Perry Okudzeto with the award
The Africa Public Sector Conference and Awards 2024 (APSCA) has conferred the 2024 Visionary Leadership Award on the Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid.
The award is in recognition of Dr. Abdul-Hamid’s unwavering commitment to driving positive change and innovation in the public sector.
APSCA has also honored the NPA as the 2024 Africa Top 50 Innovative Public Sector Agency at the fifth APSCA held in Gaborone, Botswana.
It is in recognition of NPA’s exceptional innovation and impact in delivering public services.
In a speech, Deputy Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Perry Okudzeto, urged African countries to invest in energy innovation and infrastructure to ensure a sustainable future for the continent’s growing cities.
“Africa is blessed with abundant natural resources that can power a sustainable energy future”, he said.
The conference was held on the theme: “Promoting Innovation for Sustainable Development.”
Mr. Okudzeto noted that according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Africa could generate up to 22% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.
“Solar energy alone has the potential to transform entire regions, particularly in areas where the grid cannot reach. Moreover, renewable energy presents an incredible opportunity for job creation”, he said.
Mr. Okudzeto said to make energy accessible and affordable; Africa must leverage smart technologies that enhance the efficiency of the continent’s energy systems.
Mr. Okudzeto said while renewables are being developed, natural gas has been established as the bridging fuel for energy transition due to its low carbon emissions compared to coal and crude oil.
He said some cities in Africa are leading the way by using natural gas as an alternative to other fossil fuels for power generation—thereby reducing emissions, particularly in transportation, and ensuring stable electricity.
Mr. Okudzeto said energy transition in Africa cannot be approached with the same strategies used in wealthier regions.
“We must produce and consume more carbon in the short-to-medium term to bridge our development gap, even as we aggressively pursue renewable energy solutions. After all, the key to sustainable development is not just about moving toward clean energy but ensuring that no one is left behind as we do so”, he said.
A Daily Guide Report