The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Kwame Ntow Amoah, has assumed the role of Chairman of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO), marking a new chapter for Ghana’s leadership in Africa’s energy sector.
His appointment was confirmed at the 7th APPO National Oil Companies CEOs Meeting in Accra on Monday, September 15, 2025. The ceremony saw outgoing Chairman Bienvenido Nguema Envo, Managing Director of Equatorial Guinea’s GEPetrol, formally hand over the mantle to the Ghanaian executive.
In his acceptance remarks, Amoah described the role as “a call to deepen our resolve”, pledging to foster stronger collaboration among the continent’s petroleum-producing nations.
“Africa’s petroleum landscape is being reshaped by financing challenges, evolving technologies, workforce development needs, and climate realities at a time of global energy transition. Our shared vision is clear: to harness Africa’s vast hydrocarbon resources responsibly, sustainably, and strategically,” Amoah stated.
He outlined plans to prioritise key initiatives, including reviewing progress on the proposed Africa Energy Bank, expanding innovation and trading partnerships, and reinforcing trust between member states. He stressed that Africa’s energy future must be defined by African voices and African institutions.
Outgoing Chair Nguema Envo praised APPO’s role as a platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration, noting that while the sector faces significant obstacles, it equally presents “opportunities for innovation, diversification, and sustainable development.”
The handover comes as African oil producers work to balance global energy demands with sustainable growth. Delegates at the two-day Accra summit — drawn from 19 member states — discussed shared infrastructure, local content policies, technology partnerships, and investment opportunities.
APPO, established in 1987 in Lagos, has grown from eight founding members to eighteen, including Ghana, Nigeria, Angola, Algeria, Egypt, and South Africa.
Ghana’s hosting of this year’s forum, held alongside Africa Oil Week 2025, further cements the country’s role as a central player in Africa’s energy dialogue.
Amoah’s appointment signals an important step for Ghana’s petroleum industry, positioning the country to play a stronger role in shaping Africa’s collective response to energy transition challenges and opportunities.