Ghana is emerging as a continental leader in the energy transition as it hosted the 31st edition of Africa Oil Week in Accra, marking the first time the global energy platform has convened in West Africa.

Energy and Green Transition Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor used the occasion to stress that Africa’s energy future must balance development with sustainability, making Ghana a model for responsible resource management.

He reminded delegates that while Africa holds 125 billion barrels of oil and 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, more than 600 million Africans remain without electricity, a paradox that underscores the urgent need for inclusive policies.

“Our transition cannot be one that sidelines development or deepens poverty,” Mr Jinapor declared, insisting that the conversation on climate change and renewables must place Africa’s development needs at the forefront.

The Minister revealed that Ghana has not only secured $3.5 billion in upstream petroleum investments but is also firmly committed to achieving a 35% renewable energy mix by 2025. He described the dual approach as both pragmatic and visionary: boosting investor confidence in oil and gas while laying the foundation for a greener economy.

According to him, President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to expand the Ministry’s mandate to include Green Transition is already paying off, as global energy giants look to Ghana as a stable and attractive partner in Africa.

“By diversifying our energy sources, we are not only reducing overreliance on fossil fuels but also ensuring security, resilience, and environmental protection,” he said.

The conference brought together policymakers, investors, and industry leaders, positioning Ghana as the new frontier for energy dialogue in Africa — bridging the gap between resource exploitation and a just transition.