Ghana’s Petroleum Commission CEO Makes Strong Case for Investment at Global Energy Show
At the 2025 Global Energy Show in Calgary, Ghana’s Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, Ms. Emefa Hardcastle, delivered a resolute message to the international energy community: Africa - especially Ghana - must be at the center of the global conversation on sustainable energy investment.
Representing Ghana’s upstream oil and gas regulator in her keynote address, Ms. Hardcastle underscored the importance of a “stable, attractive, and predictable fiscal framework, one that balances risk with reward, as essential for drawing international capital towards sustainable energy solutions.” She reiterated Ghana’s firm commitment to crafting a business-friendly environment while safeguarding national interest through deliberate, forward-thinking regulatory reform.
“Through thoughtfully crafted policy reforms, energy investments in Ghana have the potential to deliver enduring, sustainable outcomes that serve the interests of both investors and our citizens,” she emphasized. “In the upcoming months, we will introduce significant transformations in our upstream oil and gas sector - reforms designed to harmonize investor confidence with state accountability.”
Ms. Hardcastle drew attention to Ghana’s untapped frontier basins, which account for nearly 40% of the country’s landmass. These onshore opportunities, she said, represent the next frontier in resource-led transformation, offering immense potential for both exploration and long-term energy security.
“Support is essential for our site-based acquisition and drilling efforts,” she noted. “These collaborations will guarantee that we fully leverage the advantages of high recovery and sustainable energy for the long term.”
Appealing to a room of global industry stakeholders, Ms. Hardcastle encouraged a paradigm shift - from the short-term pursuit of profits to the long-term cultivation of partnerships rooted in shared vision and sustainability. “Africa, a continent brimming with unmatched potential, is exemplified by Ghana, where vision, policy, and action come together to create remarkable possibilities.”
She urged the audience to “keep their eyes on Ghana” as the country prepares to unveil its strategic reform agenda - one that reaffirms Ghana’s standing as a trusted, reliable, and forward-looking partner in the global energy transition. “Ghana,” she said, “boasts not just an abundance of resources but also a remarkable readiness, merging political will, regulatory insight, and collaboration between the public and private sectors.”
“Together, we can enhance our energy infrastructure to guarantee accessibility and sustainability, fortify regulatory frameworks that draw in responsible investment, and promote clean energy solutions while maximizing our current resources,” she concluded.
The 2025 Global Energy Show, one of the world’s premier energy events, drew participants from over 100 countries - showcasing innovation, investment, and leadership in the energy transition. Ghana’s confident presence and strong policy messaging positioned the country not merely as a participant, but as a nation on the cusp of global energy leadership.
