Ghana’s oil and gas sector is poised for a new era of growth and investment, with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) actively working to position the country as a top destination for energy investment in Africa.
The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and Africa Oil Week (AOW) have explored potential collaboration to enhance Ghana’s global positioning as a prime destination for oil and gas investments.
In a recent meeting between GNPC’s CEO, Hon. Edward Abambire Bawa, and Paul Sinclair, head of the Africa Oil Week franchise, discussions focused on leveraging the upcoming AOW event, scheduled for September this year in Ghana, to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), strengthen Ghana’s energy policies, and maximize the country’s oil and gas potential.
Hon. Edward Bawa, who is also presiding over the APPO (African Petroleum Producers’ Organization) Chief Executives Forum in 2025, expressed enthusiasm for the potential of these events to drive investment into Ghana.
The APPO forum, scheduled for September in Accra, will further highlight Ghana’s leadership role in the African energy sector.
“Our role in the APPO Forum, GNPC’s 40th anniversary, and hosting AOW all come together at a critical moment for Ghana.
“These events create a unique opportunity to position Ghana as a central hub for energy discourse, policy advocacy, and investment opportunities.”
Hon. Edward Abambire Bawa, CEO of GNPC
Ghana’s upstream petroleum industry is at a crossroads, with significant potential for growth. Since the discovery of commercial oil reserves in 2007, the country’s oil production has steadily increased, with major projects such as the Jubilee, TEN, and Sankofa fields contributing to its oil output.
However, Ghana still faces challenges in fully harnessing its oil and gas potential. Among these challenges are regulatory hurdles, the need for policy adjustments, and the balance between attracting foreign investment and ensuring national benefits.
Hon. Bawa acknowledged these challenges, underscoring the need for a continuous review of Ghana’s energy policies to remain competitive in the African oil and gas market.
“We must ensure that our policies are constantly evolving to attract investment and retain the value generated by our resources.
“Hydrocarbons will remain a crucial part of Ghana’s energy mix for the foreseeable future, even as the world transitions to renewable energy sources. It’s essential that we position Ghana to be a leader in the upstream sector.”
Hon. Edward Abambire Bawa, CEO of GNPC
Hon. Bawa also expressed GNPC’s readiness to collaborate with AOW in making the event a national success.
“This is a vital opportunity for Ghana to showcase its oil prospects, promote investment opportunities, and drive sustainable growth in the sector.
“GNPC is committed to ensuring that the petroleum resources of our country are efficiently harnessed for the benefit of the nation and its people.”
Hon. Edward Abambire Bawa, CEO of GNPC
Africa Oil Week’s Role in Driving Investment
Paul Sinclair, who leads one of Africa’s most influential energy investment platforms, emphasized AOW’s role in fostering partnerships and facilitating global industry collaboration.
Sinclair emphasized the strategic importance of integrating GNPC’s 40th anniversary into the AOW platform.
“This partnership presents a powerful opportunity for GNPC to further cement its leadership in Ghana’s petroleum industry,” Sinclair said.
“Hosting AOW in Ghana will not only bring attention to the country’s potential but also provide a springboard for the introduction of investment-friendly policies that attract major players in the energy sector.”
Paul Sinclair, head of the Africa Oil Week franchise
Africa Oil Week has become one of the continent’s most influential platforms for energy investment.
Over its 30-year history, it has attracted some of the world’s largest energy firms and continues to serve as a critical space for forging partnerships, facilitating investment, and discussing the future of Africa’s oil and gas industries.
Sinclair emphasized that the event’s legacy of success, coupled with Ghana’s growing potential in the energy sector, would ensure that the 2025 edition is a game-changer for the country.
Sinclair echoed the importance of a transparent regulatory framework, emphasizing that strategic partnerships between governments, industry players, and other stakeholders would be key to ensuring sustainable growth.
“We are at a crossroads in the energy sector, and collaboration is the only way forward.
“By working together, we can ensure that Ghana remains a competitive player in the global oil and gas industry.”
Paul Sinclair, head of the Africa Oil Week franchise
As the world navigates an evolving energy landscape, GNPC’s commitment to creating a sustainable, investor-friendly ecosystem is essential to securing long-term energy prosperity for Ghana and the broader African region.
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