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.

“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.

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.”

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.

The General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Thomas Musah, has welcomed the proposal to cover academic user fees for first-year tertiary students but has expressed concern about sustainability.

While he acknowledges the benefits of easing the financial burden on students and parents, he warns that the country’s stretched education budget may not be able to bear the weight of such an initiative without careful planning.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, he recognised the proposal by Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education nominee, as a step in the right direction, offering much-needed support for new students.

However, he stressed that while the idea is commendable, the reality of financing it could pose significant challenges for the already fragile national budget.

“While it’s a great move for students, we need to ask ourselves: how much do we actually have to fund these initiatives?” he asked, underscoring the importance of a sustainable funding strategy.

He highlighted the ongoing financial struggles within the education sector, including arrears owed to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), unpaid bills to school feeding suppliers, and long-overdue payments to food vendors in Senior High Schools (SHS).

To make matters worse, capitation grants have been in arrears for over two years, raising serious concerns about the government’s ability to meet its educational commitments.

Mr Musah also pointed to the need for a broader, more long-term strategy to secure reliable funding for education in Ghana, something GNAT has long advocated for but has yet to see fully implemented.

Without this, he warned that any effort to support first-year students could be short-lived and add even more strain on the system.

Mr Musah agreed that paying first-year university students’ fees is a positive development, and emphasised that its success hinges on the government’s ability to secure sustainable funding.

“Without a solid financial plan, the initiative could face significant challenges and deepen the financial pressures already plaguing the education sector” he concluded.

Source: Myjoyonline.com