By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Takoradi
Topside Energy, in partnership with the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC), has organised the Ghana Energy Week 2024 in Takoradi.
Attended by stakeholders from the oil and gas sector, it had the theme ‘Renaissance of Ghana’s energy; the renewed commitment toward inclusive and sustainable energy transition, Decarbonisation, and making energy poverty history for economic diversification’.
Topics discussed include ‘The role of natural gas in the Ghana energy transition’, ‘Ghana’s Energy Investment climate observations and areas to improve to attract Exploration and Production (E&P) investments to boost the economy’, ‘Inclusive and sustainable clean energy, energy transition and oil and gas infrastructure development’, among others.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, Western Regional Minister, noted that Ghana’s ambitious target of increasing renewable energy output to 10 percent of the energy mix by 2030, requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders
He explained that stakeholder involvement is vital for the success of government policies, especially during this period of transition from state-owned to private sector involvement in energy production.
“The transformation of Ghana’s energy system is one of the most significant undertakings in our nation’s history. Government is taking action to speed up with the energy transition, secure our industrial base through a diversified energy generation mix; and we are now firmly moving into the age of renewables,” he added.
Mr. Darko-Mensah pointed out that Ghana has vast energy needs and must surely reach its potential.
He said: “As we continue on the path of green energy, we are confronted with the question of how regulation can continue to support emissions reduction while delivering affordable, reliable energy to all Ghanaians. The good news is that we have made genuine progress in addressing climate change and taken significant steps toward de-carbonisation”.
He said the country’s huge potential of energy resources, when fully harnessed and used efficiently, will enhance energy security, create jobs, stimulate local economies and attract investments.
Ing. Jedidiah Aryeepah, Executive Director of Topside Energy, noted that the economic structure and dynamics of the Western Region have evolved over the last decade as a result of oil and gas activities.
In light of this, he said the economic prospects of the region are directly impacted by fluctuations in the industry. Currently, the housing sector, fishing, farming and hospitality businesses all revolve around the industry. Several peripheral economic activities have emerged, all of which are tied to the oil and gas industry, he added.
He continued: “This has been my major worry over the last couple of years with the issue of energy transition and its consequential implication for financing oil and gas projects in developing countries”.
He said: “I am aware of some initiatives by the Ministry of Energy to manage this situation and to maintain and further grow Ghana’s upstream petroleum industry. Having said that, I see significant value in this conference in addressing this challenge”.
He was confident that the wealth of knowledge and expertise gathered at the conference will come out with other innovative ideas to inform government policies in that regard.
In a related development, 40 organisations have been awarded by Topside Energy for their commitment and development to the growth of the industry.
Some of the awardees were: Energy Personalities of the Year – Dr. Edwin Provencal, Managing Director – BOST Ghana; CEO of the Year- Power – Ing. Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, Chief Executive Officer – VRA; Local Content Leadership Impact Award – Dr. Ben. K.D. Asante, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Ghana National Gas Company; and Energy Advocate of the Year, Egbert Faibille Jnr, CEO – Petroleum Commission Ghana; while Local Content Legacy Achievement Award was received by the Petroleum Commission.
