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Afetsi Awoonor takes over as BOST’s new MD… pledges to strengthen company, enhance collaboration

The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST) has welcomed Afetsi Awoonor, a veteran energy sector executive with extensive Sub-Saharan trading experience, as its seventh Managing Director.

The appointment, announced by President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, took effect on January 20, 2025, is expected to deliver a strategic shift at one of West Africa’s key oil infrastructure companies.

The transition was formalised during a handover ceremony at BOST’s Head Office in Accra, where outgoing MD, Dr. Edwin Provencal ceremonially transferred leadership responsibilities to his successor in what officials described as “an exemplary display of corporate governance practice.”

Mr. Awoonor brings nearly a decade of experience in the African oil and gas sector, most recently serving as Senior Partner at DOC Africa and Regional Head of Sales and Marketing at Convenio Energy, where he oversaw hydrocarbon trading operations across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. His appointment marks a return to BOST, where he previously served as Manager of Government Relations from September 2016 to April 2017.

During the handover ceremony, Mr. Awoonor expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Provencal for his dedicated service and impactful leadership.

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“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Provencal for his exceptional leadership. Under his guidance, BOST has grown to new heights, and I am honored to carry the torch forward. My focus will be on further strengthening the company and fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and excellence as we drive the next phase of growth and success for BOST and the nation,” Mr. Awoonor added.

The new MD further stated that his immediate focus is on internal stakeholder engagement, with plans to directly engage with team members, as he highlighted his commitment to fostering a collaborative, congenial, high-performing work environment.

The occasion was described as “both a reflection of BOST’s solid governance framework and a celebration of a promising new chapter for one of Ghana’s most critical institutions in the energy sector.”

The appointment has received broad support from various stakeholders. The BOST Senior Staff Union, through its leadership, pledged their “full support and cooperation to Mr. Awoonor and his leadership team as we work together to achieve the company’s strategic objectives.” The union further noted that the appointment “demonstrates the President’s commitment to selecting highly qualified individuals to lead key institutions” in the country.

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Similarly, the Ketu North arm of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), in their congratulatory message, noted that “this critical designation is a testament to his unwavering dedication, loyalty, and exceptional competence.” They also expressed “profound gratitude to H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic, for recognising and rewarding loyalty, hard work, competence, and merit through this crucial appointment.”

Mr. Awoonor’s educational background includes an Executive Master’s in International Oil & Gas Leadership from the Geneva Graduate Institute and a Master’s degree in Oil and Gas Management from IFP School, both completed in 2015. This technical expertise is complemented by his extensive practical experience in hydrocarbon trading and business development across sub-Saharan Africa.

Beyond his corporate role, Mr. Awoonor has demonstrated commitment to social development through the Afetsi Awoonor Foundation, established in 2023 to support human resource development in local communities, with particular focus on youth and women empowerment through training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship initiatives.

The appointment has also garnered significant local support. In a letter to the President, the Weta Traditional Area Chiefs’ Council noted that “this appointment not only reflects your commitment to recognising capable leaders like Mr. Awoonor, whose expertise and dedication will significantly contribute to the success of BOST and the nation as a whole, but it has also brought immense pride and joy to the entire Weta community.”

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The Volta Regional Youth Wing of the NDC added that “your elevation to this prestigious position is a testament to the President’s confidence in the Ghanaian youth and most importantly, his recognition of your expertise, dedication, and commitment to the oil industry and your leadership abilities.”

Incorporated in 1993, BOST – as the nation’s primary bulk oil storage and transportation company – plays a crucial role in the country’s energy security and distribution infrastructure. The company’s leadership transition comes at a time when efficient management of oil storage and transportation infrastructure remains critical to national and regional energy sector development.

Mr. Awoonor’s previous role at Convenio Energy, where he managed relationships with refineries, National and International oil companies (NOC/IOC), bulk distributors, oil marketers, importers/exporters, public and private sector companies, is expected to aid in his current capacity.

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NSA Boss commends President Mahama for swift payment of NSP allowances

The Acting Director-General of the National Service Authority (NSA), Felix Gyamfi, has lauded President John Dramani Mahama for his swift intervention in clearing all outstanding allowances owed to National Service Personnel (NSP) across the country.

Speaking at a press conference held at the NSA Headquarters in Accra today, Mr. Gyamfi expressed gratitude to the President for ensuring that all service personnel received their stipends within just 15 days of his administration. 

“I want to sincerely commend His Excellency John Dramani Mahama for his dedication to the welfare of Ghana’s youth. The speed and efficiency with which he addressed the payment of outstanding allowances in just two weeks is highly commendable,” he stated.

Assurance 

He assured personnel that delays in allowance payments would now be a thing of the past, as the government, under President Mahama’s leadership, has prioritised timely disbursement.

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Mr. Gyamfi revealed that all outstanding allowances for National Service Personnel from September 2024 to January 2025 have been fully settled.

He provided a detailed breakdown of the payments made: 

 September 2024 (Backlog): 10,712 personnel paid

 October 2024 (Backlog): 10,712 personnel paid 

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 November 2024: 98,145 personnel paid 

December 2024: 98,145 personnel paid 

 January 2025: 98,145 personnel paid 

He acknowledged the immense contributions of service personnel to Ghana’s socio-economic development, particularly in sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and local governance. 

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“We recognise the vital role that National Service personnel play in driving national development. That is why this government has made it a priority to ensure they receive their allowances on time,” he said.

Appreciation 

The NSA boss also extended his appreciation to the Minister of Finance, Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson, and the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare-Addo, for their roles in facilitating the prompt payment of the allowances. 

In a bid to enhance efficiency and prevent future payment delays, Mr. Gyamfi announced plans to integrate a biometric-driven payroll system into the NSA’s operations.

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The new system, according to him, will provide real-time insights into validated payments, allow personnel to access electronic payslips, and introduce a transparent mechanism for addressing payment discrepancies.

He urged all personnel to adhere strictly to the monthly evaluation calendar to ensure smooth processing of allowances. Mr. Gyamfi announced that the NSA had released PIN codes for 16,289 trained teachers from 36 colleges of education to commence their national service registration.

Expired accreditation 

However, he noted that 22 institutions had expired accreditation with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), affecting 9,769 graduates. “To maintain compliance and service credibility, registrations from these institutions will be put on hold until their accreditation status is regularised,” he said, urging affected institutions to renew their accreditation by August 31, 2025.

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The NSA boss also revealed plans to revamp the Authority’s farm projects under President Mahama’s “Feed Ghana” agenda. The initiative will focus on increasing productivity in animal husbandry, aquaculture, poultry, and crop production while partnering with schools to revive school farms.

Mr. Gyamfi announced that the NSA Restaurant would now operate 24/7 as part of efforts to support President Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy. The restaurant will introduce delivery services, drive-through options, catering for events, and live band music on Friday nights.

Ghost names

Addressing the issue of ghost names and those allegedly responsible, the Director-General emphasised that the matter was under thorough investigation. He stressed his commitment to upholding due process and ensuring that nothing compromises the integrity of the inquiry.

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“If you judge me by my demeanour, you might think I would hesitate to take action against those found culpable. But let me assure you that once the state investigative machinery completes its work, anyone implicated will face the full force of the law. There will be no exemptions, no leniency,” he cautioned.

He reiterated the NSA’s commitment to financial transparency, revealing that all user agencies had been directed to use the Ghana.Gov platform for payments to the Authority.

The measure, he explained, would ensure accountability and prevent fraudulent activities.

The Acting Director-General reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the NSA, ensuring that national service becomes more impactful. 

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“The NSA is at a turning point, and my leadership is committed to prioritising and promoting initiatives that matter to personnel, staff, stakeholders, and the nation. With strategic planning, efficient deployment, agricultural innovation, and financial transparency, we will transform the NSA into a world-class institution,” he promised.

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GEXIM Management Discusses Collaboration With Danish Ambassador

A team from the Ghana Export – Import Bank (GEXIM) led by the Acting Chief Executive, Sylvester Mensah, on Wednesday February 12, 2025 met officials of the Danish Embassy in Ghana, led by the Head of Mission, His Excellency Tom Nørring at the embassy in Accra.  

The meeting afforded the management of the Bank the opportunity to provide a deeper insight into the operations and mandate of the Bank as well as explore possible areas of mutual interest for collaboration with the embassy and other key Danish public and private sector players.

Sylvester Mensah highlighted the vision of the Bank to become a strong financial institution that will be a key engine in the development of Ghana’s export trade, facilitate cross border trade and make Ghana a pillar in regional and continental trade.

 He added that the Bank is seeking to advance the policy priorities of the government in the areas of accelerated export trade, increased food production, support agribusiness and to generate growth in job opportunities.

He further emphasized a priority focus on the garment sub-sector for mass employment at a relatively short time as an area for partnership, collaboration and funding for onward lending.  

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On his part, His Excellency Nørring expressed his appreciation to the Chief Executive and his team for the opportunity to explore avenues of working with the embassy as well as Danish institutions for the benefit of Ghanaian and Danish businesses.

He expressed his optimism of a great collaboration across various sectors. Some “next steps” were agreed upon for immediate follow-up.

Other members of the GEXIM team were Mr. Moses Klu Mensah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, responsible for Banking and Business Operations and Mr. Jonathan Christopher Koney, Manager, International Cooperation. 

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