The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has officially inaugurated the new Governing Board of the Petroleum Commission, charging them to bring renewed vision to the regulation of Ghana’s upstream petroleum industry.
The inauguration was held yesterday at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition. In his remarks, the Minister congratulated the newly constituted board on their appointments, noting that their selection reflects the confidence of His Excellency the President in their ability to steer the Commission in its upstream petroleum journey.
Hon. Jinapor reminded the Board that the role they have accepted is not only important but also demanding, especially given the challenges confronting the global and domestic oil and gas sectors.
He underscored the need for synergy, urging the members to pool their varied expertise in law, finance, engineering, policy, and resource governance to move Ghana’s upstream industry forward.
The Minister acknowledged the evolving challenges facing Ghana’s upstream industry. He therefore encouraged the board to adopt strategic and pragmatic approaches that deliver lasting solutions.
“As part of efforts to revitalise the industry, we have begun the process to amend the laws and regulations to introduce flexibility in the fiscal regime and increase predictability and transparency,” he said, adding that the Board’s contributions to these reforms will be invaluable.
Touching on recent developments in petroleum block allocations, Hon. Jinapor observed that the Commission has received multiple expressions of interest in the same contract areas and has proposed concurrent engagements with applicants. While acknowledging the strong interest from major international oil companies, he cautioned that Ghana must tread carefully to preserve the credibility it has built as a transparent and predictable oil and gas jurisdiction.
The new Governing Board is chaired by Mr. Ernest Thompson, a distinguished professional with years of leadership experience. He is joined by Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Mr. Crisler Akwei Ankrah, Hon. Mensah Joseph Kwasi, Dr. Hasiyatu Abubakari, Hassan Thompson Osman, and the CEO of the Commission, Ms. Emeafa Hardcastle, who collectively bring expertise spanning academia, public service, industry, and civil society.
New Governing Board of Petroleum Commission Inaugurated
