, contracts currently controlled by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC Limited) would move to the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Lawmakers say the shift is aimed at plugging “statutory leakages and opaque deductions” that have drained government coffers for decades.
It’s a bold step in a sector where mistrust runs deep. The PIA was supposed to settle the blurred lines between regulator and operator, but critics argue that NNPC’s hybrid role as both commercial player and contract gatekeeper left too much room for manipulation. By putting NUPRC in charge, Abuja hopes to clean up revenue flows and boost badly needed income for the cash-strapped state.
But the risks are obvious. If NUPRC takes on contract control while retaining its watchdog role, it could end up judge and jury over the very agreements it regulates—a conflict of interest that may spook investors. Legal fights over existing contracts are also a possibility, with international partners wary of changes to hard-won terms.
Nigeria’s oil sector can ill afford more uncertainty. Output has been hobbled by theft, pipeline sabotage, and underinvestment, leaving Africa’s top producer pumping well below its OPEC quota. Meanwhile, domestic refining is only just beginning to recover with the Warri restart and the Dangote refinery ramp-up, after years of costly fuel imports.
For now, the proposal signals Abuja’s desperation to squeeze more from oil, its chief revenue lifeline. Whether it delivers reform or simply shifts the opacity from one institution to another will depend on how much independence—and transparency—the government is willing to grant its regulator.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s largest state-owned power generation company, Volta River Authority (VRA) has awarded scholarships to 60 brilliant but needy tertiary students from its operational communities, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable community development and education.
The VRA has committed GH₵1 million to cover tuition and stipends for the 60 students, who are enrolled across public tertiary institutions and studying programmes ranging from sciences to the humanities.
The meritorious honours were presented at a ceremony held at the VRA’s Engineering Academy in Akuse under the theme: “From classroom to communities: Investing in tomorrow’s leaders.”
In his address, the Chief Executive (CE) of VRA, Edward Obeng-Kenzo, stated that the initiative is a core part of the Authority’s Community Development Programme (CDP), which is aligned with its motto to add value to lives.
“We believe that when we empower people from the communities, we operate to gain the needed expertise required to work with VRA, which is in their own communities, they will help to sustain the company for generations to come. So, VRA has decided to take up the financial responsibility, so students have to invest all efforts in studies to make us proud and also open similar opportunities for others in the communities they come from,” he said.
The CEO outlined the long history and impact of the scheme, noting that since 2011, the CDP scholarship scheme has supported 445 students from communities in the Akosombo, Akuse, Kpone, Tema and Aboadze areas.
With the current cohort of 60 beneficiaries, the total number of students supported now stands at 505.
“The true measure of our success lies in the inspiring journeys and achievements of those we have supported over the years. Last year, 33 beneficiaries graduated, with 12 achieving first class honours and 21 securing second class honours,” Mr. Obeng-Kenzo noted.
The Chairman of the occasion, Togbe Korsi Nego VI, Manklalo of Mepe and Acting President of the Mepe Traditional Area, commended the VRA for exemplifying true corporate social responsibility (CSR) beyond talk and media show off.
He added that the scholarship has significantly contributed to youth development in the VRA catchment areas and urged the authority to continue the programme.
“You are the leaders Ghana will rely on in the future, therefore use this opportunity wisely to uplift yourself and be fully equipped with the right skills to champion innovation and transformation,” he advised the beneficiaries.
A representative of the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, Benjamin Nai, emphasised the appropriateness of the event’s theme, urging the students to be disciplined, commit to their studies, and develop strong work ethics to effectively contribute to societal transformation.
Dr. Theodore Amegashie, representing the programme’s alumni association, shared his personal experience as a past beneficiary.
“Having been in your shoes before as a brilliant but needy student, I can relate to how challenging it is… Thanks to the VRA, that burden is now lifted and you have no excuse not to do well,” he said, encouraging the new cohort to give their best.
Awulae Attibrukusu III, Paramount Chief of Axim and VRA Board member, reminded students to remember their roots and to value the investment being made in their education. He warned that the scholarships are merit-based and contingent on satisfactory academic performance:
“We will look for you in your schools and ensure you perform well, because if you don’t, we will remove the support. It’s in the agreement form that the scholarship is performance merit, so if you do not deliver, then you don’t deserve continued support,” he emphasised.
VRA Board Member and Governance Champion of the Authority, Wonder Victor Kutor, Esq., emphasised that education is the bedrock of development and the initiative by VRA to support talent development, especially in communities affected by the Akosombo dam spillage, is a commendable action that will relieve parents of their financial burden and give the students hope for the future.
“I am from Fuveme, and that is a community where people’s livelihoods have been badly destroyed, and so, for a student from such a community to get a scholarship is well well-targeted initiative that cannot be overemphasized. I am happy for them and hope they won’t disappoint the Authority by learning hard to graduate with good grades and come back to work at VRA to develop these communities,” he said.
The VRA’s CDP Scholarship Scheme is designed to provide equal opportunities for higher education and is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal four (SDG 4) on Quality Education. To improve efficiency and accessibility, the Authority has also launched an online application system to streamline the process for future applicants.
The event was graced with the presence of several traditional rulers and municipal chief executives from the various districts and municipalities within the VRA’s catchment area.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
Kenya’s Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) is seeking an additional 200 megawatts of wind power from Marsabit County to meet the country’s growing electricity demand.
Kenya hopes to fully phase out thermal power within the next five years and replace it with renewable energy sources.
Speaking to the press in Olkaria, Naivasha, ahead of a three-day Sustainable Energy Conference, KenGen Managing Director, Eng. Peter Njenga, emphasised the urgent need to boost power generation in response to rising electricity demand.
On geothermal energy, Njenga said KenGen is working with the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) to tap an additional 200MW from Menengai and 100MW from Baringo.
“In the next 10 years, under our strategic plan, we are looking at adding 1,500 megawatts to the grid, which will comprise 100 percent green energy,” said Njenga.
He added that rehabilitation of Olkaria I is underway, with plans to increase production from 43MW to 63MW by June next year.
“Currently, the country has an installed capacity of 3.3 gigawatts, with KenGen contributing 1.786 gigawatts. We play an important role in ensuring adequate electricity supply for the country,” he said.
On his part, NTSA Regional Manager in Nakuru, John Parteroi, said the agency is advocating for the adoption of electric cars and motorcycles, which produce zero emissions.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has commenced a nationwide public hearing on proposals submitted by utility companies as part of the 2025-2029 Multi-Year Tariff Review. The Commission met with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to discuss the proposals and gather feedback from stakeholders.
PURC Seeks to Promote Transparency and Accountability
The Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr. Shafic Suleman, stated that the public hearings aim to enhance the relationship between utilities and consumers, promote transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability in the tariff-setting process. “The goal of creating this platform is to promote transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability in tariff setting, while ensuring that the Commission’s decisions strike a balance between economic realities and social considerations,” he added.
TUC’s Role in Shaping Utility Tariffs
Dr. Shafic acknowledged the crucial role of TUC in defending the interests of workers and households. “The TUC has historically been the vanguard of social justice, defending not only wages and employment but also the purchasing power and dignity of the Ghanaian worker,” he said. “Your perspective ensures that the Commission’s decisions are grounded in real economic and labour conditions.”
Key Issues Discussed
The meeting discussed several key issues, including: The impact of tariff adjustments on workers and households. The need for reliable and affordable power and water to support national policy initiatives such as the 24-Hour Economy. The importance of social equity, national stability, and the long-term welfare of the people in utility reforms
TUC’s Concerns and Recommendations
The Secretary General of TUC, Mr. Joshua Ansah, urged stakeholders to pay attention to the presentations from utility companies and make useful contributions. He also requested that the Government of Ghana take decisive action to address the pollution of water intake points by illegal miners, which would reduce the cost of operations for Ghana Water Limited and save workers from paying high water tariffs.
Mr Joshua Ansah, Secretary General of Trades Union Congress (TUC).
The public hearings, which began on Monday, September 8, 2025, in Accra, have already featured representation from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the media. Utility companies, notably Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Enclave Power Company Limited, Volta River Authority (VRA), Northern Electricity Distribution Company Limited (NEDCo), Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), Ghana National Gas Company Limited, and Ghana Water Company Limited, took their turn to present and defend their proposals
Next Steps
The public hearings will continue in the coming weeks, with regional engagements to follow. The Commission will consider the feedback and input from stakeholders in its decision-making process.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the electricity, water, and natural gas sectors in Ghana.
Source: PURC
The 2025 edition of Africa Oil Week (AOW) concluded in Accra, Ghana’s capital, on Thursday, after four days of insightful discussions and major deal-making announcements.
The premier annual oil and gas event, which was previously hosted in Cape Town, South Africa, has now been permanently relocated to Accra by the organisers, Sankofa Events.
Just like in Cape Town, the Accra edition also attracted several participants from across the globe.
On the final day, a dedicated session was held for Ghana to showcase investment opportunities in its upstream, midstream, and downstream petroleum sectors.
In the afternoon, Dr. Yussif Sulemana, Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, delivered a presentation highlighting opportunities in Ghana’s petroleum sector.
These included available offshore blocks, the onshore Voltaian Basin, a proposed second gas processing plant, gas pipeline infrastructure, an oil jetty, and more.
Dr. Sulemana emphasized Ghana’s stable political environment as a key factor that makes the country an attractive investment destination, assuring potential investors of good returns.
A panel discussion, moderated by Ms. Adwoa Bondzie, Deputy Managing Director of BEST Energies, featured high-level industry leaders, including:
Godwin Edudzi Tameklo Esq., Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
Mr. Edmond Kombat Esq., Managing Director of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR)
Mr. Afetsi Awoonor, Managing Director of BEST Energies
Madam Judith Adjobah Blay, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Gas Company Limited
Dr. Tony Aubynn, Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC).
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria and seven other African nations have signed the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF) Charter, in what officials described as a landmark step towards harmonising oil and gas regulations across the continent.
The signing ceremony was held on Thursday on the sidelines of the 31st Africa Oil Week in Accra, Ghana, and chaired by the Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, Komolafe — who also serves as interim chairman of the forum — described the occasion as “a decisive step towards building a harmonised and sustainable petroleum industry in Africa.”
The statement added, “Nigeria has once again demonstrated leadership in Africa’s oil and gas sector by spearheading the signing of a charter to establish the African Petroleum Regulators Forum.”
Eight countries — Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea, and Togo — endorsed the charter. Meanwhile, Kenya, Mauritania, Benin, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia, South Africa, and Morocco pledged support and promised to join at a later date after consultations.
Komolafe noted that the forum had been in the works since its proposal at the 8th Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference in 2024, with preliminary meetings held in July and November of that year.
The AFRIPERF Charter sets out a mission “to enhance cooperation and collaboration among African petroleum regulators, to ensure a safe, efficient, rewarding, equitable, and sustainable petroleum industry.”
Its vision is to serve as the premier platform for African regulators to share knowledge, best practices, and expertise.
The charter also outlines principles to foster collaboration, promote regulatory harmonisation, safeguard environmental standards, strengthen regulatory capacity, and attract investment.
It further seeks to protect the collective interests of member states internationally, while advancing energy transition goals such as digitalisation, renewable integration, and emission reduction.
Komolafe stressed that Africa must act with “innovation, responsibility, and foresight” as the world navigates the shift towards cleaner energy.
He also recommended that AFRIPERF’s Annual General Meeting be aligned with Africa Oil Week to maximise visibility and participation.
The signing was witnessed by regulators from 16 countries, with Nigeria’s Senate Committee Chairman on Upstream, Senator Etang Williams, attending as an observer.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s downstream petroleum regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has pledged strong support to Burkina Faso’s National Hydrocarbon Company (SONABHY) as the landlocked country moves to increase its petroleum imports from Ghana.
Burkina Faso currently sources about 24% of its national petroleum needs from Ghana but is targeting to increase this to 50%.
To achieve this, SONABHY is planning to construct a pipeline from the Tema Port oil jetty to connect the Blue Ocean facility within the Tema Industrial enclave and is also holding talks with Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) for storage facilities.
A delegation led by Burkina Faso’s Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. David Kabré, and SONABHY Director General, Aime Wendpanga Nongkouni, paid a courtesy call on NPA Chief Executive Officer, Godwin Edudzi Tameklo Esq., to discuss the initiative.
Ambassador Kabré commended the NPA for its continued support, while Mr. Nongkouni expressed satisfaction with the growing collaboration, particularly with TOR.
Godwin Edudzi Tameklo Esq, Chief Executive Officer of National Petroleum Authority(NPA).
Mr. Nongkouni also disclosed that his government is committed to scaling up supply volumes, adding: “Our head of state is keen on ensuring that we increase our volumes. We are considering building a pipeline from the jetty to the Blue Ocean facility so products can be received directly.”
In response, Mr. Tameklo reaffirmed Ghana’s readiness to deepen bilateral ties, noting that discussions have already been held with the President of Ghana on building a second Conventional Buoy Mooring (CBM) to boost supply capacity.
He noted that the first CBM could even be dedicated to SONABHY once the second one is constructed.
“If we do things right, Burkina Faso will rely on us more than looking elsewhere. We are committed to making this relationship stronger,” he said.
He further assured that Ghana will continue to explore both short- and long-term measures, including enhanced road and potential railway infrastructure from Kumasi through Tamale to Burkina Faso, to make product distribution more efficient.
“President Mahama was pleased when I engaged him about your idea that we can use rail transport instead of the pipeline if we are able to get proper railway infrastructure from Kumasi to Tamale, and Tamale to Burkina. It will become easier for us to transport products. So we are looking at both short-, medium- and long-term goals. Be rest assured that we will do everything we can to make your work at SONABHY better.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ukraine launched fresh drone attacks on Russian energy assets Thursday, hitting two refineries including Gazprom’s giant Neftekhim Salavat complex in Bashkortostan, more than 1,300 kilometers from Ukrainian-held territory. The strikes set fire to storage facilities and marked one of Kyiv’s deepest penetrations into Russian industrial infrastructure since the war began, as it continues to target the Kremlin’s oil revenues that feed its war coffer. The new assaults came just hours after trade data published by Reuters showed Russia’s seaborne oil product exports jumped 8.9% in August compared with July, rising to 9.44 million metric tons. The surge highlights Moscow’s ability to keep product flows moving through its ports even as revenues fall under Western sanctions and repeated Ukrainian strikes.Exports through the Baltic ports of Primorsk, Vysotsk, St. Petersburg, and Ust-Luga climbed 12.3% month-on-month to 5.33 million tons, while Black Sea and Azov Sea shipments gained 3.6% to 3.39 million tons. Far East flows increased 13.5% to 693,500 tons after refineries completed maintenance, though Arctic shipments dropped by nearly a quarter to just 30,700 tons.The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported last week that Russian oil revenues fell to about $13.5 billion in August, among the lowest levels since the invasion, as crude and product discounts widened and reliance on “shadow fleet” tankers grew. The contrast between higher shipment volumes and declining earnings illustrates the pressure Moscow faces to maintain output against sanctions and price caps.
Kyiv has vowed to intensify drone operations against Russian refineries, fuel depots, and export terminals, while export data shows Moscow’s resilience, despite revenues being under strain.
Source: Oilprice.com
France is facing widespread power cuts as workers of the country’s power utility company, EDF, joined nationwide protests against proposed government budget cuts.
Power supply from EDF’s nuclear power plants was reduced by 1.1 gigawatts early on Thursday.
Data from EDF showed that workers lowered power output at the Flamanville 1 reactor as part of the nationwide strike, which is expected to affect several sectors.
Nuclear production was impacted only at this single power plant, while hydropower output remained unaffected, the data indicated.
France has 57 GW of total nuclear capacity, which generates about 70% of the country’s annual electricity.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
The Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), His Excellency Wamkele Mene, has said Africa will require as much as $100 billion to fast-track the development of renewable energy and expand electricity access across the continent.
He noted that although Africa possesses 60% of the world’s renewable energy resources, it still lacks the necessary capital to fully harness these resources to transform its energy and industrial sectors.
H.E. Mene made these remarks while delivering the opening keynote address on the theme “Energy and Sustainable Forum” during the final day of the 2025 Africa Oil Week (AOW) on Thursday, September 18, 2025, in Accra.
As the champion of AfCFTA, he highlighted that 49 out of Africa’s 54 countries have ratified the agreement to undertake intra-African trade activities. This, he said, provides an opportunity to leverage the continent’s vast population to drive investment in energy development and industrial growth.
According to him, if Africa can tap into its abundant solar, geothermal, and other renewable resources, the continent could soon close the wide electricity gap that continues to hinder its people.
The AfCFTA boss lamented that Africa still imports finished products, energy experts, and other commodities in this century.
He urged African leaders, business drivers, and the few experts in the energy sector to design a practical action plan to transform the sector in the foreseeable future.
The theme for Africa Oil Week (AOW) 2025 in Ghana is “Sustainable Energy Transition and Investment in African Resources.” The event focuses on co-creating Africa’s energy future—particularly its gas resources—through partnerships, deal-making, innovation, and strong governance.
The gathering has brought together key stakeholders in oil and gas to bridge gaps between governments, the private sector, and investors, with the goal of shaping the future of Africa’s energy landscape. Discussions also addressed the complexities of the energy transition, including carbon management and energy access.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Chief Technical Officer for Aradel Holdings Dr. Ebenezer Ageh, has urged Africans to dedicate funds towards building local capacities to produce homegrown experts in the upstream oil and gas value chain.
He gave this piece of advice during the 2025 edition of Africa Oil Week held in Accra, Ghana’s capital, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at a panel discussion under the Leadership Dialogue Series: ‘Shaping the Future of Upstream’.
The session, moderated by Olawale Noikoi, a partner at Deloitte, sought solutions from industry leaders on addressing the expertise and financial gaps that have slowed Africa’s drive toward accelerated development in the sector.
“If we, as a continent, decide to engage our universities and fund research to produce experts and advance technology within the sector, it will significantly improve our future,” Dr Ageh asserted.
On her part, Emily Watt, the Vice President for Refining and Product Trading, Europe and Africa, at bp, called for an enhanced technological training.
According to her, if Africa can build business trust and strengthen partnerships in developing the sector, the continent will reap long-term benefits from such investments.
She, therefore, urged African stakeholders to leverage these key areas to fast-track socioeconomic development.
The Africa Oil Week is taking place in Accra for the first-time after being hosted in Cape Town, South Africa, for thirty years.
The premier event was relocated to Ghana in 2024 and, just like in Cape Town, it has continued to attract global participation.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, has announced the leasing of five steam locomotives located at Rosherville in Gauteng to New Cape Central Railway Ltd. for a period of five years, following a rigorous open tender process in May 2024.
According to Eskom, the process was conducted in close consultation with the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and the Heritage Railway Association of South Africa (HRASA), which provided guidance to ensure compliance with national heritage standards.
In a statement issued on Monday, Eskom said that while its core mandate is to deliver quality and reliable electricity, it also has a responsibility to safeguard the valuable heritage assets entrusted to it.
“By opting for a lease arrangement rather than a sale, Eskom retains custodianship of these assets, affirming its commitment to heritage preservation as a proudly South African company,” Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane said.
Originally intended for restoration and public exhibition, the locomotives were retrieved from the now-defunct museum.
Commenting on the development, Chief Executive Officer of Eskom Rotek Industries, Hector Danisa, said: “These iconic locomotives have powered the energy industry for more than a century. This milestone demonstrates our shared commitment to preserving them and making them accessible through structured partnerships, ensuring their legacy endures for many years to come. They form a vital part of South Africa’s industrial and cultural heritage.”
Eskom, which turned 102 years old on March 1 this year, supplies around 90% of South Africa’s electricity and 30% of Africa’s total power.
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has made a strong case for Africa as the world’s most promising investment hub, urging global investors to seize opportunities on the continent before it is too late.
Africa is home to over 125 billion barrels of crude oil reserves and 620 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, accounting for approximately 7% of the world’s total.
Besides oil and gas reserves, the continent is rich in minerals including gold, copper, uranium, bauxite and lithium.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the Gastech Conference in Milan, Italy, which concluded on September 12, 2025, Minister Jinapor emphasised that Africa is no longer just a source of raw materials but a continent in the midst of transformation, with industrialisation, financial sector reforms and economic restructuring creating an attractive environment for investment.
“Africa is the next source of investment. We are proving that we are the resource. Industrialisation is picking up and we are building stronger and more predictable economies,” he said.
“These are the key ingredients investors want to see before committing their resources, and they are happening in Africa now.”
He highlighted Ghana’s progress in boosting investor confidence, citing increased interest in the country’s energy and financial sectors.
According to him, Africa offers reliable returns and abundant opportunities that investors cannot afford to ignore.
Jinapor, however, cautioned that Africa must avoid a model of mere resource exploitation and instead focus on harnessing its natural wealth to promote inclusive growth.
He stressed that not only do investments drive GDP growth but also improve livelihoods across the continent.
“When growth is inclusive, it brings peace, cohesion and stability. That is the kind of development Africa is looking for,” he added.
Concluding his remarks, the Minister reaffirmed Africa’s position as the final frontier for global investments: “My message is simple: Africa is the next investment destination. The earlier you invest in Africa, the better it will be for you.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia and Botswana have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to commit to advancing regional energy development through mutual cooperation.
The agreement was signed in Lusaka during the Energy Forum for Africa Conference by Zambia’s Acting Minister of Energy, Mr. Elvis Nkandu, and Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, Hon. Bogolo Joy Kenewendo.
The signing was witnessed by Zambia’s Permanent Secretary for Electricity, Eng. Arnold Simwaba, and Botswana’s Assistant Deputy Permanent Secretary for Energy, Tunso Matshameki.
The MoU is aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, promoting knowledge exchange, and fostering energy development in the region.
It also emphasizes the importance of exploring alternative energy sources beyond hydropower to strengthen energy security and sustainability in the face of climate change and growing demand.
Speaking at the ceremony, the ministers underscored that the MoU represents a milestone in deepening collaboration between the two countries, paving the way for joint initiatives, investments, and policy harmonisation toward building a resilient energy future.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
“You are the leaders Ghana will rely on in the future, therefore use this opportunity wisely to uplift yourself and be fully equipped with the right skills to champion innovation and transformation,” he advised the beneficiaries.
A representative of the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, Benjamin Nai, emphasised the appropriateness of the event’s theme, urging the students to be disciplined, commit to their studies, and develop strong work ethics to effectively contribute to societal transformation.
Dr. Theodore Amegashie, representing the programme’s alumni association, shared his personal experience as a past beneficiary.
“Having been in your shoes before as a brilliant but needy student, I can relate to how challenging it is… Thanks to the VRA, that burden is now lifted and you have no excuse not to do well,” he said, encouraging the new cohort to give their best.
Awulae Attibrukusu III, Paramount Chief of Axim and VRA Board member, reminded students to remember their roots and to value the investment being made in their education. He warned that the scholarships are merit-based and contingent on satisfactory academic performance:
“We will look for you in your schools and ensure you perform well, because if you don’t, we will remove the support. It’s in the agreement form that the scholarship is performance merit, so if you do not deliver, then you don’t deserve continued support,” he emphasised.
VRA Board Member and Governance Champion of the Authority, Wonder Victor Kutor, Esq., emphasised that education is the bedrock of development and the initiative by VRA to support talent development, especially in communities affected by the Akosombo dam spillage, is a commendable action that will relieve parents of their financial burden and give the students hope for the future.
“I am from Fuveme, and that is a community where people’s livelihoods have been badly destroyed, and so, for a student from such a community to get a scholarship is well well-targeted initiative that cannot be overemphasized. I am happy for them and hope they won’t disappoint the Authority by learning hard to graduate with good grades and come back to work at VRA to develop these communities,” he said.
The VRA’s CDP Scholarship Scheme is designed to provide equal opportunities for higher education and is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal four (SDG 4) on Quality Education. To improve efficiency and accessibility, the Authority has also launched an online application system to streamline the process for future applicants.
The event was graced with the presence of several traditional rulers and municipal chief executives from the various districts and municipalities within the VRA’s catchment area.
Source: Myjoyonline.com 
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 
“These are the key ingredients investors want to see before committing their resources, and they are happening in Africa now.”
He highlighted Ghana’s progress in boosting investor confidence, citing increased interest in the country’s energy and financial sectors.
According to him, Africa offers reliable returns and abundant opportunities that investors cannot afford to ignore.
Jinapor, however, cautioned that Africa must avoid a model of mere resource exploitation and instead focus on harnessing its natural wealth to promote inclusive growth.
He stressed that not only do investments drive GDP growth but also improve livelihoods across the continent.
“When growth is inclusive, it brings peace, cohesion and stability. That is the kind of development Africa is looking for,” he added.
Concluding his remarks, the Minister reaffirmed Africa’s position as the final frontier for global investments: “My message is simple: Africa is the next investment destination. The earlier you invest in Africa, the better it will be for you.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 