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Ghana Suffers Nationwide Blackout After Grid Disturbance
Ghana suffered a nationwide power outage early Wednesday after the country’s Interconnected Transmission System experienced a major power system disturbance at about 3:11 a.m. (0311 GMT), grid operator Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) Ltd has confirmed.
GRIDCo said the blackout was triggered by the simultaneous tripping of several generating plants across the national power system, resulting in a widespread interruption of electricity supply.
The company said it had activated its established system restoration procedures, with engineers and system operators working continuously in close collaboration with other power sector stakeholders to restore electricity supply as quickly as possible without compromising safety.
GRIDCo said a comprehensive technical investigation had also been launched to determine the exact cause of the system disturbance.
The grid operator apologised for the inconvenience caused and thanked the public for its patience and understanding.
“GRIDCo remains fully committed to restoring supply to all affected customers as quickly and safely as possible and will provide further updates as more information becomes available,” the company said in a statement.
Ghana: GOIL CEO Bawa Urges NPA To Mandate Technology Transfer In Petroleum Licences
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of GOIL PLC, Edward Abambire Bawa, has called on Ghana’s downstream regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), to make technology transfer a condition for licensing new investors in the petroleum sector.
Speaking at the 7th Ghana International Petroleum Conference (GHiPCON) in Accra, Bawa said the centrality of the issue was how licences are issued.
“The centrality of it is how we license. Our licensing regime must have a situation where these things are captured when issuing the licence,” he said.
“The licence should be able to give measurable ways in assessing how technical know-how is transferred.”
Bawa said regulators should focus on outcomes rather than inputs when evaluating joint ventures between local and foreign firms.
“If you were to go into a joint venture with a foreign company that has the technology and the capital, you need to be able to clearly indicate that in the course of that relationship there are measurable ways in which the technology that has been brought is transferred and it will remain,” he said.
He added that companies often cite the number of conferences and training programmes as evidence of technology transfer, but that does not guarantee competence.
“You can have four or five training programmes, you can expose people to technology and what have you. But in doing that you only can talk about statistics and numbers.
But in reality people do not have the competence. People are not familiar with the technology that is being used in the industry,” Bawa said.
He urged the NPA to emulate the upstream sector, where the licensing regime already sets out requirements for technology transfer.
“It boils down to licensing and how we structure the licensing. If we can do that very well and the regulator is on top of his job, trust me we will be able to ensure. This is a problem that is even found in the upstream, and I believe that in the upstream there are examples that can be taken,” he said.
Bawa said such a requirement would help ensure technology retention for local staff working with foreign operators in Ghana’s downstream sector.
Ghana: GRIDCo CEO Says Power Sector Reforms Doubled Ghana’s Transmission Network
The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) Ltd., Ing. Frank Asirifi Otchere says Ghana’s power sector reforms, particularly the unbundling of the transmission business, have significantly improved the country’s electricity transmission network.
Speaking on the topic, *”Understanding the Reform Landscape: What Has Changed Since 2019? From Evidence to Action: Reform Priorities for African Utilities,”* at the 60th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Power Utilities of Africa (APUA) in Accra, Otchere said GRIDCo was carved out of the Volta River Authority (VRA) in 2008 to manage the national transmission grid.
He said Ghana’s transmission network was largely obsolete before the creation of GRIDCo.
According to Otchere, GRIDCo’s immediate priorities after its establishment were to expand the transmission network and improve the reliability of the national grid.
“Since the creation of GRIDCo, the circuit kilometres of the transmission network have more than doubled. That is a testament to the impact of the reforms in the power sector,” he said.
Otchere said substantial investments had also been made to improve the reliability of the transmission system and enable the grid to evacuate electricity generated from renewable energy sources, particularly solar power.
As a result, he said, GRIDCo’s transmission network has been adjudged the best in West Africa.
Otchere said the reforms also opened the power generation segment to private sector participation, helping to increase generation capacity.
Despite the progress, he said, more work remains to strengthen the resilience of Ghana’s power sector and ensure it can meet growing electricity demand while supporting the country’s energy transition.
Ghana Ready To Share Energy Expertise With Africa, Deputy Minister Says
Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition Richard Gyan-Mensah highlighted Ghana’s achievements in the energy sector and pledged the country’s readiness to share its expertise with other African nations.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the sector minister, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, at the ongoing 60th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Power Utilities of Africa (APUA) at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Gyan-Mensah said Ghana’s electricity access rate currently stands at 89%, with installed generation capacity exceeding 5,300 megawatts (MW) against peak demand of about 4,700 MW.
He added that the country’s power transmission network records an availability rate of about 99.5%.
Gyan-Mensah also said the government had paid GH¢1.4 billion to clear part of the legacy debt owed to independent power producers (IPPs).
“These are not mere statistics. They represent businesses powered, hospitals running, industries expanding and lives transformed. Financial reforms have been the foundation,” he said.
Gyan-Mensah said Ghana is prepared to share its experience and expertise with other African countries to support the continent’s energy development.
He noted that sustainable utilities depend on sound governance, strong finances, reliable infrastructure and forward-looking investment.
He urged African power utilities to prioritize financial sustainability to strengthen their operations and support economic growth across the continent.
Ghana: From Rural Communities To Utility-Scale Solar: Samuel Kofi Kyei-Boateng’s Journey
In a world where climate change, energy security, and sustainable development have become defining global priorities, a new generation of African leaders is reshaping the continent’s energy future. Among them is Ing. Samuel Kofi Kyei-Boateng, a distinguished Ghanaian Renewable Energy Project Manager whose career has become synonymous with technical excellence, visionary leadership, and transformational project delivery.
With more than 16 years of experience spanning solar photovoltaic (PV) development, renewable energy policy, engineering, project management, and sustainable finance, Samuel has emerged as one of Ghana’s leading professionals in the clean energy sector.
His work is not simply about generating electricity, it is about creating opportunities, empowering industries, reducing carbon emissions, and building a more sustainable future for generations to come.
A Passion Born from Purpose
Every remarkable career begins with a purpose. For Samuel, that purpose has always been clear: to make reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy accessible while contributing meaningfully to Ghana’s economic transformation.
Armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Regional Maritime University and later a Master’s Degree in Energy Economics from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Samuel intentionally positioned himself at the intersection of engineering, economics, and sustainability.
His commitment to continuous learning is reflected in an impressive portfolio of professional certifications, including Renewable Energy Management and Finance from the Renewable Energy Institute (United Kingdom), Green Hydrogen Technology, Carbon Accounting, Solar PV Project Development, Project Management Professional (PMP), and several other internationally recognized programmes. These qualifications have equipped him with a rare blend of technical expertise and strategic business insight.
Building Experience from the Ground Up
Samuel’s journey into renewable energy began long before utility-scale solar became mainstream in Ghana. His early years at Toyola Energy exposed him to community-based clean energy solutions, where he managed the deployment of solar systems and energy-efficient cookstoves under the Ghana Energy Development and Access Project (GEDAP). Here, he witnessed firsthand how access to clean energy could transform livelihoods and improve living standards.
As Technical Manager at Kreg Energy, he expanded his expertise by overseeing the complete lifecycle of solar PV projects, from system design and engineering to installation, commissioning, quality assurance, and client engagement. These experiences laid the technical foundation that would later define his success on much larger and more complex renewable energy projects.
Shaping Ghana’s Renewable Energy Landscape
Samuel’s transition to the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) marked a significant turning point in his career. As a Technical Advisor, he worked at the intersection of renewable energy policy, market development, and international cooperation. Collaborating with local and international developers, government institutions, and industry stakeholders, he helped shape renewable energy initiatives that supported Ghana’s transition toward a cleaner energy mix.
His work involved market research, project development, stakeholder coordination, and facilitating partnerships that strengthened the country’s renewable energy ecosystem. It was during this period that Samuel developed a broader understanding of how policy, investment, engineering, and private-sector collaboration collectively drive sustainable development.
Delivering Africa’s Largest Single Rooftop Solar Project
Few achievements define an engineer’s career as profoundly as delivering a landmark infrastructure project.
For Samuel, that defining moment came at Helios Solar Company Limited, where he served as Project Manager and successfully led the development and commissioning of Africa’s largest single rooftop solar photovoltaic project, with an installed capacity of 16.8 MWp.
The project was far more than an engineering accomplishment.
It demonstrated that African industries can embrace large-scale renewable energy while reducing operational costs and carbon emissions. It also established a new benchmark for commercial and industrial solar installations across the continent.
Leading such a project demanded exceptional coordination among engineers, contractors, financiers, regulators, suppliers, and international stakeholders, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Samuel oversaw contractor procurement, project planning, quality management, Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), stakeholder reporting, risk mitigation, and overall project delivery.
His ability to align multidisciplinary teams, solve complex engineering challenges, and maintain high standards of safety and quality ensured the successful completion of one of the flagship sustainability projects within the LMI Holdings Group.
The recognition that followed reflected not only the project’s significance but also the leadership required to bring such an ambitious vision to life.
Leading the Next Generation of Utility-Scale Solar
Today, Samuel serves as Project Manager for Solar for Industry (SFI), where he is spearheading the development of a 200 MWp ground-mounted solar power project in Ghana’s Dawa Industrial Zone, one of the country’s most ambitious private-sector renewable energy developments.
The project represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s industrial decarbonization agenda.
Working closely with international financiers, technical advisors, contractors, regulatory authorities, and private-sector partners, Samuel is helping create infrastructure capable of supplying clean electricity at utility scale while strengthening the country’s energy security and supporting sustainable industrial growth.
Leadership Beyond Engineering
What distinguishes Samuel is not merely his technical competence. It is his leadership philosophy. He believes successful renewable energy projects are built on trust, collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
Throughout his career, he has led multidisciplinary teams, mentored young professionals, trained technicians, and promoted knowledge sharing across the renewable energy industry. As a Solar Energy Instructor, he has helped develop technical capacity within Ghana’s growing clean energy workforce, while his volunteer work continues to inspire students and communities to embrace sustainable energy solutions.
His leadership extends beyond project sites into boardrooms, classrooms, and industry forums where he advocates for innovation, professional excellence, and responsible energy development.
Driving Innovation for a Sustainable Future
The renewable energy sector is evolving rapidly.Emerging technologies such as battery energy storage, green hydrogen, electric mobility, digital energy management, and carbon accounting are redefining how energy systems are designed and operated.
Recognizing this evolution, Samuel has continually invested in expanding his expertise through advanced professional development, ensuring he remains at the forefront of industry innovation. His certifications in Green Hydrogen Technology, Carbon Accounting, Electric Vehicle Integration, and Renewable Energy Finance reflect his commitment to shaping the next chapter of Africa’s clean energy transition.
A Vision That Extends Beyond Projects
For Samuel, renewable energy is more than a profession. It is a mission.
He envisions an Africa where industries are powered by clean energy, communities enjoy reliable electricity, investors confidently support sustainable infrastructure, and young engineers find meaningful opportunities to build careers that positively impact society. He believes that achieving global climate goals requires more than technology alone. It demands visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, sound policy, and unwavering commitment to excellence.Every project he leads is guided by this philosophy.
Looking Ahead
As Ghana accelerates its transition toward renewable energy, professionals like Samuel Kofi Kyei-Boateng will continue to play an essential role in shaping the country’s sustainable future.
From designing solar systems for rural communities to delivering Africa’s largest rooftop solar installation and now leading one of the nation’s largest utility-scale solar developments, his journey reflects resilience, technical excellence, and purposeful leadership.
His story is a reminder that transformational change begins with individuals who dare to envision a better future, and possess the determination, expertise, and integrity to make it a reality.
The future of renewable energy in Africa is being built today, and Samuel Kofi Kyei-Boateng is helping lead the way.
About Samuel Kofi Kyei-Boateng
Ing. Samuel Kofi Kyei-Boateng is a Renewable Energy Project Manager and Professional Engineer with over 16 years of experience in solar photovoltaic project development, engineering, construction, and project management. He currently serves as Project Manager for Solar for Industry (SFI), leading the development of a 200 MWp utility-scale solar project in Ghana. Previously, he successfully managed the delivery of Africa’s largest single rooftop solar PV project (16.8 MWp) for Helios Solar Company Limited. Samuel holds an MSc in Energy Economics from GIMPA, a BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Regional Maritime University, and numerous international certifications in renewable energy, project management, and sustainability. He is passionate about accelerating Africa’s transition to clean energy through innovation, collaboration, and engineering excellence.
Armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Regional Maritime University and later a Master’s Degree in Energy Economics from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Samuel intentionally positioned himself at the intersection of engineering, economics, and sustainability.
His commitment to continuous learning is reflected in an impressive portfolio of professional certifications, including Renewable Energy Management and Finance from the Renewable Energy Institute (United Kingdom), Green Hydrogen Technology, Carbon Accounting, Solar PV Project Development, Project Management Professional (PMP), and several other internationally recognized programmes. These qualifications have equipped him with a rare blend of technical expertise and strategic business insight.
Building Experience from the Ground Up
Samuel’s journey into renewable energy began long before utility-scale solar became mainstream in Ghana. His early years at Toyola Energy exposed him to community-based clean energy solutions, where he managed the deployment of solar systems and energy-efficient cookstoves under the Ghana Energy Development and Access Project (GEDAP). Here, he witnessed firsthand how access to clean energy could transform livelihoods and improve living standards.
As Technical Manager at Kreg Energy, he expanded his expertise by overseeing the complete lifecycle of solar PV projects, from system design and engineering to installation, commissioning, quality assurance, and client engagement. These experiences laid the technical foundation that would later define his success on much larger and more complex renewable energy projects.
Shaping Ghana’s Renewable Energy Landscape
Samuel’s transition to the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) marked a significant turning point in his career. As a Technical Advisor, he worked at the intersection of renewable energy policy, market development, and international cooperation. Collaborating with local and international developers, government institutions, and industry stakeholders, he helped shape renewable energy initiatives that supported Ghana’s transition toward a cleaner energy mix.
His work involved market research, project development, stakeholder coordination, and facilitating partnerships that strengthened the country’s renewable energy ecosystem. It was during this period that Samuel developed a broader understanding of how policy, investment, engineering, and private-sector collaboration collectively drive sustainable development.
Delivering Africa’s Largest Single Rooftop Solar Project
Few achievements define an engineer’s career as profoundly as delivering a landmark infrastructure project.
For Samuel, that defining moment came at Helios Solar Company Limited, where he served as Project Manager and successfully led the development and commissioning of Africa’s largest single rooftop solar photovoltaic project, with an installed capacity of 16.8 MWp.
The project was far more than an engineering accomplishment.
It demonstrated that African industries can embrace large-scale renewable energy while reducing operational costs and carbon emissions. It also established a new benchmark for commercial and industrial solar installations across the continent.
Leading such a project demanded exceptional coordination among engineers, contractors, financiers, regulators, suppliers, and international stakeholders, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Samuel oversaw contractor procurement, project planning, quality management, Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), stakeholder reporting, risk mitigation, and overall project delivery.
His ability to align multidisciplinary teams, solve complex engineering challenges, and maintain high standards of safety and quality ensured the successful completion of one of the flagship sustainability projects within the LMI Holdings Group.
The recognition that followed reflected not only the project’s significance but also the leadership required to bring such an ambitious vision to life.
Leading the Next Generation of Utility-Scale Solar
Today, Samuel serves as Project Manager for Solar for Industry (SFI), where he is spearheading the development of a 200 MWp ground-mounted solar power project in Ghana’s Dawa Industrial Zone, one of the country’s most ambitious private-sector renewable energy developments.
The project represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s industrial decarbonization agenda.
Working closely with international financiers, technical advisors, contractors, regulatory authorities, and private-sector partners, Samuel is helping create infrastructure capable of supplying clean electricity at utility scale while strengthening the country’s energy security and supporting sustainable industrial growth.
Leadership Beyond Engineering
What distinguishes Samuel is not merely his technical competence. It is his leadership philosophy. He believes successful renewable energy projects are built on trust, collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
Throughout his career, he has led multidisciplinary teams, mentored young professionals, trained technicians, and promoted knowledge sharing across the renewable energy industry. As a Solar Energy Instructor, he has helped develop technical capacity within Ghana’s growing clean energy workforce, while his volunteer work continues to inspire students and communities to embrace sustainable energy solutions.
His leadership extends beyond project sites into boardrooms, classrooms, and industry forums where he advocates for innovation, professional excellence, and responsible energy development.
Driving Innovation for a Sustainable Future
The renewable energy sector is evolving rapidly.Emerging technologies such as battery energy storage, green hydrogen, electric mobility, digital energy management, and carbon accounting are redefining how energy systems are designed and operated.
Recognizing this evolution, Samuel has continually invested in expanding his expertise through advanced professional development, ensuring he remains at the forefront of industry innovation. His certifications in Green Hydrogen Technology, Carbon Accounting, Electric Vehicle Integration, and Renewable Energy Finance reflect his commitment to shaping the next chapter of Africa’s clean energy transition.
A Vision That Extends Beyond Projects
For Samuel, renewable energy is more than a profession. It is a mission.
He envisions an Africa where industries are powered by clean energy, communities enjoy reliable electricity, investors confidently support sustainable infrastructure, and young engineers find meaningful opportunities to build careers that positively impact society. He believes that achieving global climate goals requires more than technology alone. It demands visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, sound policy, and unwavering commitment to excellence.Every project he leads is guided by this philosophy.
Looking Ahead
As Ghana accelerates its transition toward renewable energy, professionals like Samuel Kofi Kyei-Boateng will continue to play an essential role in shaping the country’s sustainable future.
From designing solar systems for rural communities to delivering Africa’s largest rooftop solar installation and now leading one of the nation’s largest utility-scale solar developments, his journey reflects resilience, technical excellence, and purposeful leadership.
His story is a reminder that transformational change begins with individuals who dare to envision a better future, and possess the determination, expertise, and integrity to make it a reality.
The future of renewable energy in Africa is being built today, and Samuel Kofi Kyei-Boateng is helping lead the way.
About Samuel Kofi Kyei-Boateng
Ing. Samuel Kofi Kyei-Boateng is a Renewable Energy Project Manager and Professional Engineer with over 16 years of experience in solar photovoltaic project development, engineering, construction, and project management. He currently serves as Project Manager for Solar for Industry (SFI), leading the development of a 200 MWp utility-scale solar project in Ghana. Previously, he successfully managed the delivery of Africa’s largest single rooftop solar PV project (16.8 MWp) for Helios Solar Company Limited. Samuel holds an MSc in Energy Economics from GIMPA, a BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Regional Maritime University, and numerous international certifications in renewable energy, project management, and sustainability. He is passionate about accelerating Africa’s transition to clean energy through innovation, collaboration, and engineering excellence. Ghana: Parliamentary Committee Commends NPA For Downstream Petroleum Sector Oversight
Ghana’s Parliamentary Select Committee on Economy and Development has commended the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) for its regulation of the country’s downstream petroleum sector.
Speaking during a working visit to the NPA’s head office, the committee’s chairperson, Eric Afful, said the authority played a key role in supporting the economy and contributing to gross domestic product (GDP).
Afful said the visit was intended to follow up on previous engagements and verify information provided by the authority.
He said the committee was “not here as policemen” but to collaborate with the NPA, adding that it appreciated the authority’s contribution to Ghana’s development.
NPA Chief Executive Godwin Kudzo Tameklo thanked the committee for the visit, saying it reflected Parliament’s continued interest in strengthening the downstream petroleum sector.
“The authority is honoured to receive members of this committee. We have opened our doors for verification so that the information presented does not rely solely on the CEO’s account,” Tameklo said.
He said the NPA remained committed to ensuring a safe, efficient and resilient downstream petroleum industry. He added that the visit provided an opportunity to present the authority’s achievements, ongoing reforms and its role in overseeing the sector.
The committee also toured the NPA’s operational facilities, where officials demonstrated the functions of the authority’s technical departments and the systems used to support its regulatory oversight.
Tanzania Plans Pipeline To Supply Natural Gas To Uganda And Kenya
Tanzania plans to build a cross-border natural gas pipeline to supply Uganda and Kenya as part of efforts to expand access to cleaner energy and strengthen regional energy cooperation, the head of the country’s upstream petroleum regulator said.
Charles Sangweni, director general of the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA), said the proposed pipeline would transport Tanzanian natural gas to the two neighboring countries under a regional energy initiative.
Speaking at the Second African Youth in Oil and Gas International Conference in Unguja, Zanzibar, Sangweni said the project forms part of Tanzania’s strategy to attract investment in the oil and gas sector while positioning the country as a regional supplier of natural gas.
Read Also:Totalenergies To Appeal French Court Ruling Under Duty Of Vigilance LawHe said the pipeline would help improve regional energy security, deepen economic integration and encourage the use of natural gas as countries seek lower-emission energy sources.
Sangweni also said greater participation by young people would be key to the long-term development of Africa’s oil and gas industry.
“Greater youth involvement would help build the skills and innovation needed to sustain the industry’s growth while ensuring Africans benefit more from their natural resources,” he said.
The conference brought together government officials, regulators, industry executives and other stakeholders from across Africa to discuss investment opportunities, energy transition and ways to increase youth participation in the oil and gas sector.
No timeline or estimated cost for the proposed pipeline was disclosed.
Ghana Hosts 60th AGM Of The Association Of Power Utilities Of Africa
Ghana is hosting the 60th Annual General Meetings of the Association of Power Utilities of Africa (APUA) under the patronage of the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor.
The week-long meeting is being held from July 27 to July 31, 2026, at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.
The event is being held under the theme, “Accelerating Africa’s Electricity Market Integration: Advancing Regulatory Readiness, Regional Market Development and Strategic Partnerships.”
It is being organized in collaboration with the Volta River Authority (VRA), Bui Power Authority (BPA), Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo).
Approximately 200 chief executive officers, managing directors, general managers, technical directors and industry experts from APUA member organizations are expected to attend, alongside representatives of African and international institutions partnering with APUA.
The meeting will provide a platform for strategic dialogue, thought leadership, knowledge sharing and stronger partnerships aimed at addressing emerging challenges and opportunities in Africa’s electricity sector and energy markets.
Key events include the Ordinary General Assembly, the APUA CEOs’ Governance and Leadership Forum, the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM) Forum, the ANCEE Steering Committee Informative Meeting, and the APUA-IRENA-UNEZA Capacity Building Session on Energy Transition and Renewable Energy.
The opening ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, will be streamed live on the social media platforms of VRA, APUA and the other partner utilities in Ghana.
Delegates will also undertake technical visits on July 31 to power generation, transmission and distribution facilities, as well as training centers, in Akosombo, Akuse, Tema and Bui.
The role of the private sector and government in accelerating industrialization
Oil Prices Fall As U.S., Iran Pause Attacks
Oil prices fell sharply on hopes that a pause in attacks between the United States and Iran could help de-escalate the conflict in the Middle East, which had disrupted oil supplies and pushed up fuel prices worldwide.
As of Monday, Brent crude, the global benchmark, fell more than 9% to as low as $87.59 a barrel, reversing last week’s rally when prices climbed above $100 a barrel.
The decline followed comments by the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, who said attacks on Iran had been suspended for a second consecutive night to give diplomatic talks “some space.”
An Iranian military spokesperson said on Sunday that Tehran had also halted what it described as retaliatory attacks in the region.
The conflict triggered a sharp rise in oil prices after it led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane through which about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies typically pass.
Oil prices retreated to around $70 a barrel after Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding in June to suspend military operations and reopen the strait.
However, the collapse of the ceasefire earlier this month renewed concerns over global energy supplies, sending oil prices higher once again.
Last Thursday, Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel for the first time since May. Prices were also supported by attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthi militia, raising concerns over another key export route used by Saudi Arabia to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
“As the conflict continues to evolve, markets remain cautious given the twists and turns,” said Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist at Wealth Club.
Despite the sharp decline in crude prices, “there is still significant uncertainty baked into these prices and a reticence about whether negotiations will lead to a lasting breakthrough,” she said.
Nigeria: Mainstream Foundation Provides Free Medical Care To 2,408 Residents In Bida
Mainstream Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd., operator of the Kainji, Jebba and Zungeru hydropower plants, has provided free medical care to 2,408 residents of Bida in Nigeria’s Niger State during its 2026 medical outreach programme.
The two-day outreach focused on eye care and general medical services, with residents screened for cataracts and pterygium.
Patients requiring medication or prescription reading glasses received them free of charge as part of the programme.
Following the screening, patients diagnosed with cataracts were referred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Bida, where ophthalmologists assembled by the Foundation performed sight-restoring surgeries at the hospital’s ophthalmology clinic.
The outreach attracted hundreds of residents, many of them elderly, who arrived at the hospital seeking treatment for long-standing vision problems.
“We are in Bida again to address issues related to eye health, and once more the numbers are overwhelming,” said Zayyanu Illo, Programme Manager of Mainstream Foundation.
“The patients come in varying ages, male and female, and we prioritise the elderly, women and children. Everything we provide at these outreaches is free—from consultation, medication and reading glasses to surgery. We also provide meals and transport support for patients,” Illo said.
The Foundation said its medical outreach programme is aimed at improving access to healthcare for vulnerable communities by providing free eye care and general medical consultations to residents who would otherwise struggle to access treatment.
At the end of the two-day programme:
Uwa Musa, who travelled from Chanchaga, said he had been unable to afford a second eye operation after undergoing surgery a decade ago until the Foundation’s outreach.
Another beneficiary, Gimba Haske from Masaka, said he had lived with an eye condition for three years before receiving treatment through the programme.
Illo said the growing number of cataract cases highlighted the need to expand access to eye care services.
“The number of cataract cases we are seeing continues to increase, indicating that more needs to be done. We are considering conducting the outreach twice a year and strengthening public awareness campaigns on eye health to support prevention and post-operative care,” he said.
Mainstream Foundation said it would continue working with health institutions, including the Federal Medical Centre in Bida, to expand access to specialist healthcare services and help reduce preventable blindness in underserved communities.
- 2,408 patients were registered.
- 1,510 patients received medical consultations.
- 109 cataract surgeries were performed.
- 131 sight-restoring eye surgeries were completed.
- More than 2,000 medications were distributed free of charge.
- 688 prescription glasses were provided.
Uwa Musa, who travelled from Chanchaga, said he had been unable to afford a second eye operation after undergoing surgery a decade ago until the Foundation’s outreach.
Another beneficiary, Gimba Haske from Masaka, said he had lived with an eye condition for three years before receiving treatment through the programme.
Illo said the growing number of cataract cases highlighted the need to expand access to eye care services.
“The number of cataract cases we are seeing continues to increase, indicating that more needs to be done. We are considering conducting the outreach twice a year and strengthening public awareness campaigns on eye health to support prevention and post-operative care,” he said.
Mainstream Foundation said it would continue working with health institutions, including the Federal Medical Centre in Bida, to expand access to specialist healthcare services and help reduce preventable blindness in underserved communities. Totalenergies To Appeal French Court Ruling Under Duty Of Vigilance Law
French energy company TotalEnergies said it would appeal a June 25, 2026 ruling by the Paris Judicial Court in a case brought by several associations under France’s duty of vigilance law.
The company said the law is intended to promote responsible corporate conduct by requiring companies to identify and address risks arising from their own operations, those of their subsidiaries, and those of their suppliers and subcontractors.
However, it argued that the law does not extend to the activities of customers, over which companies have no control.
“TotalEnergies does not decide whether a motorist chooses to drive a petrol-powered vehicle, use biodiesel or drive an electric vehicle,” the company said in a statement on Monday.
The company said its role is to ensure consumers have access to the energy products they choose to use.
It added that requiring companies in the energy, defence, aeronautics and automotive sectors to manage risks arising from customers’ use of their products would be inconsistent with the objectives of the law, as well as the principles of legal certainty and the freedom to conduct business.
TotalEnergies also said the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) does not include customers’ activities within its scope.
The company said it would present these arguments before the Paris Court of Appeal.
Ghana: Fuel Prices Rise For Second Time In July As Middle East Tensions Push Up Crude Oil Prices
Fuel prices have increased for the second time in July following renewed tensions in the Middle East, which have driven global crude oil and refined petroleum product prices higher.
International benchmark Brent crude rose sharply on Thursday to US$100 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) traded at US$89 per barrel.
Meanwhile, the Ghana cedi traded at an average interbank exchange rate of **GH¢11.64 to US$1as of the close of business on Friday.
In response to these developments, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) over the weekend adjusted their pump prices to reflect changes in both the international oil market and the local foreign exchange market.
GOIL PLC, the market leader revised its prices, with Petrol (Regular) selling at GH¢14.78 per litre, Petrol (RON 95) at GH¢16.87 per litre, and Diesel at GH¢17.71 per litre.
Star Oil, the country’s second-largest OMC, also reviewed its prices. Petrol (Regular) is now selling at GH¢14.47 per litre, Petrol (RON 95)at GH¢16.75 per litre, and Diesel at GH¢16.67 per litre.
TotalEnergies increased its prices, with petrol selling at GH¢14.78 per litre and diesel at GH¢17.82 per litre.
Read Also:Pakistan Transporters Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Fuel Price Hikes
Shell also adjusted its pump prices, with petrol selling at GH¢14.78 per litre and diesel at GH¢17.82 per litre.
PETROSOL revised its prices, with petrol selling at GH¢14.39 per litre and diesel at GH¢17.78 per litre.
Gaso increased its prices, with petrol selling at GH¢15.15 per litre and diesel at GH¢17.70 per litre.
Benab also reviewed its prices, with petrol selling at GH¢13.80 per litre and diesel at GH¢16.95 per litre.
Goodness Energy adjusted its prices as well, with petrol selling at GH¢14.10 per litre and diesel at GH¢17.10 per litre.
Why Nigeria’s Electricity Operator, NISO, Needs Real Autonomy (Opinion)
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) was supposed to be different. Established by the Electricity Act 2023 and formally inaugurated in March 2025, NISO represented the sector’s answer to a decades-old problem: the conflict between operating Nigeria’s transmission and managing Nigeria’s electricity market cannot be accomplished by the same entity without compromising both functions.
The unbundling of these duties from the Transmission Company of Nigeria was heralded as transformative—a structural reform that would finally allow Nigeria to have a truly independent operator managing real-time grid operations and market functions with technical rigor, transparency, and autonomy.
Except that NISO has not been allowed to be independent. And the primary reason lies not in the legislation that created it, but in the persistent presence of another federal entity occupying the market space where NISO must operate: the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET).
The Architecture of Constraint
NBET is fully owned by the federal government. It was designed as a bulk trader and pool manager, yet over its decade-and-a-half existence, it evolved into something closer to a settlement organization—a financial intermediary that processes invoices between generation companies and distribution companies. The problem is structural: in a competitive electricity market, the system operator must be genuinely independent from trading functions. These roles have competing interests. The system operator’s job is to dispatch generation in real-time based on technical and economic merit to ensure grid stability. A trader’s job is to optimize financial outcomes within existing contracts.
When the system operator and the bulk trader are the same entity, or when they operate in close proximity within government, the independence erodes. When the system operator and the bulk trader report to different political masters—or when one is a federal agency and the other claims quasi-regulatory status—the result is incoherence and political constraint.
NISO sits at the intersection of these pressures. Its technical team has been tasked with making dispatch decisions that determine which generation reaches the grid. But those decisions cannot be made in a vacuum. They occur within a market structure where NBET still holds preferential relationships with government-owned generators like NDPHC, where PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) with NBET carry implicit political weight, and where the fed’s fiscal exposure to the power sector flows through NBET’s balance sheet.
The Real Costs of Constrained Independence
The consequences are not theoretical. NDPHC, which owns the largest portfolio of generation assets in Nigeria—over 5,000MW installed capacity across 10 power plants—faces challenges in dispatch allocation due to the absence of PPAs with NBET and operational constraints tied to its government-owned status.
This is telling. A national utility cannot dispatch its own generation efficiently because of contractual relationships with another federal entity. Meanwhile, as of March 25, 2026, only 2,908 megawatts was distributed to the country’s 11 electricity distribution companies, far below the already constrained 4,000-megawatt benchmark recorded earlier in the year.
The technical reality is that NISO knows what needs to happen: the system operator must be able to make fair dispatch decisions based on economics and grid stability, not based on which generation company has relationships with which federal agency. But politically, NISO cannot be the entity that “breaks” NBET’s arrangements or undermines the federal government’s exposure to power sector contracts. That political cost is passed to NISO, and the cost is borne by the grid.
Recent reforms have recognized this problem. Reforms in 2024/2025 began phasing out the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) as the dominant intermediary, enabling generation companies (GenCos) to enter direct bilateral agreements with distribution companies (DisCos). This is progress. But phasing out is not the same as eliminating. NBET still exists. It still holds preferential claims on government-owned generation. It still sits between NISO and market outcomes.
The Path to Real Independence
For NISO to work as intended, several conditions must be met: First, NBET must transition completely out of its role as a preferential intermediary for government-owned generation. If government wishes to maintain NDPHC as a strategic asset, it should do so transparently through subsidy mechanisms that are visible in the fiscal budget, not through contractual arrangements that constrain the system operator.
NISO must be able to dispatch NDPHC generation on merit, alongside every other generator, without political friction.
Second, NISO must have genuine regulatory independence from the Ministry of Power and other political actors. The board appointed in 2025 appears qualified, but appointment is only the beginning. Independence requires a clear governance structure that insulates technical decisions from political pressure. NISO’s dispatch decisions should be defensible on technical grounds, not subject to political override.
Third, all electricity trading must be conducted on the market, not through preferential federal arrangements. The move toward bilateral contracting and competitive trading is the right direction. NBET’s role should either transition entirely to private sector traders (who operate within market discipline) or be absorbed into NISO’s market operations as a regulated entity, not a federal political actor.
Finally, NISO must have the authority and resources to enforce its decisions. A system operator that cannot enforce its directives is merely advisory. The operator must have clear authority over dispatch, over ancillary services, over balancing, and over the technical standards that govern the grid.
Why This Matters Now
Nigeria’s electricity crisis is not a technical mystery. The constraints are known: gas supply is insufficient, transmission capacity is limited (TFL), distribution losses are high (ATC). But within those physical constraints, the system operator must optimize what is available. NISO cannot do that while operating under political constraints imposed by the presence of NBET and the federal government’s fiscal exposure to power sector contracts.
The Electricity Act 2023 provided the legislation for independence. The board appointments in 2025 provided the governance structure. What remains is the political will to let NISO actually be independent.
This is not about attacking NBET’s leadership or competence. It is about recognizing that two federal entities cannot occupy the same market space without conflict. If Nigeria is serious about power sector reform, it must complete the unbundling.
Let NISO be the independent system operator that the law intended. Let NBET either transition to private sector competition or be regulated as a participant, not a privileged federal actor.
The grid—and Nigeria’s industrial consumers—cannot wait any longer.
-Adetayo Adegbemle is a public opinion commentator/analyst, researcher, and the convener of PowerUpNigeria, an Electric Power Consumer Right Advocacy Group, based in Lagos. (Twitter: @gbemle, @PowerUpNg)
Kenya: SPE Board Of Directors Meets In Nairobi To Advance Global Energy Collaboration
The Board of Directors of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) has convened in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together regional and international leaders to shape the organization’s strategic direction and strengthen collaboration across its global network.
The meeting is focused on discussing initiatives aimed at empowering energy professionals and students while driving innovation across the global energy industry.
Dr. Riverson Oppong, SPE Africa Regional Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) in Ghana, is hosting the Board of Directors meeting.
The gathering reflects Africa’s growing influence in the global energy conversation and highlights the contributions of SPE volunteers, industry leaders, and partners across the continent.
“It has been an honour to witness Kenya serve as a hub for technical excellence, leadership, and collaboration—from the SPE Africa Geothermal Workshop and Student Congress to today’s Board of Directors Meeting,” Dr. Oppong said in a post shared by SPE on LinkedIn.
“Together, these engagements demonstrate the power of knowledge sharing, volunteerism, and partnerships in shaping a sustainable energy future.
“Thank you to every volunteer, speaker, sponsor, partner, and participant whose dedication continues to make these milestones possible. The future of energy is built through collaboration, and Africa is helping lead the way.”