Kwame Ntow Amoah
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Kwame Ntow Amoah, has been appointed Chairman of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO).
His appointment was formalised at the 7th APPO National Oil Companies CEOs Meeting in Accra, where the outgoing Chairman, Bienvenido Nguema Envo of Equatorial Guinea’s GEPetrol officially handed over leadership to the Ghanaian oil executive.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Amoah described the appointment as “a call to deepen our resolve” and outlined his vision for strengthening cooperation among Africa’s oil-producing nations.
“Africa’s petroleum landscape is being reshaped by several factors, including financing, technology, workforce development, and climate realities at a time of global energy transition,” he stated.
The new APPO Chairman stressed that African countries must respond collectively rather than individually to these challenges.
“Our shared vision is clear: To harness Africa’s vast hydrocarbon resources responsibly, sustainably, and strategically,” he declared.
Mr. Amoah pledged to prioritise collaboration on the Africa Energy Bank, deepen trading and innovation partnerships, and explore practical ways to enhance cooperation between African petroleum producers.
He emphasised that “Africa’s energy future must be led by African voices, African institutions, and a strong African resolve.”
The outgoing Chairman, Nguema Envo, praised APPO as “a prime platform to share experiences and ideas for managing the ever-dynamic oil and gas industry.”
While acknowledging the sector’s challenges, he highlighted opportunities for innovation, diversification, and sustainable development.
The Accra handover comes as African oil producers grapple with balancing global energy demands and sustainable development goals.
APPO, founded in Lagos in 1987 with eight members, now comprises eighteen countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Angola, Algeria, and South Africa.
The two-day summit, held alongside Africa Oil Week 2025, brought together chief executives and senior officials from nineteen African oil-producing nations.
It focused on regional collaboration, innovation, sustainability, and investment opportunities.
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, also attended.
By Samuel Boadi