Tamale, N/R – His Royal Highness Yoo-Naa Andani Yakubu Abdulai V, Paramount Chief of Savelugu Traditional Area, has been appointed to the newly constituted Board of Directors of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), marking a continued recognition of traditional leadership in national governance.
Yoo-Naa Abdulai V’s appointment is not new. He was first named to the GNPC Board in 2021 by the then Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led administration. His reappointment by the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government under President John Dramani Mahama serves as a resounding endorsement of his exemplary leadership and statesmanship as a traditional ruler.
The announcement has been widely welcomed, particularly among youth in Dagbon. Many have taken to social media to commend President Mahama, describing the appointment as a strong affirmation of Dagbon’s growing influence in national development. They note that Yoo-Naa’s presence on the board is both a personal milestone and a reflection of the increasing relevance of the Dagbon Traditional Council and the broader Northern Region in Ghana’s governance structure.
At the official inauguration of the board, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, emphasized GNPC’s strategic role in Ghana’s economic transformation and energy security.
“GNPC is not just another state-owned institution. It is the flagship entity in Ghana’s upstream oil and gas industry. Through prudent investments and partnerships, it contributes directly to national development and ensures the country’s energy security,” the Minister noted.
He urged the newly appointed board to exhibit forward-looking leadership as the Corporation navigates a complex and evolving energy landscape, particularly in the face of declining oil production and concerns over reserves.
“I urge you to provide strong, strategic leadership and support the government’s efforts to expand GNPC’s operational capacity, particularly through its subsidiary, Explorco,” Hon. Jinapor added.
He also announced plans to review and modernize the GNPC Act—passed in 1983—to reflect contemporary industry standards and global best practices.
“We’ve received encouraging signals from supermajors, and this is a critical moment to reposition GNPC for the future,” he said.
Yoo-Naa Abdulai V’s reappointment to the GNPC Board strengthens the synergy between traditional leadership and national policymaking. His presence brings invaluable cultural insight, a community-driven perspective, and a symbol of inclusivity in Ghana’s energy governance.
The new board is chaired by Prof. Joseph Oteng-Adjei, who expressed appreciation to President Mahama and pledged the board’s commitment to driving transformation at GNPC.
“We thank His Excellency the President for the trust reposed in us to reset GNPC. This is a team of diverse professionals, and we are committed to addressing the challenges within the sector. We will seek guidance from the Ministry whenever necessary, and work together to move GNPC forward,” he said.
Members of the GNPC Board:
1. Prof. Joseph Oteng-Adjei – Chairman
2. Mr. Kwame Ntow Amoah – Acting CEO
3. Hon. Hajia Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahim (MP)
4. Hon. Seidu Alhassan Alajor (MP)
5. Mr. Mawutor Agbavitor
6. Mr. Kwame Jantuah, Esq.
7. His Royal Highness Yoo-Naa Andani Yakubu Abdulai V
The board is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening GNPC’s operations and ensuring Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector is positioned for long-term growth, transparency, and sustainability.
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Story file by; Issifu Alidu Laa-Bandow/zaaghana.com
