Day Two of AOW:Energy 2025 zeroed in on how West Africa can accelerate upstream exploration and convert resources into bankable projects. In a high-energy strategic session moderated by Olawale Noiki (Deloitte), leaders from across the value chain shared practical pathways to unlock the region’s next phase of growth.
Panel
The discussion reaffirmed Ghana’s position as a reliable upstream hub with a cooperative regulatory posture and deepening technical capacity. For Explorco, Day Two’s insights align with our focus on advancing appraisal to development with rigorous HSE/ESG, partnering early with technology providers and financiers, and expanding clear pathways for local content and skills.
Outlook: The spirit of partnership on display points to a decisive, execution-driven chapter for West Africa’s upstream—one that Explorco is ready to help lead.
Hon. Benjamin Narteh Ayiku is a Ghanaian politician and a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He currently serves as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ledzokuku Constituency (Teshie) in the Greater Accra Region. In August 2025, he was appointed to the Board of GNPC Explorco.
Key Strengths
Beyond his constituency, he serves on several influential parliamentary committees, including Security and Intelligence, Economy and Development, and Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, indicating a well-rounded expertise in national governance.
Ayiku has prioritized local safety through his "Light Up Teshie" efforts, donating and installing over 2,000 streetlights across the constituency to curb nighttime criminal activities. He has also focused on road rehabilitation projects to improve accessibility for residents.
Experience
Hon. Benjamin Narteh Ayiku has a diverse background spanning the corporate sector, entrepreneurship, and public service.
Current External Roles
Hon. Benjamin Narteh Ayiku holds several key external and governance roles beyond his duties as the Member of Parliament for Ledzokuku:
Kwame Ntow Amoah joined GNPC as acting chief executive officer on February 17, 2025. In August 2025, The Energy Minister appointed him as a Board Member of GNPC Explorco.
Key Strengths
Kwame Ntow Amoah has over 33 years of experience in the petroleum industry with a wealth of expertise in leadership, energy economics, public and corporate policy, strategy development, finance raising, and negotiations.
Experience
Throughout his career, Mr. Amoah has held key leadership roles, including Deputy Chief Executive at GNPC and Advisor to the Minister of Energy/Director of Petroleum at the Ministry of Energy. He has also served as Chairman and Member of various national, international, and industry boards and committees. Mr. Amoah has played a pivotal role in international arbitration cases involving Ghana. His contributions include serving as Technical Advisor for Ghana in the Maritime Boundary Case, which the country won on September 23, 2017.
Current External Roles
In August 2025, The Energy Minister appointed Samuel Opoku Arthur as a Board Member of GNPC Explorco.
Key Strengths
15+ years in energy sector operations, commercial strategy, and project development, coordinating exploration planning, stakeholder engagement, and execution of large frontier projects.
Experience
A senior energy and commercial executive with 25+ years of experience across oil and gas, power, mining, and industry in Ghana. He served as Director of Petroleum at the Ministry of Energy & Green Transition in 2025 and previously spent over 12 years at the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation in strategic and gas business leadership roles. His earlier career includes commercial and operational positions with INSYSS Ghana Ltd, Lancaster Plant Ltd, Metso Minerals, and ExxonMobil Corporation.
Current External Roles
Serves as the Managing Director for GNPC Explorco.
In August 2025, The Energy Minister appointed Dr. Anafure as the Board Chairman of GNPC Explorco.
Key Strengths
Dr Aaron Issah Anafure is an accomplished insurance professional with extensive credentials and achievements.
Experience
Previously, he served as CEO of SIC Life and CDH Life Insurance Company Limited, and was instrumental in founding SIC Life Savings and Loans. Under his leadership, the company won the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIMG) Life category award five times and was inducted into the CIMG Hall of Fame in 2018.
Current External Roles
CEO - Quality Life Assurance Company (QLAC).
Seth Kwame Boateng is a multi-award-winning Ghanaian journalist and documentary filmmaker who brings over two decades of impact storytelling to corporate communications. His work has shaped national conversations and led to major public-interest reforms through powerful investigative films such as Locked and Forgotten, Left to Rot, and Next to Die.
As Head of Corporate Affairs, Seth leads stakeholder engagement, media relations, and ESG communications—delivering clear, credible messaging that builds trust with communities, regulators, and partners.
He is the recipient of several prestigious honours, including:
Seth holds an MPH in Health Management Planning & Policy from the University of Leeds, an MA in Communication Studies from the University of Ghana, an MA in Conflict, Peace & Security from KAIPTC, and a BA in Economics & Sociology from the University of Cape Coast.
Day Two of AOW:Energy 2025 zeroed in on how West Africa can accelerate upstream exploration and convert resources into bankable projects. In a high-energy strategic session moderated by Olawale Noiki (Deloitte), leaders from across the value chain shared practical pathways to unlock the region’s next phase of growth.
Panel
The discussion reaffirmed Ghana’s position as a reliable upstream hub with a cooperative regulatory posture and deepening technical capacity. For Explorco, Day Two’s insights align with our focus on advancing appraisal to development with rigorous HSE/ESG, partnering early with technology providers and financiers, and expanding clear pathways for local content and skills.
Outlook: The spirit of partnership on display points to a decisive, execution-driven chapter for West Africa’s upstream—one that Explorco is ready to help lead.