The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor (MP), has inaugurated a new Board of Directors for the Petroleum Commission, charging them with the responsibility of revitalising Ghana’s oil and gas industry.

Addressing the board at the inauguration, Mr. Jinapor outlined their core mandate: reversing the decline in oil reserves, boosting overall petroleum production, and attracting major international oil companies back into the sector.

He stressed the need for innovation, robust regulatory oversight, and strategic policy initiatives to ensure the sustainable development of Ghana’s petroleum resources.

“The challenges of the upstream industry in Ghana have evolved over the years, with recent concerns including arbitrations, declining investments, and dwindling oil and gas reserves and production,” he noted.

“Local content and participation in the core business of oil and gas exploration and production remain critical.

I urge you to be pragmatic and strategic in your decision-making so that, collectively, we can find lasting solutions to the issues bedevilling the industry.”

In response, the new Board Chairman, Ernest Thompson, who was the former Director-General of SSNIT, pledged on behalf of his colleagues to work diligently to meet the expectations placed on them.

“We pledge to work diligently and tirelessly to ensure that Ghana’s oil production is increased, contributing significantly to the nation’s prosperity,” he said.

The newly constituted board includes:

Ernest Thompson, Esq. – Chairman

Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle, Esq. – Acting Chief Executive

Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse

Mr. Crisler Akwei Ankrah

Mr. Joseph Kwasi Mensah

Dr. Hasiyatu Abubakari

Mr. Hassan Thompson Osman

The Energy Minister expressed confidence that the board’s collective expertise will help reposition the petroleum sector as a major driver of Ghana’s economic growth