Ghana’s oil production has been declining, from 200,000 barrels per day in 2019 to between 120,000 and 130,000 barrels per day.
To address this, the newly appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Mr. Kwame Ntow Amoah, has challenged GNPC Explorco to take the lead in increasing oil production.
Mr. Ntow Amoah emphasized the need for speed and efficiency in Explorco’s operations, stating that the company is crucial to strengthening Ghana’s position in the oil and gas industry.
He noted that GNPC aims to rapidly increase oil production and become an industry leader once again.
The decline in oil production is attributed to various factors, including technical and operational challenges in mature fields, as well as the natural aging of existing fields.
To reverse this trend, stakeholders have called for pragmatic efforts, including the adoption of a multi-pronged strategy focused on economic diversification, sustainable exploitation of petroleum resources, and promotion of renewable energy.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria’s electricity regulatory body, NERC, has ordered distribution companies (Discos) to publish refunds made to customers who purchased prepaid meters under the Meter Asset Providers (MAP) scheme.
This move aims to promote transparency and encourage customers to participate in the scheme.
The MAP scheme was introduced to address the metering gap in Nigeria’s electricity sector. It allowed customers to buy prepaid meters from Discos through third-party companies licensed by NERC.
The initial agreement stated that customers would receive refunds through energy units from Discos.
However, many customers claimed they were not refunded as agreed.
NERC’s directive comes after customers complained about the refunds and other issues, including tariff methodology and the impact of state transition on the electricity sector.
The regulatory body held its first Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) Stakeholders meeting in 2025, where these issues were discussed.
To address the refund issues, NERC has directed Discos to publish details of MAP refunds on their websites.
This move is expected to demonstrate commitment and consistency to the scheme and encourage customers to participate.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s Deputy Minister-Designate for Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, has thrown his weight behind nuclear energy as a means to reduce Ghana’s high electricity costs.
Appearing before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee, Gyan-Mensah attributed the high cost of electricity in Ghana to the country’s power generation mix, which relies heavily on thermal energy.
Gyan-Mensah emphasized that thermal energy is expensive, and encouraged his minister to explore alternative baseload generation options, including nuclear power and mini dams, to strengthen Ghana’s energy mix.
His stance aligns with plans outlined by Energy Minister John Jinapor, who has expressed interest in nuclear power.
Ghana has been considering nuclear power as a viable energy source for some time.
The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission has been researching nuclear power, and the country has a research reactor in Accra, which has been operational since 1994.
Additionally, Ghana is a member of the International Nuclear Library Network and is working with the International Atomic Energy Agency to implement nuclear power as part of a broader project to promote sustainable energy development in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Nuclear is a base load source that is also cost-effective, and that can contribute to lowering electricity prices,” Mr Gyan-Mensah explained.
On Ghana’s oil production, he noted that daily output had declined from about 89,000 barrels to around 79,000 barrels, describing the situation as “not encouraging.”
Addressing energy efficiency and conservation, Mr Gyan-Mensah stressed the importance of public education and stricter enforcement of existing regulations.
“The most effective strategy is education and proper enforcement. We need to educate consumers on efficient energy use while ensuring full compliance with current regulations,” he said.
He assured the committee that if confirmed, he would work closely with the Minister to reduce generation costs and address losses in power distribution and revenue collection.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has cracked down on an illegal Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) refilling outlet in Meru town.
In a sting operation conducted last night, EPRA’s surveillance and enforcement officers raided the facility, catching workers red-handed as they filled LPG cylinders belonging to other brands without permission.
As the officers closed in, the perpetrators fled the scene, leaving behind leaking gas cylinders that posed a significant danger to the public.
The facility’s owner, who was absent during the raid, has been summoned to face legal action.
EPRA warned that illegal gas refilling operations often prioritize speed over safety, putting both the perpetrators and the public at risk.
The regulatory authority urged the public to only purchase gas from authorized and licensed traders to ensure their safety.
EPRA remains committed to protecting public safety and has issued a stern warning to traders against cross-refilling without authority.
Source: https://energynewsfrica.com
Angola’s oil production reached 32.6 million barrels in January, with a daily average of 1.5 million barrels, according to the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANGP). Although this falls short of the forecasted 1.9 million barrels per day, the country’s oil industry remains robust.
Block 17, operated by Total, ExxonMobil, BP, and Equinor, was the most productive, yielding 315,425 barrels. Blocks 15 and 0 also contributed significantly, with 200,678 barrels and 131,127 barrels, respectively.
In contrast, Cabinda Sul recorded the lowest production, with just 149 barrels.
Associated gas production totaled 85,476 million cubic feet, averaging 2,757 million cubic feet per day. Of this, 897 million cubic feet were reinjected to maintain reservoir pressure, while 860 million cubic feet were directed to the LNG plant, and 285 million cubic feet were used to generate energy for oil installations.
In December, Angola’s oil production stood at 31.7 million barrels, with a daily average of 1.2 million barrels, slightly above the forecasted 1.030 million barrels per day.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Botswana’s government has granted Botswana Oil exclusive rights to import 90% of petroleum products into the country.
However, this decision has sparked controversy, with fuel supply syndicates planning to oust CEO Meshack Tshekedi.
A report by Tuesday Grill suggested that the syndicate are seeking to monopolize the fuel supply in the country, believing Tshekedi is the obstacle to their goal.
Tshekedi, with over 20 years of experience in the mining sector, oil industry, and consultancy, has been leading Botswana Oil since 2020.
The company has transformed its business operations, growing revenue to P2.6 billion and profits to P99 million in the 2022-2023 financial year.
The government’s decision to grant Botswana Oil exclusive import rights aims to ensure security of fuel supply and promote citizen economic empowerment.
The company is expected to grow its revenues to approximately P15 billion with profits ranging between P400 million and P500 million in the near future.
However, the move has been met with resistance from fuel syndicates, who circulated doctored documents suggesting Tshekedi had unfairly awarded contracts.
An investigation revealed that these allegations were false and orchestrated by individuals seeking to control the country’s fuel supply.
The situation has put Tshekedi in a difficult position, with some calling for his removal.
The newly appointed Minister of Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, has been urged to take action against Tshekedi, but it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
In the spirit of love, kindness, and compassion, employees of Vivo Energy Ghana, the exclusive marketer and distributor of Shell-branded fuels and lubricants, celebrated this year’s Valentine’s Day with women at the Chosen Rehabilitation Centre under its Energizing Hope Campaign.
The Energizing Hope initiative is a cherished tradition where employees come together to share love and support underprivileged communities.
For this year, Vivo Energy Ghana focused on making an impact on the lives of women at the Chosen Rehabilitation Centre through donation, skill empowerment, and heartfelt interactions.
Speaking at the event, the Corporate Communications Manager of Vivo Energy Ghana, Shirley Tony Kum, said, “We chose the Chosen Rehabilitation Centre (Women’s Unit) because we deeply admire the incredible work being done at the centre to support women on their journey to recovery. We recognize the challenges that come with overcoming addiction, and we want you to know that Vivo Energy Ghana is with you on this path.
Leading this year’s initiative was the Local Payment and Loyalty Manager of Vivo Energy Ghana, Mercy Etrue, who served as the Inspiro for the event, inspiring the women at the centre with her leadership, encouragement, and commitment. Mercy Etrue emphasized the company’s commitment to elevating vulnerable groups in society.
She opined, “At Vivo Energy Ghana, we believe that Valentine’s Day is not just about celebration but also about making a meaningful impact. Through Energizing Hope, we aim to uplift and support those in need, fostering a culture of compassion and sustainability.”
She further gave words of encouragement to inmates and attendees at the event.
The visit featured the donation of essential food items and sanitary supplies, ensuring that the women at the center have the necessities to support their recovery.
In addition to these donations, a bead craft training session was facilitated to equip the women with practical skills that will aid their self-sufficiency and empowerment.
Vivo Energy Ghana also shared branded chocolates, symbolizing love, care, and support for the women as they work towards a brighter future.
The management and staff of the Chosen Rehabilitation Centre also expressed their gratitude for the support, noting the positive impact such initiatives have on the lives of the women at the centre.
Through the Energizing Hope initiative, Vivo Energy Ghana continues to demonstrate its commitment to corporate social responsibility, ensuring that love, hope, and empowerment reach those who need it most.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, has expressed confidence that the country can achieve its 2025 crude oil production target of 2.06 million barrels per day (BPD).
Lokpobiri made this statement at the Nigeria Petroleum Industry Leadership Discourse in Abuja, where he emphasized that the target is achievable given the industry’s current momentum.
Currently, Nigeria’s crude oil production stands at approximately 1.75 million BPD, with the industry having made an additional 250,000 barrels incrementally.
Lokpobiri attributed this growth to improved security in the Niger Delta region and the government’s efforts to address bureaucracy and inefficiency in the sector.
“Nigerian military, the paramilitary, and civilian contractors. The combined effort of these stakeholders have led to less infractions in our pipelines, less thefts, less pipeline vandalisation,’’ he said.
The government has implemented reforms, including the deployment of technology to reduce corruption and improve real-time monitoring of terminals and payments.
President Bula Tinubu has also provided strategic leadership for the oil and gas industry.
Nigeria’s oil production has seen a significant increase, with January 2025 production rising by 4% to 1.737 million BPD compared to December 2024. This growth is attributed to the completion of major divestments, with over 50% of Nigeria’s oil production now operated by indigenous companies.
The Chairman of Heirs Energies Limited, Mr Tony Elumelu, said the oil industry has been able to turn around the season of decline to that of growth.
Elumelu said the country ‘s increase in crude oil production to 1.7 million barrels per day in January attests to this growth.
He said that with the completion of the major divestments that have just come through, over 50 per cent of Nigeria’s oil production was now operated by indigenous companies.
“For a lot of people, there is trepidation that we can deliver. There is also optimism that we can deliver.
“Heirs Energies has been one of those companies that has stood strongly for growth, as demonstrated by the growth we have achieved in our company by doubling production since inception,’’ he said.
Elumelu said that the leadership discourse was informed by the need to chart a way forward for the company, as well as the country.
“As we embark on our second leadership forum, we bring our entire leadership to discuss the way forward for our company.
“We thought that being a child of the Nigerian petroleum industry, we needed to bring all the parties together to discuss the growth of the industry,.
“In that light, we felt it was important to bring together the industries to start talking about the growth.
“Now that it is us, the indigenous companies that are in control of a larger proportion of the production, we have to power it, we have to own the challenge, and we have to deliver to the Nigerian people,’’ Elumelu said.
Other industry stakeholders, including Ademola Adeyemi-Boro, Chairman of the OPEC Board of Governors, and Gbenga Komolafe, CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), also participated in the discourse.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa’s power utility company, Eskom, has reported a surge in attacks targeting its employees, resulting in R2.6 million in losses.
The attacks, which declined in 2023 but resumed in October 2024, posed significant risks to personnel and service delivery operations, particularly in the Eastern Cape.
According to Eskom, the Eastern Cape Region has recorded 19 violent incidents since the start of the 2024/25 financial year, including 14 armed robberies and five car hijackings.
One alarming incident occurred on January 4, 2025, when an Eskom employee was shot and robbed during a car hijacking.
In a statement, Eskom said its electrification sites and commuting employees are vulnerable, with most attacks concentrated in Mbodlana Village, Mthatha, Port St Johns, and Tsolo.
The company described the situation as “disturbing,” with criminals employing extreme violence, hijacking vehicles and coercing employees into transferring cash.
Eskom cautioned that should the situation persist, it may be forced to withdraw its technicians from high-risk areas, stating that this would inevitably lead to prolonged power outages and service disruptions, negatively affecting communities and businesses.
“We urge local communities to collaborate with Eskom and law enforcement to tackle escalating crimes,” Eskom appealed.
Eskom said it would continue to work diligently with National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Energy Safety Priority Committee to curb the crisis.
However, Eskom said it would be forced to cease operations in areas where employee safety is compromised.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The newly appointed Acting Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, Esq., has affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges with the implementation of the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM).
He assured businesses operating in the LPG distribution chain of the petroleum downstream industry of the NPA’s continued collaboration to deal with lingering issues and promote growth.
Mr. Tameklo gave the assurance when he toured LPG Bottling Plants belonging to Goil, New Gas, and Blue Ocean in the Tema enclave to acquaint himself with the new LPG distribution chain. He was accompanied by his two deputies, Dr. Sheila Addo and Dr. Dramani Bukari.
He stated that the NPA is very pro-business in the exercise of its regulatory mandate, protecting Ghanaian businesses that comply with standards and play by the rules.
Commenting on the challenges enumerated by the bottling plant owners, the NPA Boss said the Authority would address the issue of unlicensed companies offering LPG door-to-door services, which undermines safety protocols for handling LPG.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Gambia’s Energy Minister Nani Juwara has been recognised for his outstanding leadership with a prestigious congressional commendation from the State of South Carolina, USA.
This honor acknowledges his transformative impact on The Gambia’s energy, petroleum and mining sectors.
The commendation was presented at the African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Awards in Morocco, with Permanent Secretary, Mr Lamin Camara, receiving the honor on behalf of Minister Juwara.
Under Minister Juwara’s leadership, The Gambia has made significant strides in energy security, petroleum exploration and responsible mineral resource management.
Mr Lamin Camara(left), Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines receives a prestigious citation on behalf of the minister.
Notably, the country has successfully inaugurated the 225KV transmission line from Brikama to Jabang, enhancing electricity distribution, regional power connectivity and energy stability.
Minister Juwara has also strengthened the petroleum sector by attracting investment and advancing exploration efforts.
Furthermore, he has led the implementation of the Quarrying Regulations 2024, ensuring responsible mining practices, environmental sustainability and compliance with global standards.
With a vision for sustainability, economic prosperity and energy independence, Minister Juwara has positioned The Gambia as a key player in West Africa’s energy and natural resource sectors.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has assured the Nigerian Government of Ghana’s commitment to settling the $75 million owed them for the supply of natural gas for power generation in the country.
According to Minister Jinapor, Ghana’s current economic situation would make it difficult to settle the debt at once and has, thus, appealed to Nigeria to give Ghana a flexible payment plan.
Minister Jinapor said he had planned to visit Nigeria to negotiate a payment plan, adding that there has been a meeting between the President of Ghana, the Finance Minister and himself to strategically fashion out a plan to pay the debt to guarantee continuous gas supply after the ongoing maintenance and inspection exercise commonly known as pigging by the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) is completed in the next few days.
Jinapor who was addressing a section of Ghanaian journalists during a visit to WAPCo’s Tema Metering and Regulating Station on Friday, February 21, 2025, said the country could face a serious power situation if gas supply from Nigeria was curtailed because of the debt.
“I want to appeal to our Nigerian counterparts that if we can make a down payment while they give us some payment schedule. Mr President has already met the Finance Minister, and it does appear that the Finance Minister would be able to mobilise some resources, but the truth is that given the situation that we find ourselves in, it will be very difficult to make the entire amount at once, but I’m sure that our Nigerian counterparts are also very, very cooperative. Once I go there, I’m sure we will be able to have some solution because if by the time the pigging is complete and gas is not flowing, we are going to run into a major crisis,” he said.
Minister Jinapor said due to the ongoing maintenance and inspection exercise which is expected to end by March 2, 2025, the Government had to procure alternative fuels to keep the power generation plants in operation.
“So what we have done is to procure some liquid fuels, that is light crude oil and others, and the effect is that we are producing just to meet demand in the power supply chain,” he underscored.
The government has so far spent about $100 million to procure liquid fuels to keep the lights on.
The Energy Minister took the opportunity to express appreciation to the management of WAPCo for their steadfastness in their operations.
The Energy and Green Transition Minister also thanked all the power producers in Ghana for their patience in these trying times for the West African nation.
On her part, the Managing Director of WAPCO, Michelle Burkett, assured the Minister of their collaborative efforts with their Nigerian office to undertake the pigging process on schedule efficiently to secure gas supply to the Ghanaian power generators.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Former U.S. Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm, will join the boards of U.S. utilities Edison International and Southern California Edison, effective April 1, the two companies have said.
Edison International is one of the biggest electric utility holding groups in the United States. Edison International is the parent company of Southern California Edison Company, a utility delivering electricity to 15 million people across Southern, Central, and Coastal California.
Edison International is also the parent company of Trio (formerly Edison Energy), a portfolio of non-regulated competitive businesses providing integrated sustainability and energy advisory services to large commercial, industrial, and institutional organizations in North America and Europe.
Granholm, who was President Joe Biden’s Secretary of Energy, “brings extensive experience advancing reliable, resilient, clean energy solutions and deploying zero-carbon technologies from her recent service as U.S. secretary of energy and prior experience as governor of Michigan,” Edison International said in a statement.
“Jennifer’s experience as a leader familiar with cybersecurity, physical security and clean energy resources ? and known for working in partnership with utilities and other industries ? will allow her to make important contributions to Edison International, including SCE and Trio,” said Peter J. Taylor, Edison International board chair.
As U.S. Energy Secretary, Granholm and the department she led were overseeing billions of dollars of grants and support to U.S. companies, including utilities, to upgrade power system infrastructure.
These came from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which the Biden Administration passed to boost clean energy rollout in America.
Southern California Edison was part of a consortium, which was awarded last August a $600 million federal grant to upgrade 100 miles of electric transmission lines with grid enhancing technologies to improve reliability and deliver clean, affordable electricity faster.
The Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnership (GRIP) grant was awarded to a consortium that includes the California Energy Commission, the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Independent System Operator, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, and Southern California Edison.
Source: Oilprice.com
The UK could need up to $63 billion of investment in the power distribution network nationally to support additional demand and generation through 2050, double the current pace of additional investment, said the National Infrastructure Commission, the government’s independent infrastructure advisor.
The UK will likely need investments of between $47 billion (£37 billion) and $63 billion (£50 billion) by 2050 as a “step change” is required in investment in Great Britain’s local electricity networks. This investment would be essential to achieve the government’s growth mission and lower long-term energy costs for consumers, the commission said in a report on Friday.
The required investment levels would be at least a doubling of current annual allowances for load related expenditure, on top of business as usual investment, such as end of life asset replacement, the commission added.
The National Infrastructure Commission’s report says that with demand for electricity set to double by 2050, the current pace of additional investment in electricity distribution networks must also double to ensure the system can cope with rising demand and connect both new sources of renewable power and new electricity demands to the grid faster.
Investments, however, are constrained by legislation. Current regulation by the energy regulator Ofgem “is too complex and doesn’t encourage distribution network operators (DNOs) to make the proactive investments needed to boost network capacity and provide resilience to future climate impacts,” the commission’s analysis found.
In the report, the government’s infrastructure advisor calls for “a more proactive approach to both energy regulation and system planning.”
Ofgem is currently seeking feedback on proposed changes to the grid connection policy from a first-come first-served approach to prioritizing projects where generation capacity is needed the most and projects are at a more advanced stage of development.
The regulator looks to reform the current connections regulation which has become inadequate as some early-queued projects have fallen behind schedule while more advanced projects are waiting for years to connect to the grid.
Source: Oilprice.com
Speaking at the event, the Corporate Communications Manager of Vivo Energy Ghana, Shirley Tony Kum, said, “We chose the Chosen Rehabilitation Centre (Women’s Unit) because we deeply admire the incredible work being done at the centre to support women on their journey to recovery. We recognize the challenges that come with overcoming addiction, and we want you to know that Vivo Energy Ghana is with you on this path.
Leading this year’s initiative was the Local Payment and Loyalty Manager of Vivo Energy Ghana, Mercy Etrue, who served as the Inspiro for the event, inspiring the women at the centre with her leadership, encouragement, and commitment. Mercy Etrue emphasized the company’s commitment to elevating vulnerable groups in society.
She opined, “At Vivo Energy Ghana, we believe that Valentine’s Day is not just about celebration but also about making a meaningful impact. Through Energizing Hope, we aim to uplift and support those in need, fostering a culture of compassion and sustainability.”
She further gave words of encouragement to inmates and attendees at the event.
The visit featured the donation of essential food items and sanitary supplies, ensuring that the women at the center have the necessities to support their recovery.
In addition to these donations, a bead craft training session was facilitated to equip the women with practical skills that will aid their self-sufficiency and empowerment.
Vivo Energy Ghana also shared branded chocolates, symbolizing love, care, and support for the women as they work towards a brighter future.
The management and staff of the Chosen Rehabilitation Centre also expressed their gratitude for the support, noting the positive impact such initiatives have on the lives of the women at the centre.
Through the Energizing Hope initiative, Vivo Energy Ghana continues to demonstrate its commitment to corporate social responsibility, ensuring that love, hope, and empowerment reach those who need it most.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 
