Former President John Dramani Mahama has named Edward Abambire Bawa as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC). The appointment takes effect from January 17, 2025.
The announcement was detailed in a letter issued on the same date and signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, Executive Secretary to the President. The letter highlighted that the decision aligns with constitutional and statutory provisions, stating, “His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, in accordance with Article 195(1) of the Constitution and Section 10(2) of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Act, 1983 (P.N.D.C.L. 64), has appointed you as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation pending receipt of the required advice of the Honourable Minister for Energy, in consultation with the Public Services Commission.”
GNPC, established in 1983, was a key step in enhancing Ghana’s petroleum exploration and production capabilities. The statutory framework that underpins the sector, including the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Law, 1983 (P.N.D.C.L. 64) and the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Law, 1984 (P.N.D.C.L. 84), enabled a significant transformation.
At the time of GNPC’s inception, Ghana’s onshore and offshore well count stood at 54, with limited 2D seismic data. Subsequently, the corporation invested in acquiring comprehensive 2D seismic surveys over regions such as Tano, Saltpond, and Keta, both onshore and offshore. This development paved the way for a surge of interest from oil and gas companies, thanks to improved seismic mapping and exploration potential.
