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President Akufo-Addo inaugurates GNPC Operational Headquarters In Takoradi
In a landmark event that signifies a monumental step forward for Ghana’s oil and gas industry, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially commissioned the new Operational Headquarters of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) on Thursday, August 1.
This event not only celebrates the culmination of a project that began four years ago but also underscores the government’s commitment to decentralizing development and ensuring that all regions benefit equitably from the nation’s resources.
In his address, President Akufo-Addo reflected on the significance of this new facility, describing it as a fulfillment of a promise he made to the chiefs and people of the Western Region during his 2016 presidential campaign.
The President emphasized that the establishment of the GNPC headquarters in Takoradi is more than just a fulfillment of a campaign promise; stating that it is a strategic move to bring development closer to the communities that contribute significantly to Ghana’s wealth through their land and sea resources.
“This is a very happy day for the Western Region, for Mother Ghana and, indeed, for me personally,” President Akufo-Addo declared.
“The realization of this promise is proof of my government’s determination to ensure that the development and benefits of Ghana’s natural resources are felt by the people whose land and sea contribute so significantly to the nation’s wealth,” he said.
“The construction of the state-of-the-art facility faced numerous challenges, including the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and various logistical and financial hurdles. Despite these obstacles, the project persevered, thanks to strategic planning and the unwavering support of the people of the Western Region,” he added.
President Akufo-Addo extended his gratitude to all who played a part in bringing the project to fruition, including the Regional Minister, Hon. Kobby Okyere Darko Mensah, the Western Regional House of Chiefs, and the Regional Lands Commission.
“This new headquarters is strategically positioned to serve as the hub for GNPC’s operations, particularly in the Western Region, which remains the epicentre of Ghana’s oil and gas industry,” the President noted.
He highlighted the practical benefits of situating this facility in Takoradi, which include enhanced operational efficiency and closer collaboration with domestic stakeholders.
Furthermore, President Akufo-Addo lauded the widespread investments made by GNPC through its Foundation, which has been headquartered in Takoradi for the past seven years. He pointed out that the Western Region continues to be a major beneficiary of the Foundation’s initiatives in community development and capacity building, including the provision of health, education, and sanitation infrastructure, as well as support for artisan training and other social impact programs.
The President Akufo-Addo also underscored the broader vision of transforming GNPC into a world-class national oil company capable of competing on the global stage.
The President stressed the importance of environmental and social responsibility in the exploitation of petroleum resources. He urged GNPC and other industry stakeholders to continue working collaboratively with local communities, environmental groups, and regulatory bodies to implement best practices that minimize environmental impact. “We owe it to future generations to manage our resources sustainably,” he stated, emphasizing the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Additionally, President Akufo-Addo called for a renewed focus on local content and participation in the oil and gas industry, urging the continued capacity building of local businesses and professionals to ensure they can benefit meaningfully from the sector.
As he concluded his speech, President Akufo-Addo expressed his sincere gratitude to the chiefs and people of the Western Region for their support and patience. He congratulated the management and staff of GNPC on this remarkable achievement and officially declared the “GNPC Energy House” commissioned.
He said, “May this new headquarters serve as a beacon of excellence, innovation, and progress in Ghana’s oil and gas industry,” President Akufo-Addo said. “May God bless the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, and us all, and may God bless our homeland Ghana, and make her great and strong.”
The new headquarters, a seven-storey modern office complex with a basement, is equipped with Smart Office Management Systems and various high-technology specifications.
It includes a 300-seater auditorium, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, and a business center on the ground floor, and is designed to achieve energy efficiency and meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification.
The establishment of the headquarters is expected to have a significant economic impact on the local community. President Akufo-Addo outlined the direct and indirect job opportunities that will arise from GNPC’s presence, ranging from administrative roles to technical positions. The increased economic activity is also anticipated to stimulate local businesses, contributing to the overall economic growth of the region.
The commissioning of the GNPC headquarters marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s journey towards harnessing its natural resources for sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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