Ghana: Former First Ghanaian Tullow Ghana MD And GRIDCo CEO Passes Away

A former Managing Director of Tullow Ghana Limited, an Africa-focused independent oil and gas firm, Mr. Charles Darku, has passed away after battling an illness for almost two years. A respected professional engineer, Mr. Charles Darku was the first Ghanaian to be appointed Managing Director of Tullow Ghana Limited (TGL) in 2013. Mr. Darku retired from his role in April 2018, after almost five years of dedication and instrumental contributions to delivering the company’s primary objectives of oil and gas production. Prior to joining TGL, Mr. Charles Darku was the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) Limited. He resigned from his position to take up the Tullow appointment after serving as CEO since 2009. He served in various capacities at the Volta River Authority for over 27 years. Mr. Darku was a product of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). His passing has brought pain and sorrow to scores of people who worked with him. Close associates described him as experienced, humble, and an outstanding personality. The family is yet to announce details of the funeral rites.     Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

Zambia: 32 Suspects Arrested In Joint ZESCO-Police Operation To Combat Vandalism

A joint operation by ZESCO Limited and the Zambia Police Service has arrested 32 suspects within 24 hours for digging and cutting live copper cables. The suspects were arrested at separate locations. According to a statement issued by ZESCO, 29 of the suspects were arrested in Ndola on July 22nd, with some as young as 15 years old. They were caught digging and cutting live copper cables along the Ndola-Kapiri Dual Carriageway. An additional three suspects were arrested the previous day, bringing the total to 32. Meanwhile, in Lusaka, Edward Chingozhi and Fortune Mwanamuchende were sentenced to seven years in prison with hard labor for damaging ZESCO property. ZESCO revealed that recent vandalism has resulted in significant losses, with copper windings and cables worth over K355,000 stolen, disrupting electricity supply and diverting resources meant for service improvements and national development. “The combined efforts of ZESCO and the Zambia Police demonstrate the power of teamwork and intelligence-led operations in combating infrastructure crime,” the statement said. “This operation sends a clear message that vandalizing electricity infrastructure is a serious offense that will not go unpunished.” ZESCO urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, emphasizing that stopping vandalism is a shared responsibility and protecting electricity supply infrastructure secures our collective future.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Nigeria: Man Electrocuted For Attempting To Vandalize Transmission Tower In Ebonyi

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported that a man was electrocuted while attempting to vandalize one of its transmission towers, according to a statement released on Friday. According to TCN, the deceased attempted to vandalize Transmission Tower 34 along the Nkalagu-Abakaliki 132 Kilo Volt Line in Ebonyi State, on July 19. Ndidi Mbah, General Manager, Public Affairs, TCN, said in a statement that the body of the electrocuted vandal has been retrieved from the tower. Mrs. Mbah emphasized that TCN had consistently warned against such acts, highlighting the potentially fatal consequences of tampering with transmission infrastructure, which carries high voltages critical to national development and poses significant risks to health and safety. She added, “TCN urges the public to protect electricity infrastructure within their vicinity and report any suspicious activity around power installations to security operatives or any of its offices nationwide.”   Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: UEGCL Tours BPA’s Hydropower Station, Floating Solar Plant

A delegation from Ugandan Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL) have visited the power generation site of Bui Power Authority (BPA) known as Bui Generation Station, which is located between the Bono and Savannah regions, to familiarise themselves with the operations of the company. BPA owns, operates, and maintains the 404MW Bui hydropower plant, a 250MWp solar – hydro hybrid PV plant, a 5MWp floating plant and the 45kW Tsatsadu micro-hydropower plant. UEGCL operates and maintains government-owned hydropower plants with a total capacity of 1480MW. The power generation company is looking to diversify its energy sources to include solar energy into its energy mix and complete feasibility studies on the possibility of floating solar project on the reservoir of its hydropower dams, hence visiting Bui Generation Station was a perfect choice. The delegation, which included Board Chairperson Proscovia Margaret Njuki, were conducted around the Bui Generation Station by Ing. Kweku Akosah, Director for Engineering Services Department at BPA. The delegation were briefed first after which they visited the control room, cooling water system area, floating solar plant, and the site of the 250MWp solar plants. Commenting on the visit, George Tusingwire Mutekweka, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at UEGCL said, “I believe we have a lot of hydro power potential here, but solar power is trying to find its footing. I think we’ve found a good partner in both land-based and floating solar systems, which I believe everyone here will agree is remarkable. The idea of starting to fabricate floaters gives us hope that we can partner and collaborate on solar power to maximise our capacity and build Uganda’s generation capacity.” Continuing, he said, “Our government’s target is to reach 52,000 megawatts by 2040. It’s a big target, but our President says, ‘Don’t compare yourself with others; compare yourself with China and the Asian tigers. Think big.’ He knows it’s ambitious, but he believes that with hard work, we can transform Africa. “Our population is around 45 million, and by 2050, it will be around 80 million. Most of our population is young and vibrant. To keep them engaged and avoid them risking their lives crossing the seas, we need to provide affordable power, infrastructure, and opportunities. “Local capacity is crucial in bringing down costs and attracting investors. We want to work with you to ensure that Ugandans have enough power not just for now but for the future as well. We appreciate your presence and look forward to collaborating with you.” On his part, Ing. Akosah said: “We’re delighted that you can join us in hospitality. Just like the tide brings seashells to the shore, we hope that your visit will bring valuable insights and ideas. We’ll treat your contributions like those seashells – we’ll collect them, store them, and showcase them when you return. “We’re grateful for your visit and look forward to making this partnership a reality. We’ll work together to ensure that our vision is consummated well. Thank you very much.”       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: No Aviation Fuel Shortage – Energy Ministry

Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has refuted media reports suggesting a shortage of Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK) fuel in the country. According to the Ministry, there is no current shortage of ATK fuel, and sufficient supplies are available to support all aircraft operations across Ghana. In a statement, the Ministry explained that recent maintenance work on the ATK jetty pipeline at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) was successfully completed. The maintenance had been long overdue, and postponing it further would have posed a risk to the fuel security of the country. The completion of the repairs was therefore necessary to safeguard the structural integrity of the jetty and ensure continued access to aviation fuel. To bolster supply and calm public concerns, Ghana recently received a shipment of ATK fuel totaling 11,984 metric tons. Out of this, 4,583 metric tons have already been delivered to the Petroleum Warehousing and Supply Limited (PWSL) over the last two days. The remaining fuel is being discharged at the TOR jetty for distribution to both the Tema Oil Refinery and Ridge Depots. The Ministry expects the entire offloading process to be completed by midday on Friday, July 25, 2025. Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah (MP), has been actively engaging stakeholders within the downstream petroleum industry and the Ghana Airport Company Limited to monitor the situation and ensure smooth operations. “We urge the public to disregard any false reports of ATK fuel shortages,” the statement concluded, reassuring airline operators and the general public that there is no cause for alarm.     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Nigeria: NNPC Ltd Profit Drops In June

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) recorded a profit after tax of N905 billion in June 2025, lower than the N1.054 trillion reported in May this year. The company’s revenue for June stood at N4.571 trillion, which is lower than the N6.008 trillion in May. “Crude oil and condensate production increased slightly, rising from 1.629 million bpd in May to 1.68 million bpd in June. Natural gas production also rose to 7.581 billion standard cubic feet per day (scf/d) in June, up from 7.352 billion scf/d in May, indicating a steady recovery in output,” NNPC Ltd.’s monthly report indicated. Despite the drop in monthly profit, NNPC Ltd. was able to remit N6.961 trillion to the federation account from January to May 2025, up from N5.583 trillion recorded between January and April of the same year. According to the report, fuel availability improved as well, with petrol availability at NNPC retail stations increasing to 71% in June from 62% in May. It further revealed that the completion of critical gas infrastructure projects showed progress: the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) pipeline moved to 83% completion from 81%, while the OB3 pipeline remained at 96% completion. “Upstream pipeline availability slightly dipped from 98% in May to 97% in June,” it added. The report also highlighted ongoing strategic and technical efforts, including the successful crossing of the AKK River Niger segment, which has significantly de-risked pipeline completion. It disclosed that a technical review of the OB3 River Niger crossing has begun to apply insights gained from AKK’s progress. The reviews of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries remain ongoing.           Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: PURC Provides Four Merchandised Boreholes At Dua JHS School In Upper East Region

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has constructed four merchandised boreholes at Dua Junior High School, Bongo, in the Upper East Region, to serve the students and the community. The boreholes are fitted with a 10,000-litre overhead tank with three low taps and two overhead taps, serving approximately 4,500 people in various communities and 100 students in the Dua Junior High School. The Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr. Shafic Suleman, last Thursday inspected the project and was impressed that the Headmistress and staff of the school were managing the boreholes and giving priority to the students. “These pro-poor water projects align with PURC’s mission and efforts in water service delivery focused on providing access to clean and sustainable water, supporting Ghana’s development.” The Headmistress of the school, Madam Atota Suzana, indicated that the project was strategically placed at the premises of the school to aid the students’ study and improve hand-washing culture among the students. “Also, the availability of water within the school avoided the regular excuses from students of going back home to drink water, thereby disrupting smooth learning.” “I pledge on behalf of the staff and students to keep the facility in good condition for greater sustainability.” The students held placards with inscriptions: “Water is life; he who provides water saves life; thank you for saving us from crossing the road to drink water; we are forever grateful.” Dr. Shafic also visited pro-poor sites in the Bongo Dua Community as part of the tour of the Upper East Region. The team with the Executive Secretary included Director of Regional Operations, Consumers Service, Alhaji Jabaru Abukari; Director of Energy Services and Performance Monitoring, Ing. Frederick Oblitey; Director of Research and Corporate Affairs, Dr. Eric Obutey; Deputy Director, Northern Operations, Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Kweku Tuffuor; Head of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Robert Tia Abdulai Aziz; Mr. Ephraim Atubuoarah; and Ms. Fauzia Tanko, staff from the Head Office.         Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Togo: Tender Issued For $10m Electrification Project Covering 172 Rural Localities

Togo’s Ministry of Energy has issued a tender seeking developers to electrify 172 rural communities as part of its national initiative to expand access to energy. The project is being spearheaded by the Agency for Rural Electrification and Renewable Energies under the Energy Ministry. The West African Development Bank (BOAD) is providing a CFA6 billion (equivalent of $10,725,840) funding. Selected firms will be tasked with extending the medium- and low-voltage distribution network over 18 months. The scope includes MV overhead lines, MV/LV transformer substations, LV networks with public lighting, and household connection kits. The tender will close on September 5, 2025, with work scheduled to begin in November this year. Expected to generate 9.3 GWh in its first year, the project aims to improve electricity access for over 35,000 people and generate more than 600 direct and indirect jobs. This initiative falls under Togo’s broader universal electrification strategy for 2030, which also includes the Lomé Electricity Network Expansion Project (PEREL) and other nationwide infrastructure developments.       Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

Saudi Arabia Was Top Buyer Of Russian Fuel Oil In June, Data Shows

Saudi Arabia was the top destination for Russian seaborne fuel oil and vacuum gasoil (VGO) exports in June as the hot summer season required more energy consumption, according to traders and LSEG data. Since the European Union’s full embargo on Russian oil products went into effect in February 2023, Middle Eastern and Asian countries became the main destination for Russia’s fuel oil and VGO supplies. Direct fuel oil and VGO shipments from Russian ports to Saudi Arabia increased in June by 9% month-on-month to 0.8 million metric tons. Russian dark oil products loadings to India and Turkey declined last month after previous ample supplies by 49% to around 0.34 million tons and by 33% to 0.28 million tons, respectively, shipping data showed. Nearly 400,000 tons of fuel oil and VGO were supplied in June from the Russian ports to the Ain Sukhna terminal in Egypt – the big fuel hub, which often allocates oil products for storage and further exports. Singapore, Senegal and China were also among the other top destinations for Russian fuel oil and VGO export supplies last month, according to LSEG data. Only two vessels carrying 180,000 tons of fuel oil from the Russian ports are heading to Asia via the African Cape of Good Hope. Traders have been diverting Russian oil products cargoes around Africa since December 2023 to avoid the Red Sea due to a heightened risk of attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group. All the shipping data above are based on the date of cargo departure.       Source: Reuters.com

Trump Hints At U.S.-Japan LNG Joint Venture

As U.S. President Donald Trump touted “the largest trade deal in history” with Japan, he also noted that the United States and Japan are set to conclude another deal to form a joint venture for LNG in Alaska.

“We concluded the one deal … and now we’re going to conclude another one because they’re forming a joint venture with us at, in Alaska, as you know, for the LNG,” President Trump said in comments on the deal to GOP lawmakers at the White House. “They’re all set to make that deal now,” the president added. The U.S. has completed what President Trump touted on Truth Social as “a massive Deal with Japan, perhaps the largest Deal ever made.” Under the trade agreement, Japan’s goods imported in the United States will face a 15% tariff, lower than the 24% proposed in early April and the 25% tariff President Trump proposed earlier this month with effect from August 1. The trade deal now calls for a 15% tariff on Japanese goods imported in the United States. However, President Trump’s additional remarks and assurances that the U.S. and Japan will conclude a joint venture deal for LNG in Alaska was not immediately confirmed by Japan. A Japanese government official at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) told Reuters that the ministry is working to confirm President Trump’s comments. Japanese companies have been considering investments in the $44-billion Alaska LNG project, but so far they have appeared to be concerned that the costs may be too high, considering the cold weather in Alaska and the scale of the pipelines needed to bring the project on stream. Last week, reports emerged that India’s state-controlled natural gas firm GAIL (India) Ltd has started discussions about buying liquefied natural gas from the proposed Alaska LNG project. Energy companies are ready to commit to buying $115 billion worth of LNG from Alaska once President Trump’s pet energy project gets done, the company in charge of the project, Glenfarne, said last month, noting that as many as 50 companies have expressed formal interest.       Source: Oilprice.com

Ghana: Tema Oil Refinery Gets New Board

Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has appointed nine members as Board of Directors for Ghana’s premier oil refinery – Tema Oil Refinery (TOR). The new board is chaired by Hon. Nayon Bilijo. Other members of the reconstituted board are Edmond Kombat Esq.​​(Ag. Managing Director), Mr. Thomas Martey Laari, Mr. Robert Kempes Ofosuhene (former Mayor of Tema), and Hon. Dr. Sebastian N. Sandaare. The rest are Mr. Mugabe Salifu Maase, Hon. Mohammed Issah Bataglia, Osabarima Kyei Osafo Kantanka and Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah. The new board was inaugurated at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition at a brief ceremony. The Energy Minister, Mr John Abdulai Jinapor, on behalf of President John Mahama, reminded the board about the critical role TOR plays in ensuring national energy security. He charged the board with the urgent responsibility of restoring the refinery to full operational capacity.   “Your foremost duty is to get TOR back on stream,” the minister emphasised. “You must implement bold and strategic actions to return the refinery to profitability. TOR is not just another company; it is a vital national asset,” he added. The newly appointed Board Chairman, Hon. Nayon Bilijo, expressed appreciation to the President for the confidence reposed in them. Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, he pledged the commitment of the board to restoring the operations of the refinery in line with government policy and national energy needs. “We are honoured by this appointment and understand the enormity of the task ahead. We will work with urgency and dedication to revive TOR and make it a viable and efficient institution once more,” he assured Ghanaians. The board is expected to quickly develop and submit a comprehensive roadmap that addresses the operational challenges of the refinery and lays out a sustainable strategy for the future. Even before the board assumes post, this portal knows that clean air is blowing as the new managing director is seriously working around to restore the refinery to its former glory. “We are really happy about the progress of the work done so far. The MD is seriously working,” one of the refinery workers, who has worked in the refinery for more than twenty years, said. During the previous administration, TOR had six managing directors. Unfortunately, the refinery’s turnaround could not materialise.         Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Uganda: EACOP Progresses As Construction Works Hit 64%

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, which stretches from Hoima in Uganda through to Chongoleani in Tanga, Tanzania, has reached a significant milestone with 64.5 percent of the work completed so far. Briefing journalists on the progress of work recently, the Tanzania EACOP Project Coordinator, Asiad Mrutu, said they have reached the stage of constructing specialized storage tanks in Chongoleani, Tanga, which are intended to receive crude oil from Uganda. Mrutu further noted that a substantial portion of the pipeline construction work between Hoima and Tanga has already been completed, marking a major achievement in the project’s implementation. He added that the ongoing site inspections aim to monitor the progress made and ensure that the work continues efficiently and meets the required quality standards. The project is expected to significantly boost Tanzania’s economy and contribute to the overall development of the East African region. The EACOP project is one of the major strategic initiatives jointly implemented by Tanzania and Uganda. It is designed to enhance the region’s competitiveness in the global market through the safe and reliable transportation of crude oil.         Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: Former NPA CEO, Others Appear In Court Over Gh¢280M Extortion Claims; Granted Gh¢2 Million Bail Each

The former Chief Executive Officer of National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, and nine others, including three companies, accused of their alleged involvement in extortion and money laundering within the NPA, have appeared before the Criminal Division 3 of the High Court in Accra on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Sources at the court said the accused persons, who were present with their lawyers, were granted Gh¢2 million bail each. The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), an independent anti-corruption agency in Ghana, charged them for allegedly using their official positions to orchestrate a scheme that unlawfully diverted funds from petroleum transporters and oil marketing companies between 2022 and December 2024, which Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid vehemently denied. Dr. Abdul-Hamid, who is the first accused in the case, alongside Jacob Kwamena Amuah, Coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund, and Wendy Newman, an NPA employee, are required to produce two sureties each, both of whom must earn a net monthly salary of not less than GH¢5,000, with their salaries to be justified. Additionally, they are also to report to the OSP every two weeks as investigations continue. They have all pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit extortion, extortion by a public officer, use of public office for profit, and money laundering. The court also granted bail to four additional individuals—Albert Ankrah, Isaac Mensah, Bright Bediako-Mensah, and Kwaku Aboagye Acquah—who face similar charges. Each was granted GH¢2 million bail, but with three sureties, including one backed by landed property. They too must report to the OSP biweekly. The remaining accused persons—yet to be named—include corporate entities allegedly involved in the grand scheme of corruption and financial misconduct within the petroleum sector between 2022 and 2024. According to prosecutors, the accused allegedly operated an elaborate scheme targeting Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and Bulk Oil Distribution Companies (BDCs), using their public office to extort funds. Investigations suggest that proceeds from the scheme were laundered into real estate, luxury vehicles, and fuel stations.     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

UK: Bp Agrees To Sell US Onshore Wind Business To LS Power

Bp has announced that it has agreed to sell its US onshore wind business, BP Wind Energy North America Inc. (bp Wind Energy), to LS Power, a leading development, investment, and operating company focused on the North American power and energy infrastructure sector. According to Bp, the transaction will be concluded by the end of the year, subject to regulatory approvals. This is the latest example of bp’s $20 billion divestment program to simplify and focus the business. After the close of the transaction, bp Wind Energy will be owned and operated as part of LS Power’s portfolio company Clearlight Energy, increasing its operating fleet to approximately 4.3 GW. Bp Wind Energy has been marketed as an integrated business, with its experienced workforce expected to transfer to the new owner upon completion of the deal. The business has interests in 10 operating onshore wind energy assets across seven US states, operating nine of them. The deal is part of bp’s focus on its low-carbon energy portfolio, prioritizing investment choices while delivering value for shareholders. William Lin, bp EVP for Gas & Low Carbon Energy, said, “We have been clear that while low-carbon energy has a role to play in a simpler, more focused bp, we will continue to rationalize and optimize our portfolio to generate value. The onshore US wind business has great assets and fantastic people, but we have concluded we are no longer the best owners to take it forward. I am pleased we have reached a mutually beneficial deal with LS Power, and I look forward to working with them to support our people in maintaining safe and reliable operations as we transition ownership.” LS Power will add bp’s US onshore wind business to an existing fleet of renewable, energy storage, flexible gas, and renewable fuels assets, which comprise a 21 GW operating portfolio and more than 780 miles of high-voltage transmission lines in operation, as well as another 350+ miles currently under construction or development. Paul Segal, CEO of LS Power, said, “We are focused on a holistic approach to advancing American energy infrastructure that includes improving existing energy assets while investing in transformative strategies that make energy more efficient, affordable, and available. Well-located with well-structured contracts, these new assets will expand our renewable energy presence and help meet growing energy demand across the US. We look forward to welcoming the talented teams operating these assets to LS Power and partnering with them to drive value for our stakeholders.” In its Q1 2025 results, bp updated its divestment guidance for 2025 to $3-4 billion, with $1.5 billion signed or completed as of that date.               Source:https://energynewsafrica.com