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Ghana: GRIDCo Appoints Ing. Frank Otchere As New CEO
Ghana’s power transmission company, GRIDCo, has announced the appointment of Ing. Frank Asirifi Otchere as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective Friday, May 8, 2026.
The appointment, contained in a circular signed by the company’s Board Chairperson, Kuukua Maurice Ankrah, also confirmed Ing. Samuel Nkansah as Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Finance and Resources.
Ing. Samed Abdul Ibrahim, currently Director of the Project Implementation Unit, has also been appointed Acting Deputy Chief Executive for Engineering and Operations.
GRIDCo has urged staff to extend the “necessary cooperation and support” to the newly appointed executives in the discharge of their duties.
Ing. Frank Otchere succeeds Ing. Mark Awuah, who was asked to step aside a few weeks before his mandatory retirement following a fire that gutted the company’s substation switchyard at Akosombo in the Eastern Region. The incident disconnected the entire 1,020 MW Akosombo Generation Station from the national grid, resulting in widespread power outages across the country.
Prior to his appointment, Ing. Otchere served as Deputy Chief Executive since March 2025. He has held positions such as Director of System Operations and brings over 28 years of experience working with VRA-GRIDCo, particularly in power system operation, planning, and SCADA systems.
He currently chairs the Power Planning Technical Committee, a technical body established by the Ministry of Energy to develop short-, medium-, and long-term plans for Ghana’s power system, including the Electricity Supply Plan. He also leads the Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire Interconnection Technical Committee, the Ghana–Burkina Interconnection Technical Committee, and GRIDCo’s Operating Procedures Review Committee.
Ing. Otchere holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc. Hons.) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and a Master’s Degree (MPA) in Public Administration from GIMPA. He is a Professional Engineer in the Electrical/Electronic Technical Division of the Ghana Institution of Engineering.
He previously served on the Load Management Committee established by the then Minister of Energy to oversee the Load Shedding Programme during the energy crisis of 2012–2015.
Beyond his professional life, Ing. Frank Otchere is a Reverend Minister in the Anointed Matrix Church, part of the United Denominations of the Lighthouse Group of Churches. He is married with four children.
Libya: Zawiya Oil Refinery Halts Operations Amid Armed Clashes Nearby
Libya’s largest operational oil refinery, located in Zawiya, has been shut down and an emergency declared following fighting between armed groups in the vicinity, Al Jazeera reported.
According to the report, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) and Zawiya Refining Company announced in a statement that operations were being “precautionarily halted” and that employees had been evacuated from the oil complex and port.
The NOC confirmed that all employees are safe and added that fuel supplies would continue as normal.
A Facebook statement noted that alarm sirens were activated “following armed clashes involving heavy weapons that erupted around the oil complex in the early hours of Friday.”
“These clashes resulted in several heavy weapons projectiles landing in various locations within the oil complex,” the statement said, adding that no significant damage had been reported.
“However, the clashes have intensified and reached the residential area adjacent to the refinery, making the area a direct target for heavy shelling and significantly increasing the risk of further damage,” it added.
Nigeria: NISO Urges Gencos To Integrate Plants Into SCADA For Improved Grid Stability
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has urged electricity Generation Companies (GENCOs) across the country to fully integrate their plants into the national Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to strengthen grid stability and operational efficiency.
NISO Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed (FNSE), made the call at the commencement ceremony of the SCADA Training Programme for GENCOs, held at the Mainstream Academy in Kainji, Niger State.
He described SCADA integration as a critical operational and regulatory requirement for effective real-time monitoring and dispatch coordination. According to him, the increasing complexity of power system operations makes accurate visibility of generation assets and prompt operational response essential for maintaining a stable and reliable national grid.
Meanwhile, NISO reiterated its commitment to improving grid reliability through reforms and investments in alternative energy projects, particularly hydropower development.
Speaking at the UK PACT Stakeholder Workshop in Lagos, which focused on accelerating the delivery of the Ikere Gorge Hydropower Project, NISO’s Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services, Mr. Babajide Ibironke, stated that the project could increase electricity generation capacity from 6–12 MW to as much as 250 MW, thereby enhancing power availability and grid stability nationwide.
Ghana: Expert Proposes Fuel Tax To Fund Nuclear Power Development
A Ghanaian sustainable energy expert, Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo, has urged the government to introduce a dedicated funding mechanism to accelerate the country’s nuclear power programme.
He suggested that the government could consider implementing a levy on petroleum products specifically to finance the nuclear initiative, rather than relying solely on support from existing institutions such as the Bui Power Authority and the Volta River Authority, which he described as “paltry.”
Wisdom, a former Director of Renewable Energy at the Bui Power Authority, emphasized that recent challenges confronting Ghana’s power sector should serve as a lesson.
He called for the country to expedite the transition from the second phase to the third phase of its nuclear power programme, ultimately advancing the construction of the first nuclear power plant.
This, he noted, would ensure a reliable electricity supply to support the government’s 24-hour economy policy and stimulate industrial growth.
In a related development, Dr. Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, recommended that Ghana adopt small modular reactors (SMRs) for its proposed nuclear power plant rather than larger conventional reactors.
During a recent online media workshop, Dr. Yamoah explained that SMRs, with a capacity of around 300 megawatts, are less costly, can be constructed in three to five years, and offer the flexibility to add additional modules as demand grows.
Madam Alberta Blair, an engineer with Nuclear Power Ghana, highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness, stressing that Ghana should begin upgrading hospitals, training medical personnel, and conducting community drills even before plant licensing.
Dr. Robert BM Sogbadji, Programme Coordinator for Nuclear Power Ghana, added that nuclear power promises stable and cheaper electricity compared to other sources of power generation, making it a key component in the country’s long-term energy strategy.
Ghana has long relied on hydroelectric power from the Akosombo Dam and thermal plants for its electricity supply. However, rising energy demand, climate variability affecting hydropower, and fluctuating costs of fossil fuels have highlighted the need for a diversified energy mix.
The government’s nuclear power programme, first proposed in the 1990s, aims to provide reliable baseload power, support industrialization, and reduce reliance on imported fuels.
Small modular reactors are gaining attention globally as a flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional large-scale nuclear plants.
Zambia: Three Arrested In Illegal Fuel Operation
Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board (ERB), ), in collaboration with the Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Illegal Fuel Vending led by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), has uncovered a coordinated illegal fuel operation through a registered Oil Marketing Company (OMC) Manyanya Oils Limited.
The investigation led to the arrest of three individuals connected to the company in Nakonde District.
The arrests followed a targeted, intelligence-driven enforcement operation designed to dismantle illegal activities in the petroleum sector that threaten regulatory compliance, public safety, and national economic interests.
Authorities say the offences were not isolated incidents, but part of a broader scheme conducted through the operations of Manyanya Oils Limited. In a joint statement issued Thursday, authorities identified the suspects as Charles Sinkamba, 23, who is the director and main shareholder of the company; Martha Nakamba, 28; and Carter Ngosa, 43. Preliminary findings suggest that these individuals acted in their respective capacities at Manyanya Oils Limited, indicating institutional involvement in the illegal activities under investigation. They have since been formally charged with multiple offences, including dumping of petroleum products, contrary to Regulation 11(2) of the Energy Regulation (Petroleum Marking and Monitoring) Regulations and possession of over-marked and non-conforming petroleum products, contrary to Regulation 12(1) and (2) of the same regulations. During the operation, law enforcement officers intercepted a tanker truck with suspicious registration plates, AJD 6372 and AIE 7102. A subsequent search revealed a suspected original foreign registration plate, T353 DUF, concealed within the cabin, indicating a deliberate attempt to conceal and misrepresent the tanker’s true identity and origin. Further verification established that AJD 6372 (the tanker horse) is registered in the name of Manyanya Oils Limited, while AIE 7102 (the trailer) is registered to a separate entity, though it was being operated as part of the same unit. The tanker was intercepted while offloading petroleum products suspected to be unmarked. Investigations revealed that approximately 16,000 litres had already been discharged into the underground storage tank at Manyanya Oils Limited’s facility and that this quantity was over-marked by 206.1 percent. The remaining 11,000 litres in the tanker were found to be completely unmarked, clearly indicating deliberate tampering and non-compliance with national petroleum marking standards. The suspects are currently awaiting court appearances, as the Task Force continues to pursue other individuals believed to be linked to the illegal fuel operation.São Tomé & Príncipe Invites Proposals For Three Offshore Oil Blocks
The National Petroleum Agency of São Tomé and Príncipe (ANP-STP) has announced the availability of three offshore blocks for oil and gas exploration in the western part of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Eligible oil companies are invited to submit their technical and financial proposals to acquire up to 85% Participating Interest in Blocks 7, 8, and 9, in accordance with the Framework Law on Petroleum Operations – Law No. 16/2009.
Interested applicants are advised to submit their proposals to the Executive Director of ANP-STP, clearly indicating the concerned block and including the following information:- Company name
- Full address
- Director/Person in charge
- A brief company overview, including financial information and a list of major shareholders
- Certificate of commercial registration and Articles of Association
- Credit rating in accordance with Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s, if applicable
- Balance sheet and income statement for the last three fiscal years
- Brief overview of experience in deepwater oil and gas exploration
- In the case of a consortium, a statement of intent to form the consortium, defining the participants and the Operator, signed by all parties
AkkuX Selects Elisa Industriq’s Gridle To Optimize Grid-scale Battery Projects In Finland
Finnish battery project company AkkuX Oy and Gridle, the energy optimization unit of Elisa Industriq, have signed an agreement covering the optimization and electricity market participation of grid-scale battery energy storage systems in Finland.
Under the agreement, Gridle will provide optimization and route-to-market services for AkkuX’s battery projects across electricity wholesale and balancing services markets.
Oulu-based AkkuX will remain responsible for the development and ownership of the battery assets.The first project under this agreement is a 5MW /10 MWh battery energy storage systems in Outokumpu, Finland, which is expected to enter operation later this year.
The battery represents a commercially driven investment, with revenues maximized through participation in electricity wholesale markets and Fingrid’s balancing services markets, contributing to the stability and balancing of the Finnish power system.“Gridle brings mission-critical reliability and proven experience in battery optimization, which gives us confidence as we continue to scale our project portfolio. As part of Elisa Industriq, Gridle has the resources to continuously develop the optimization and generate the best possible results for us,” says Teemu Manninen, CEO of AkkuX.
The agreement establishes a framework for long-term operational cooperation as AkkuX expands its grid-scale battery project pipeline in Finland.
“For Gridle, grid-scale battery optimization is fundamentally about long-term partnerships. Gridle was built to operate critical energy assets in complex market environments over their full lifecycle. Working with a dedicated battery project developer like AkkuX allows us to build scalable, long-term cooperation that delivers value both to the asset owner and to the power system,” says Markus Logren, Business Lead of Gridle, Elisa Industriq.
Earlier this year, Gridle announced several new grid-scale battery optimization projects, including partnerships with Nivos and Vantaan Energia.
Zambia: Energy Ministry Advocates Support For Proposed Petroleum Bill
Zambia’s Ministry of Energy appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Parastatal Bodies, chaired by Shiwang’andu Member of Parliament Stephen Kampyongo, to justify the need for a new Petroleum Bill to replace the current Petroleum Act.
Presenting the submissions, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Grace Tonga, noted that the proposed Bill seeks to repeal and replace the outdated Petroleum Act No. 28 of 1930, aligning the petroleum sector with modern standards and international best practices.
The Bill is also intended to enhance the security of petroleum supply in the country and introduce a uniform pricing mechanism through the establishment of the Uniform Petroleum Pricing Fund.
Ms. Tonga explained that the legislation seeks to provide a comprehensive framework for the importation, exportation, transportation, distribution, retail, wholesale marketing, and storage of petroleum products. Additionally, the Bill addresses matters related to the regulation and effective management of the petroleum sector.
She appealed to the Committee to support the proposed legislation, emphasizing that it would strengthen efficiency, transparency, and sustainability in the petroleum industry.
Meanwhile, Committee Chairperson Stephen Kampyongo urged the Ministry to harmonize the roles of the Ministry of Energy and the Energy Regulation Board within the proposed legislation to avoid overlaps in its implementation.
Nigeria: Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman Convicted For Diverting ₦33.8bn From Power Projects”
Nigeria’s former Minister of Power under the late Buhari administration, Saleh Mamman, has been convicted on twelve (12) counts of fraud and money laundering by a Federal High Court in Abuja, Vanguardngr.com reported, citing court proceedings on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
The court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, stated that it was satisfied that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had successfully established Mamman’s culpability beyond any reasonable doubt.
Mamman was arrested in 2021, a few months after his removal from office by the late President Muhammadu Buhari. The EFCC found him complicit in the illegal diversion of public funds totaling approximately ₦33.8 billion, earmarked for power projects.
According to court proceedings, the convict made cash payment of $655,700 (approximately ₦200 million) for landed property in Abuja without using a financial institution. The court also found him guilty of criminal breach of trust in relation to funds released by the federal government for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant projects.
Most of the funds, the court noted, were siphoned through Bureau de Change operators (BDCs), who converted the money into foreign currencies and handed it over to Mamman.
“The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming compared to the scanty and almost absent defense presented by the defendant. He did not provide any credible evidence to rebut the prosecution’s case,” Justice Omotosho said, according to Vanguardngr.com.
The trial judge criticized the former minister for prioritizing personal wealth over national development. “Rather than leaving a legacy to tackle the epileptic power supply in the country, the defendant was living large at the expense of ordinary citizens. Little wonder Nigerians have remained in darkness till today,” he added.
Mamman was absent when the court delivered the verdict, according to multiple news sources. Consequently, the court deferred his sentencing, while the EFCC applied for a warrant of arrest to be issued against him.
Hormuz Must Remain Under Iran’s Control, Foreign Forces Must Leave Region, Says Ex-IRGC Official
Mohsen Rezaei, a former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and current member of Iran’s Expediency Council, has said that Iran “will not negotiate the nuclear issue with anyone” and that control over the Strait of Hormuz must remain in Iranian hands, according to Iran’s ISNA news agency.
“If control and management of the Strait of Hormuz pass out of Iran’s hands, the enemy will once again weaponise it against Iran and its people,” Rezaei warned.
“The Iranian model emphasises that the region must provide its own security; foreign forces — whether American or European — must leave,” he added, according to ISNA.
Ghana Seeks UAE Investment To Boost Oil And Gas Storage, Strengthen Energy Security
Ghana has invited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to invest in its petroleum downstream sector, particularly in oil and gas storage facilities, to enhance petroleum product security in West Africa.
On Wednesday, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana met with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss energy cooperation, including the UAE’s potential investment in Ghana’s oil and gas storage infrastructure.
The talks took place on the sidelines of the “Make it in the Emirates 2026” summit at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
The two leaders also addressed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, acknowledging the UAE’s delicate position as a regional buffer. Both expressed hope for a swift resolution to US-Iran hostilities, noting that restoring peace would allow the global community to refocus on sustainable development and innovation.
Beyond traditional fossil fuels, they emphasized the importance of diversifying energy portfolios. They explored alternative approaches to securing the energy sector, highlighting a transition to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and solar power to reduce reliance on crude oil.
Discussions also centered on strengthening bilateral ties for the benefit of both nations, with a focus on trade, investment, renewable energy, innovation, technology, and artificial intelligence.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the deep historical ties between Ghana and the UAE. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed described Ghana as a “peaceful partner” and a “secure, stable democracy,” highlighting significant opportunities for mutual growth.
Both leaders expressed optimism that their renewed partnership would yield tangible advancements in trade, investment, and sustainable energy, benefiting both nations for years to come.
US Forces Shoot Iranian Vessel In The Gulf Of Oman
The US Central Command has stated that it shot at and disabled an Iranian-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman.
In a social media post, the US military said the tanker, named M/T Hasna, was attempting to sail to an Iranian port in defiance of the US blockade.
After repeated warnings, US forces fired at the vessel with a cannon gun mounted on a Navy jet, disabling it, the post said.
“Hasna is no longer transiting to Iran,” the statement read. “The US blockade against ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports remains in full effect.”
Libya: Oil And Gas Output From Attifel Field Rises
Libya has recorded a significant increase in oil and gas production following a series of maintenance operations at its Abu Attifel field, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced.
Gas production from the Abu Attifel field, operated by Mellitah Oil & Gas, rose from 4,261 to 5,582 million cubic feet per day, while wellhead pressure also increased significantly to 1,000 PSI, indicating that the well has returned to full production capacity.
In a related development, technical teams successfully restarted the KK-1 well, which had been completely shut down, following a successful scale removal operation. The well is now producing 1,187 barrels of oil and 2.715 million cubic feet of gas per day, with water- and impurity-free production.
These achievements are part of the NOC’s strategic plan to boost production levels and maximize the country’s resources.
They also highlight the effectiveness of national teams in executing maintenance and optimization programs, ensuring the long-term sustainability of operations and supporting the sector’s ambitious targets.
Experts note that the improvements at Abu Attifel are expected to contribute significantly to Libya’s overall oil and gas output, reinforcing the country’s position as a key energy supplier in the region.
The enhanced production capacity is also likely to attract renewed foreign investment and strengthen Libya’s economic stability.
The NOC emphasized that ongoing maintenance programs, technological upgrades, and skilled workforce development remain critical components of its strategy to meet both domestic energy demands and international market commitments.
APPO Urges Members To Uphold OPEC Principles
The African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) has urged its member countries that are also part of OPEC to continue placing full trust in the organization and to demonstrate solidarity and active commitment to the ideals and principles of the oil cartel.
APPO believes that the ongoing participation of its members in OPEC is not only a factor of cohesion among producers but also a means of ensuring predictability and stability in the international oil market.
According to APPO, the trust of its members remains an essential factor for stability, dialogue, and cooperation, benefiting the member countries, their economies, and the global oil market as a whole.
In a statement signed by Farid Ghezali, Secretary General of APPO, the organization reaffirmed its united and constructive support for OPEC, emphasizing that this support represents not only institutional solidarity but also a collective responsibility toward global market stability and the energy security of its member countries.
The statement comes in the wake of the UAE’s recent exit from OPEC.