Ghana’s standing as a hub for African energy dialogue and investment has received a major boost following the successful hosting of the 7th African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) National Oil Companies (NOCs) Chief Executives Meeting in Accra.

The two-day summit, hosted by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) from September 14 to 15, brought together chief executives and senior officials from 19 oil-producing nations for high-level discussions on the future of Africa’s petroleum industry.

Their deliberations explored collaborative solutions to some of the sector’s most pressing challenges, including financing constraints, technological gaps, workforce development and climate-related pressures. 

Convened alongside Africa Oil Week 2025, the meeting underscored the country’s growing role in shaping the continent’s energy agenda and positioning West Africa as a prime destination for energy investment.

Opening the event, Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, reaffirmed government’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation and innovation in the oil and gas sector.

“Our collective efforts must focus on building shared infrastructure, deepening local content participation and embracing the global energy transition,” he said, welcoming delegates to the capital.

Delegates used the Accra platform to discuss shared infrastructure development, strategies to boost intra-African trade in petroleum products, and mechanisms to strengthen the Africa Energy Bank initiative—an emerging vehicle to finance energy projects across the continent.

Innovation and local content development also featured prominently, as countries sought to balance energy security with the global push toward cleaner sources.

Ghana chairs

Ghana’s influence within APPO was further reinforced when GNPC Chief Executive Officer, Kwame Ntow Amoah, was unanimously elected as the new Chairman of the continental body.

He succeeded Bienvenido Nguema Envo of Equatorial Guinea’s GEPetrol.

“The fact that Ghana has been chosen to host this flagship gathering demonstrates our country's growing importance in Africa's energy landscape," said Mr Amoah said after his election. 

"This forum has served as our instrument to respond not individually but as a community to the challenges facing our industry."

Industry observers praised Ghana for its seamless organisation, modern infrastructure and secure environment, describing the successful summit as a strong signal of investor confidence.

The meeting, they noted, enhances Ghana’s credentials as a preferred venue for major energy conferences and a strategic entry point for companies seeking to invest in West Africa’s oil and gas sector.

The outgoing APPO chairman lauded Ghana’s hospitality and for creating an environment conducive to productive discussions.

“This is a prime platform to share experiences and ideas for managing the ever-dynamic oil and gas industry,” he added. 

Impact 

Ghana’s own petroleum industry has expanded steadily in recent years, with offshore production and downstream opportunities drawing growing international attention.

Coupled with a stable political environment and improving logistics, the country’s role as a gateway for energy investment is now more pronounced than ever.

As delegates departed Accra, consensus emerged that the 7th APPO NOCs meeting had not only advanced Africa’s energy cooperation but also cemented Ghana’s place at the heart of the continent’s petroleum conversation—an achievement expected to attract further investment and future continental gatherings.