Accra — The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor (MP), has officially inaugurated the newly constituted board of the Petroleum Commission, tasking its members with a strategic mandate to reverse the decline in Ghana’s oil reserves, enhance national production levels, and attract leading international oil companies to the country’s upstream petroleum sector.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Hon. Jinapor underscored the urgency of the board’s mission, citing the evolving challenges facing Ghana’s upstream oil and gas industry. These include ongoing international arbitrations, a slowdown in investment, and diminishing oil and gas reserves. He emphasized the need for bold, pragmatic leadership and strategic innovation to address these issues.
“The challenges of the upstream industry in Ghana have evolved over the years, with the recent ones being arbitrations, investment droughts, and dwindling oil and gas reserves and production,” Hon. Jinapor stated. “Local content and local participation, particularly in the core business of oil and gas exploration and production, remain pressing concerns. I implore you to be pragmatic and strategic in your decision-making so that collectively we can find lasting solutions to the issues bedeviling the industry.”
The Minister further called for robust regulatory oversight and sustainable development practices to ensure that Ghana’s petroleum resources are managed in a manner that benefits both current and future generations.
In his remarks, the newly appointed Board Chairman, Mr. Ernest Thompson, expressed the board’s readiness to confront the challenges ahead. “We pledge to work diligently and tirelessly to ensure that Ghana’s oil production is increased, contributing significantly to the nation’s prosperity,” he affirmed.
The newly inaugurated board members are:
- Mr. Ernest Thompson, Esq. (Chairman)
- Madam Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle, Esq. (Acting Chief Executive)
- Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse
- Mr. Crisler Akwei Ankrah
- Hon. Joseph Kwasi Mensah
- Dr. Hasiyatu Abubakari
- Mr. Hassan Thompson Osman
The Petroleum Commission, as Ghana’s upstream oil and gas regulator, plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sector. The new board is expected to bring renewed focus and strategic direction to the Commission’s work, particularly in advancing local participation and ensuring the long-term viability of Ghana’s petroleum industry.
Sankofaonline
