Nigeria: NNPC Debunks Viral Video Claiming Its Fuel Doesn’t Last
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd has dismissed a viral video circulating online that falsely claims NNPC fuel is of poor quality and doesn’t last.
The company described the allegations as baseless, unfounded, and lacking credibility.
In a statement released on Saturday, February 15, 2025, NNPC Ltd reassured consumers that its fuel is carefully formulated to ensure optimal efficiency, durability, and environmental sustainability.
The company noted that a significant percentage of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) sold at NNPC retail stations in Lagos, where the video originated, is sourced from the Dangote Refinery, a strategic partner that adheres to strict industry standards.
NNPC Ltd condemned the video as a desperate attempt by economic saboteurs to misinform the public and tarnish the company’s reputation.
The company warned that it will take firm legal action against individuals or groups spreading falsehoods about its brand and operations.
“NNPC Ltd. will take a firm legal action against individuals or groups who intentionally spread falsehoods about our brand and operations. Those engaged in such malicious activities will be held fully accountable unde the law,” the company stated.
NNPC Ltd urged the public to disregard fabricated content and rely on verified sources for accurate information.
The company said it remains committed to ensuring fuel availability, affordability, and quality for all Nigerians while maintaining global industry standards.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Kow Eduakwa Sam Appointed CEO Of Bui Power Authority
President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Ing Kow Eduakwa Sam as the new Acting Chief Executive Officer of Bui Power Authority (BPA).
Ing Eduakwa Sam is a seasoned electrical engineer with over 25 years of experience in the power sector.
He replaces Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi, who served as Chief Executive Officer of BPA from September 3, 2021, under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration.
Prior to his appointment, Ing Kow Eduakwa Sam was the Head of Project Development at VRA.
At a symbolic meeting at the BPA Head Office in Accra on Friday, the outgoing CEO, Ing Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi, officially introduced Ing Kow Eduakwa Sam to the management and staff of BPA and handed over the company to him.
Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi expressed his gratitude to the Management and Staff of BPA for their support during his tenure.
He recounted his journey as CEO, which began on September 3, 2021, and highlighted the challenges and achievements of his leadership.
Ing Dzamesi emphasised the importance of teamwork and professionalism, noting that the Authority’s success was a collective one.
He expressed his confidence in the incoming CEO, Ing Kow Eduakwa Sam, describing him as a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the Energy sector.
Mr Dzamasi urged Management and staff to extend their full support to the new CEO to ensure a smooth transition and continued progress for the Authority.
“I am delighted to hand over to Ing Kow Eduakwa Sam, who comes with a wealth of experience from the energy sector. I am confident that he will build on the foundation we have laid and take BPA to even greater heights,” Dzamesi stated.
On his part, the newly appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer of BPA, Ing Kow Eduakwa Sam, expressed his gratitude to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minster for Energy and Green Transition, for the trust and confidence reposed in him.
He acknowledged the contributions of previous CEOs and commended their achievements in advancing the Authority’s mandate.
“I bring to BPA a wealth of experience and a commitment to firm, fair and proactive leadership. The power sector requires a high level of stakeholder consciousness, and I am determined to ensure that BPA remains responsive to the needs of all stakeholders,” Ing Sam stated.
He also highlighted the importance of innovation and urged the young professionals in the Authority to harness their creativity to drive the organisation forward.
“I see a lot of young talent here, and I encourage you to ignite your innovative spirit. Together, we can position BPA as a leader in the energy sector and a blessing to our nation, Ghana,” he added.
The management and staff of BPA extended their heartfelt gratitude to Ing Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi for his leadership and welcomed Ing Kow Eduakwa Sam as the new CEO of the Authority.
Profile Of Ing Kow Eduakwa Sam
Ing. Kow Eduakwa Sam is a seasoned electrical engineer with over 25 years of experience in Strategic Leadership, Project and Contract Management, Protection and Control Engineering, Control and Instrumentation Engineering, as well as Technical and Energy Auditing.
He holds an MBA in Management Information Systems from the University of Ghana (2004) and a BSc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (1998).
Additionally, he has earned postgraduate certificates in Project/Investment Appraisal and Risk Management from Duke University (2012) and Power System Analysis from the University of Pennsylvania (2011).
In his most recent role as Head of Project Development at VRA’s Engineering Services Department, Ing. Sam led a team of engineers in identifying and developing bankable conventional and renewable energy projects, including Solar PV and Wind, to expand VRA’s power generation portfolio.
Notable projects developed under his leadership include the Lawra and Kaleo Solar PV projects, as well as the Floating Solar PV project, which is slated for implementation by the end of 2025.
Ing. Sam is credited with the development of VRA’s Project Life Cycle (PLC) and project templates, which guide and standardize the development and implementation of projects at VRA.
Part of his responsibilities included reviewing and auditing VRA’s projects to ensure compliance with the PLC and Procurement Procedures.
He possesses a strong understanding of Strategic Leadership and has acted as Director on various occasions in the absence of the substantive Directors of the Technical Services and Engineering Services Departments at VRA.
Ing. Sam is a member of the Ghana Institution of Engineers.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Energy Minister Seeks Collaboration To Revitalize Petroleum Industry
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has called for collaboration to revive the country’s petroleum sector.
He pledged the government’s commitment to working closely with stakeholders to restore investor confidence and boost production in the upstream oil and gas sector.
During a roundtable discussion with members of the Ghana Petroleum Upstream Chamber in Accra, Minister Jinapor emphasized the need for collective effort to address the challenges facing the sector.
This move aims to enhance production, promote investment, and ensure the sustainable growth of Ghana’s petroleum industry.
Hon. Jinapor acknowledged the challenges facing the sector, including declining crude oil production, regulatory failures, and diminishing investor confidence.
He attributed these setbacks to poor decision-making and opacity in the industry, warning that Ghana’s upstream sector faces an imminent collapse if urgent measures are not taken.
“The petroleum sector, which once showed a promising future, has retrogressed rapidly in recent years, with crude oil production dropping by over 30% with exploration, appraisal, and development are at their lowest since 2017,” he stated.
The Minister in highlighting the importance of the upstream sector to the country’s economy, noted that crude oil contributed about 35% of Ghana’s foreign exchange exports and 20% of domestic revenue in 2022.
He also emphasised the cost-saving benefits of transitioning fully to gas-powered electricity generation, revealing that Ghana spends about $1 billion annually on liquid fuel.
To address the challenges, the Minister announced plans to review the country’s upstream petroleum policies and regulatory framework to ensure fairness, consistency, and transparency. He stressed the need for predictability in the sector to attract and retain investors.
“The hard truth is that the upstream sector faces imminent collapse if the current trend is not reversed. We must create an enabling environment for investment through policy consistency, transparency, and effective regulation,” he added.
He assured stakeholders that the government is committed to resolving key industry disputes, including the ongoing ENI unitization issue, which has affected Ghana’s international reputation.
As part of efforts to stabilize the upstream sector, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor emphasised that his office remains open for dialogue, suggestions, and constructive criticism.
“I do not claim to know it all. There is a lot more to learn from you, and together, we can turn this sector around,” he assured industry players.
Speaking on behalf of the Ghana Petroleum Upstream Chamber, the Chief Executive, Mr. David Ampofo expressed confidence in the Minister and his ability to safeguard the fortunes of the industry. He assured him of their support and commitment to reforms aimed at addressing pertinent issues in the sector.
The meeting was attended by 21 industry players, both foreign and local, officials of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, GNPC, and Petroleum Commission.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
“The petroleum sector, which once showed a promising future, has retrogressed rapidly in recent years, with crude oil production dropping by over 30% with exploration, appraisal, and development are at their lowest since 2017,” he stated.
The Minister in highlighting the importance of the upstream sector to the country’s economy, noted that crude oil contributed about 35% of Ghana’s foreign exchange exports and 20% of domestic revenue in 2022.
He also emphasised the cost-saving benefits of transitioning fully to gas-powered electricity generation, revealing that Ghana spends about $1 billion annually on liquid fuel.
To address the challenges, the Minister announced plans to review the country’s upstream petroleum policies and regulatory framework to ensure fairness, consistency, and transparency. He stressed the need for predictability in the sector to attract and retain investors.
“The hard truth is that the upstream sector faces imminent collapse if the current trend is not reversed. We must create an enabling environment for investment through policy consistency, transparency, and effective regulation,” he added.
He assured stakeholders that the government is committed to resolving key industry disputes, including the ongoing ENI unitization issue, which has affected Ghana’s international reputation.
As part of efforts to stabilize the upstream sector, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor emphasised that his office remains open for dialogue, suggestions, and constructive criticism.
“I do not claim to know it all. There is a lot more to learn from you, and together, we can turn this sector around,” he assured industry players.
Speaking on behalf of the Ghana Petroleum Upstream Chamber, the Chief Executive, Mr. David Ampofo expressed confidence in the Minister and his ability to safeguard the fortunes of the industry. He assured him of their support and commitment to reforms aimed at addressing pertinent issues in the sector.
The meeting was attended by 21 industry players, both foreign and local, officials of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, GNPC, and Petroleum Commission.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Angola’s Natural Gas Reserves Soar To 95 Trillion Cubic Feet, Paving Way For Energy Sustainability
Angola’s natural gas resources have been estimated at a staggering 95 trillion cubic feet, with 35.74 trillion cubic feet already discovered and the remaining resources awaiting exploration.
José Barroso, Secretary of State for Oil and Gas, revealed this during the handover of the Quiluma platform to a consortium of oil companies, including Azule Energy, Total Energy, Chevron, and Sonangol Energy.
The country’s natural gas reserves were previously estimated at 5.8 trillion cubic feet in 2023, but the continuous expansion of oil production has led to an increase in natural gas production, currently standing at 2.7 billion cubic feet per day.
The Quiluma platform, located in Zaire Province, has a processing capacity of 1.075 billion cubic feet per day and a production capacity of 5.2 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas and other by-products.
Barroso emphasized the need for strategic, efficient, and responsible management to ensure the sustainable use of this non-renewable resource and promote the well-being of the population.
Angola’s natural gas market has enormous potential, with possibilities for use in liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum, and electricity generation.
The government-approved plan in 2024 aims to establish an investment strategy for projects using natural gas and guarantee energy sustainability at a low cost by replacing more polluting fuels in electricity generation.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
African Development Fund Approves $153.66M For Uganda-South Sudan Electricity Interconnection Project
The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund has a massive $153.66 million financing package for an electricity interconnection project between Uganda and South Sudan.
The project, approved on 13 December 2024 in Abidjan will cost a total of $260 million, of which $153.66 million will be provided by the African Development Fund (ADF), the concessional lending arm of the African Development Bank Group.
The ADF provided a loan of $119.21 million to Uganda and a grant of $32.50 million to South Sudan.
The Nile Basin Initiative, of which both countries are members, receives a further $1.95 million grant from the ADF.
The European Union is providing a grant of 48.93 million euros to South Sudan, while the Ugandan government had committed matching funding equivalent to $17.44 million.
The project aims to integrate South Sudan into the East African Power Pool network to address electricity shortages and problems associated with reliability and affordability of electricity supply in South Sudan.
The project will also provide surplus generating capacity on the Ugandan market and will expand electricity trading between Uganda and South Sudan.
The project has five main components. construction of a 299-km electricity interconnection between Gumbo village, near Juba (capital of South Sudan), and Olwiyo in Uganda (149 km in South Sudan and 150 km in Uganda); construction of two new 400/132/33 kV substations, one at Gumbo and the other at Biba on the border with Uganda; and the expansion and upgrading of the Karuma and Olwiyo substations.
Other components include: the installation of distribution networks and 1,000 last-mile connections; project administration and management; capacity building and joint coordination, including a study of the cost of electricity services for South Sudan; and, finally, a resettlement action plan, including the restoration of livelihoods and an action plan for gender equality.
Uganda and South Sudan signed a memorandum in 2015 on the creation of a 400 kV transmission line between Olwiyo and Juba in order to address electricity deficits in South Sudan.
The aim was to provide a clean, reliable and affordable electricity supply to South Sudan while increasing electricity export revenues for Uganda. The memorandum mandated the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Programme (NELSAP) to coordinate project implementation.
The new interconnection will enable exchange of average 624 GWh of energy between the two countries each year, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving access to electricity for 286,710 people in South Sudan.
Project implementation will reduce kilowatt-hour tariffs for end users in South Sudan, in line with the recommendations of a study into the cost of electricity service.
It will also create at least 50 permanent jobs (including 15 for women) and 1,000 temporary jobs (including 300 for women) during the construction and operation phases of the project.
Bhebhe Themba, Country Manager for South Sudan at the African Development Bank, commented: “The project is essential for unlocking business opportunities, catalysing local industry and the production of goods. It will create jobs for young people and women, helping to reduce poverty by strengthening resilience and addressing the main drivers of conflict and fragility in South Sudan, in line with the strategies pursued by the Bank.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Uganda: President Museveni Commissions Mirama-Kabale Power Transmission Line To Boost Industrialization And Economic Growth
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has commissioned the 132KV Mirama-Kabale transmission line, a project set to revolutionize power supply, industrialization, and economic growth in the Kigezi sub-region.
Funded by the Islamic Development Bank, this power infrastructure aims to provide a lasting solution to frequent power outages that have long hindered businesses in Kabale and surrounding districts.
At the commissioning, President Museveni emphasized the substation’s role in supporting the mineral sector and other industries by ensuring a stable and sufficient power supply.
“With Kigezi’s rich mineral deposits, this power project will drive industrialization and create jobs through value addition,” he noted.
Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa highlighted the government’s investment of Shs300 billion in establishing the transmission line, with an additional Shs45 billion allocated for land compensation.
The project, completed within 18 months, guarantees a more stable electricity supply for the region.
State Minister of Finance Henry Musasizi stressed that the new substation would eliminate power shortages, giving investors confidence to establish factories without concerns over electricity access.
This development aligns with Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited’s (UETCL) efforts to expand power infrastructure across the country, as part of the government’s Vision 2040 and National Development Plan III.
With the Mirama-Kabale power line, the people of Kigezi can expect a significant boost in economic opportunities, reduced power outages, and improved living standards.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
“With Kigezi’s rich mineral deposits, this power project will drive industrialization and create jobs through value addition,” he noted.
Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa highlighted the government’s investment of Shs300 billion in establishing the transmission line, with an additional Shs45 billion allocated for land compensation.
The project, completed within 18 months, guarantees a more stable electricity supply for the region.
State Minister of Finance Henry Musasizi stressed that the new substation would eliminate power shortages, giving investors confidence to establish factories without concerns over electricity access.
This development aligns with Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited’s (UETCL) efforts to expand power infrastructure across the country, as part of the government’s Vision 2040 and National Development Plan III.
With the Mirama-Kabale power line, the people of Kigezi can expect a significant boost in economic opportunities, reduced power outages, and improved living standards.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com IEA Predicts Strong Global Electricity Demand Growth
Global demand for electricity is set to grow at an annual rate of 4% in the years to 2027, the International Energy Agency has forecast in a new report, noting this would be the fastest growth rate in recent years.
“The surge is primarily driven by robust growing use of electricity for industrial production, increased demand for air conditioning, accelerating electrification, led by the transport sector, and the rapid expansion of data centres,” the International Energy Agency said. The agency then went on to say that most of this stronger demand growth will come from developing nations, estimating their contribution to the total at 85%. The sure, unsurprisingly, will be led by China, whose electricity demand has been growing faster than its economy since 2020, the IEA said. In China, electricity demand last year grew at a rate of 7% and the annual growth rate through 2027 could average 6%, the report said, noting that the strong growth in recent years was driven by the industrial sector and more specifically “the rapidly expanding electricity-intensive manufacturing of solar panels, batteries, electric vehicles and associated materials.” “The acceleration of global electricity demand highlights the significant changes taking place in energy systems around the world and the approach of a new Age of Electricity. But it also presents evolving challenges for governments in ensuring secure, affordable and sustainable electricity supply,” IEA chief Fatih Birol said in comments on the data. The IEA is adamant in its predictions that the electrification of transport driven by energy transition policies is going without many hitches and will fuel a surge in overall electricity demand but there is reason to take these predictions with a pinch of salt. China, the world’s biggest electric car market, for one, is seeing a decline in EV sales in favor of hybrids, while other pro-transition governments have been struggling to get their EV domination plans off the ground. Source: Oilprice.comUAE’s ADNOC Signs Up To $9-Billion LNG Supply Deal With Indian Oil
ADNOC Gas, a unit of Abu Dhabi’s national oil company, has signed a 14-year agreement worth $7 billion-$9 billion to supply LNG to Indian Oil Corporation starting in 2026.
Under the deal, ADNOC Gas will export up to 1.2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas to India’s largest integrated and diversified energy company.
The agreement is valued in the range of $7 billion to $9 billion over its 14-year term, and signifies a major step forward in the partnership between the two industry leaders, the UAE company said in a statement.
The LNG will be supplied from ADNOC Gas’ operating Das Island liquefaction facility, which has a production capacity of up to 6 mtpa.
“As a reliable and responsible supplier of lower-carbon gas, ADNOC Gas looks forward to supporting India’s plans to make gas 15% of its primary energy basket by 2030,” ADNOC Gas chief executive Fatema Al Nuaimi said.
ADNOC Gas has signed a series of long-term LNG supply deals in recent years as part of its strategy to expand its customer base.
India, for its part, is expected to see its natural gas consumption triple by 2050 amid industry expansion and rising oil refining, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said last year.
As India sees fertilizers as a critical industry for its agricultural sector, and as steelmaking and construction are booming to meet the growing economy and population, natural gas demand will continue to rise.
India’s domestic production, although it has increased over the past two decades, will not be enough to meet growth in demand. So the country will have to rely on more LNG imports, considering that it lacks pipeline connections with major gas producers such as Russia or the Gulf petrostates.
India’s natural gas demand is set to jump by 60% by 2030, supported by an upcoming global LNG supply wave, a new report by the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA) showed this week.
Source: Oilprice.com
Ghana: Karpower Vows To Shut Down 470 MW Plant Over $379 Million Debt
Karpower Ghana Limited, the second largest independent power producer in the Republic of Ghana, has threatened to suspend power generation if the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) fails to settle a debt of $379 million as soon as possible.
The company operates a powership with a capacity of 470 MW located at Aboadze in the Western Region.
Last Monday, officials of Karpower Ghana Limited met with the new Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, at the Ministry during which they notified government about the rising indebtedness to them by ECG.
The company’s official told the Minister that they would not be able to continue to operate if the debt was not settled immediately.
In response, Minister John Jinapor appealed to the barge’s operators to exercise restraint while the new administration explored alternatives to settle the bills.
Ghanaian authorities should not underestimate the ability of Karpower Ghana to shut down its operations over the huge debt.
In January 2024, the Turkish company which operates powership in Sierra Leone and supplies power to Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone, suspended power supply over $30 million debt.
The power situation in the West African nation forced Energy Minister Alhaji Kanja Sesay to resign from post.
Should Karpower Ghana shut down its operations, it will likely lead to load-shedding management.
Ghana’s energy sector is facing a critical challenge with its debt burden escalating to over $3 billion as of January 12, 2025.
The IMF has raised several red flags cautions, urging the Government to undertake far-reaching reforms to save the energy sector from imminent collapse.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghanaian authorities should not underestimate the ability of Karpower Ghana to shut down its operations over the huge debt.
In January 2024, the Turkish company which operates powership in Sierra Leone and supplies power to Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone, suspended power supply over $30 million debt.
The power situation in the West African nation forced Energy Minister Alhaji Kanja Sesay to resign from post.
Should Karpower Ghana shut down its operations, it will likely lead to load-shedding management.
Ghana’s energy sector is facing a critical challenge with its debt burden escalating to over $3 billion as of January 12, 2025.
The IMF has raised several red flags cautions, urging the Government to undertake far-reaching reforms to save the energy sector from imminent collapse.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com India’s Adani Pulls Out Of $1-Billion Sri Lanka Wind Power Deal
Adani Green Energy, the renewables arm of India’s Adani Group, is withdrawing from a planned wind power project in Sri Lanka that would have seen $1 billion in investments, due to disagreements over the power purchase price.
Adani Green Energy has secured most of the permits for the wind power farms at Mannar and Pooneryn, including transmission lines.
But a new government of Sri Lanka has signaled it wants to renegotiate the tariffs previously agreed, seeking a lower purchase price.
Sri Lanka aims to reduce the purchase price to $0.06 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) or less, from the $0.08 previously proposed.
The government in Colombo has set up a committee to renegotiate the price, Adani Green Energy said it has learned.
Adani Green Energy Ltd wrote in a letter to Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment that it would “respectfully withdraw” from the wind project.
“It was learned that another Cabinet appointed negotiations committee (CANC) and Project Committee (PC) would be constituted to renegotiate the project proposal,” the Indian renewable energy firm said in the letter.
“This aspect was deliberated at the Board of our company and it was decided that while the company fully respects the sovereign rights of Sri Lanka and its choices, it would respectfully withdraw from the said project.”
Adani Group remains open to opportunities in Sri Lanka, it noted.
Sri Lanka and other countries in November began more intense scrutiny of the projects and investments proposed by companies of the Adani Group after the U.S. authorities launched investigations into Adani executives for corruption.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have separately charged executives of the Adani group of companies, including billionaire founder Gautam Adani – one of the world’s wealthiest people – of having offered bribes to Indian government officials to secure solar energy contracts and concealing the bribery scheme while obtaining funds from U.S. investors.
Source:Oilprice.com
Zambia: ZESCO Appoints Eng. Justin C. Loongo As New Managing Director
Zambia’s power utility company, Zesco Limited, has appointed Eng. Justin C. Loongo as its new Managing Director, effective February 7, 2025.
Eng. Loongo, who has been acting in the role since November 2024, replaces Victor Mapani.
Prior to his appointment Eng Loongo was the Director of Transmission, Operations and Trade.
He served the Corporation in various capacities between 1994 and 2016, including as General Manager of the subsidiary Kariba North Bank Extension Power Corporation.
Outside of ZESCO, Eng. Loongo worked at Lunsemfwa Hydo Power Corporation as the Chief Technical Officer from 2017 to 2021.
He began his career as a Graduate Engineer at Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines’ Luanshya Division.
He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng) Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Zambia and comes to this role with vast experience in Project Management, supervising renewable energy projects, packaging and managing EPC Contracts, and executing projects funded by bilateral and multilateral funding agencies and development finance institutions including the World Bank, the African Development Bank, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Dutch Development Bank, Proparco, Export-Import Bank of India, Export-Import Bank of China, and European Investment Bank.
He has negotiated various EPC contracts and mobilized financing for the 120MW Itezhi-Tezhi Hydropower project and engaged in different Public Private Partnership projects from conception to implementation.
Eng. Loongo is also adept at financial modeling, negotiating Power Purchase Agreements and conducting pre-feasibility and feasibility studies.
The Board and Management of ZESCO, and the Industrial Development Corporation look forward to Eng. Loongo applying his extensive and accomplished experience to lead ZESCO into its next phase of growth.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Acting GNPC CEO Reassigned To GOIL As Group CEO
The newly appointed Acting CEO of Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Edward Bawa, has been reassigned to GOIL PLC as Group CEO, effective immediately.
This move is part of President John Mahama’s broader energy sector strategy, as disclosed by Bawa on his Facebook page on Thursday, 13th February,2025.
Bawa assumed the role of Acting CEO at GNPC on 27th January 2025, prior to his reassignment.
His background includes serving as a Communication Specialist at the Ministry of Energy from 2012 to 2016.
He also has parliamentary experience, having won the seat for the NDC in the Bongo Constituency in the Upper East Region.
During his time in Parliament, Bawa served on the Mines and Energy Committee, leveraging his expertise in the energy sector.
Sources close to this portal indicate that a former Deputy CEO of GNPC, who was reassigned to the Ministry of Energy in 2017, may be reassigned again to GNPC to fill the vacancy left by Edward Bawa.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: OSP Probes Former NPA Boss, Others Over Alleged Embezzlement Of GH¢1.3 Billion
A former Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), the petroleum downstream regulator, Dr Sheikh Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has responded to claims by the Special Prosecutor that he and other staff members of NPA are under investigations for an alleged embezzlement of a GH¢1.3 billion from the Unified Petroleum Price Fund (UPPF).
According to him, although he has not received any invitation by any state investigative body nor has he been under investigation for any crime, he is willing to avail himself to assist in any investigation.
“My attention has been drawn to an announcement by the Special Prosecutor, Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, that I am under investigation for some alleged embezzlement of funds at the Unified Petroleum Price Fund (UPPF) during my tenure as the Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority.
“As of this afternoon, I have neither received any invitation by any state investigative body nor have I been under investigation for any such alleged crime.
“However, I am willing to avail myself to assist in any investigations of the alleged embezzlement of funds,” Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid wrote on Facebook.
At a press briefing on Wednesday morning, February 12, 2025, the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyabeng, informed Ghanaians that his office is investigating the former NPA boss and some staff members over an alleged embezzlement of a GH¢1.3 billion from the UPPF.
The three other individuals included in the investigation are the Co-ordinator of the UPPF, Mr. Jacob Amoah, NPA staff, Freda Acheampong, and another staff, Wendy Ashong Newman.
Background of UPPF
In the normal scheme of pricing petroleum products, the distance between the storage depot and the retail outlet determines the price per litre.
This practice is very common in most parts of the world.
However, in Ghana, fuel prices for all OMCs are the same irrespective of which part of Ghana you live in.
This is made possible by the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF) Scheme.
The UPPF ensures that the unified prices of petroleum products include an element representing, as near as possible, the actual cost of distribution.
The UPPF ensures that petroleum products reach the consumer wherever they live in Ghana efficiently and that fuel is transported throughout the country in a manner that is simple, effective and inexpensive to operate administratively.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
AEC Pays Tribute To Sam Nujoma – Namibia’s Founding Father, Energy Champion
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) pays tribute to Dr. Sam Nujoma, former President of the Republic of Namibia, and extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Namibia.
Dr. Nujoma was not only the country’s first democratically-elected president, but is revered as the country’s liberator and ‘Founding Father,’ having played a central role in fighting for Namibian independence. His loss marks the end of an era for Namibia, but his legacy as a visionary leader and a champion for national development will endure for generations to come.
Dr. Nujoma dedicated his life to securing Namibia’s freedom and laying the groundwork for its socio-economic growth. From his early years as a leader of the South West Africa People’s Organization to his presidency from 1990 to 2005, he guided Namibia through a period of transformation, fostering stability, reconciliation and sustainable development.
Under his leadership, the country implemented key policies that promoted economic self-sufficiency, industrialization and infrastructure expansion, ensuring that Namibia remained on a path of long-term prosperity.
One of the most significant aspects of Dr. Nujoma’s leadership was his commitment to energy security and resource sovereignty. Recognizing the crucial role that energy plays in economic and social development, he laid the foundation for Namibia’s modern energy sector.
His government prioritized policies that would harness the country’s vast natural resources, encouraging both local and international investment in oil, gas and renewable energy projects.
Today, as Namibia emerges as a major player in Africa’s energy landscape, Dr. Nujoma’s contributions remain evident in the sector’s growing dynamism and potential.
“Dr. Nujoma laid the foundation for Namibia’s energy future with a vision of sustainability, inclusion and shared prosperity. His commitment to unlocking the potential of our natural resources has been instrumental in driving the sector forward. We honor his legacy by continuing to build an energy sector that serves all Namibians and positions our country as a key player on the global stage,” states Tom Alweendo, Minister of Mines and Energy.
A champion for inclusivity, Dr. Nujoma believed that energy development must be mutually beneficial for all Namibians and should drive broader socio-economic progress. His vision extended beyond national borders, emphasizing the need for greater collaboration between Namibia and global partners.
This approach has paved the way for partnerships that not only advance Namibia’s energy sector but also contribute to Africa’s overall energy transformation.
Now, a slew of foreign operators is active in Namibia. These include France’s TotalEnergies, Britain’s Shell, America’s Chevron, QatarEnergy, among many others. Independent oil and gas companies such as Galp, Azule Energy, Impact Oil & Gas, Eco Atlantic, ReconAfrica and more are also investing in Namibia, supporting the country’s goals to create a sustainable domestic energy market.
“This is a dark period in Namibia but even more for the oil industry. He was a firm believer that Namibia will one day be a top oil producer. The only President to join us in our TAC meetings. Truly a visionary leader. And for that, we are grateful for the gift of his life,” notes Maggy Shino, Petroleum Commissioner of Namibia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy.
The foundations laid by Dr. Nujoma have played a large part in positioning Namibia’s energy market where it is today. The country is on track to become an offshore oil producer by 2029; has emerged as one of the world’s most exciting deepwater plays; is considered to be both a competitive and attractive market to invest in; and is strategically positioned to supply the southern African region with low-carbon fuels.
Beyond oil and gas, Dr. Nujoma recognized the vital role renewable energy can play in bolstering energy access, driving a just energy transition while unlocking new export revenue for the country. Dr. Nujoma was the author of Vision 2030, a strategic roadmap towards Namibia’s industrialization and global competitiveness.
The multi-sector roadmap features a strong energy component, striving to address gaps in natural resource knowledge; promote the adoption of integrated political, technical and economic measures; capitalize on Namibia’s energy resources; while accelerating diversification through investments in emerging markets.
By advocating for equitable resource management, he ensured that energy development in Namibia would serve as a catalyst for employment, innovation and industrial growth.
“Dr. Sam Nujoma was not just a leader; he was a revolutionary who understood that true independence is built on economic and energy security. His contributions to Namibia’s energy landscape have created opportunities for generations to come. The AEC honors his legacy and remains committed to advancing the vision he set for Namibia’s energy future,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
As Namibia continues to make strides in energy development, from oil and gas discoveries to pioneering green hydrogen initiatives, the nation will always remember Dr. Nujoma as the architect of a brighter and more prosperous future.
His leadership, vision and unwavering commitment to Namibia’s growth will forever be celebrated.
Source: Africa Energy Chamber