GNPC urges united African front on energy transition

By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi

The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) is urging African oil and gas-producing nations to deepen collaboration to safeguard their energy resources as the world accelerates its shift towards renewable energy.

GNPC Chief Executive Officer, Kwame Ntow Amoah, made the call in Accra during the 7th African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) National Oil Companies CEOs Meeting, warning that the global energy transition presents significant challenges for national oil companies.

“We want a just transition. Even the companies that have been pushing transition have realised it is not a straight line. The lack of investments as a result of the energy transition actually led to the increase in oil prices. We believe that if Africans collaborate, we can develop the assets that are now threatened to be stranded,” Mr Amoah said.

Transition Risks Highlighted

Mr Amoah’s remarks echo concerns raised by the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC), which has repeatedly cautioned that a rapid move away from fossil fuels could undermine the long-term sustainability of national oil companies such as GNPC.

In its report, ‘The Role of GNPC in the Upstream Petroleum Industry: Challenges and Prospects,’ PIAC warned that declining global demand for fossil fuels could reduce the value of Africa’s hydrocarbon reserves and expose national oil firms to environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks.

The report stressed that to remain competitive, national oil companies must innovate, diversify and adapt their business models by investing in cleaner technologies and exploring renewable energy opportunities while maximising the value of existing petroleum resources.

Need for a United Front

Energy analysts note that Africa holds significant untapped oil and gas reserves, but fragmented efforts and inconsistent policy frameworks have often hindered large-scale development.

GNPC argues that regional partnerships through mechanisms like APPO can pool financial, technical and market resources to strengthen bargaining power and accelerate infrastructure development.

Mr Amoah emphasised that a coordinated African response could help protect the continent’s energy assets, secure investments and ensure that the shift to a low-carbon future is equitable and economically sustainable.

As the global push for decarbonisation gathers pace, GNPC maintains that collaboration and strategic adaptation are essential for Africa to turn its natural resources into lasting economic value while navigating the uncertainties of the energy transition.