At the 2025 Africa Energy Technology Conference (AETC) in Accra, the Chief Executive of Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, issued a rallying call for African nations to take charge of their energy futures by investing in gas monetization as a tool for economic transformation and climate resilience.
Addressing a high-level panel under the theme “Africa’s Gas Potential: Monetization and Its Role as a Transition Fuel,” Mr. Tameklo highlighted the urgent need for homegrown solutions to Africa’s persistent energy challenges. He pointed to the staggering number of 600 million Africans without electricity as both a crisis and an opportunity.
“This is not just an energy issue. It’s a strategic opportunity to harness Africa’s natural gas resources for power generation, industrial growth, and climate-friendly development.
“We must stop waiting for external interventions and lead the charge ourselves.”
Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, Chief Executive of National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
Mr. Tameklo emphasized the critical role of natural gas in reshaping the continent’s development trajectory. Specifically, he cited Ghana’s upcoming second gas processing plant (GPP2) as a major milestone.
“This facility is a game changer. GPP2 will meet over 40% of Ghana’s domestic gas demand.
“It will reduce our reliance on imported fuels, lower energy costs, drive industrial expansion, and support the government’s 24-hour economy initiative.”
Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, Chief Executive of National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
According to the NPA boss, reliable and affordable gas is central to ensuring Ghana’s energy security and economic inclusion.
“Gas is the enabler. With more gas powering our industries, electricity becomes cheaper, productivity rises, and we move millions out of poverty.”
Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, Chief Executive of National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
Mr. Tameklo acknowledged some stakeholders concerns on the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM), but reiterated the Authority’s unwavering commitment to safety, efficiency, and innovation.
“There have been calls to run the old system alongside CRM. We hear the concerns, and we are working through them. But the end goal remains unchanged—safety, accessibility, and job creation. That’s our north star.”
Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, Chief Executive of National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
He added that the NPA was strengthening its internal gas department to improve CRM implementation and extend cleaner, safer cooking solutions to more households across Ghana.
Financing Africa’s Energy Transition
On the financing front, Mr. Tameklo proposed that Ghana consider leveraging its Heritage Fund to support and de-risk major gas infrastructure investments.
He pointed to successful private-sector-led gas ventures such as Genser Energy as examples of community-benefiting projects that can be replicated at scale with the right public-private partnerships.
“Unlocking our gas potential requires bold and innovative financing models.
“We must be willing to explore domestic funding mechanisms, including the Heritage Fund, to catalyze investor confidence and bring transformational projects to life.”
Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, Chief Executive of National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
His comments resonated with co-panelists at the event, including Mr. David Pappoe Jnr, President of the African Energy Chamber (Ghana); Mr. Appiah Keyi, Director of Commercial and New Ventures at Kosmos Energy; and Mr. Peter Stuttaford, CEO of Thompson Energy B.V.—all of whom echoed the importance of gas in the continent’s energy mix.
Throughout his remarks, Mr. Tameklo underscored the need for Africa to lead its own energy transition with clarity, unity, and ambition.
“Africa has the gas. Africa has the people. What we need now is the resolve to connect the dots.
“This is our moment to turn energy deficits into development dividends. The time for action is now.”
Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, Chief Executive of National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
The 2025 Africa Energy Technology Conference provided an important platform for such dialogue, bringing together governments, private sector leaders, investors, and development partners committed to reimagining Africa’s energy future.
As Ghana positions itself as a regional hub for gas processing and sustainable energy solutions, the NPA’s proactive leadership under Mr. Tameklo is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s path toward energy security, economic empowerment, and climate resilience.
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