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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.
“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.
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
