Ghana’s Minister of Energy has urged African governments to prioritise natural gas as the primary fuel source to drive industrialisation and meet domestic energy needs, citing Ghana’s experience as a model for the continent.

Speaking during a fireside chat at African Energy Week, Minister John Jinapor called on his counterparts across the continent to adopt innovative and sustainable policy frameworks that not only attract investment but also safeguard national interests.

“Getting the policy and regulatory framework right from the outset is crucial.

There are no shortcuts in this sector, especially as gas continues to emerge as a vital resource, not just for Ghana, but for Africa as a whole,” he stressed.

The Minister also underscored the need to embed Local Content in energy policies to strengthen African economies.

He explained that building domestic capacity and facilitating knowledge transfer would ensure that energy projects deliver long-term benefits to local communities while reducing over-reliance on external expertise.

Reaffirming Ghana’s readiness to support continental collaboration, he assured fellow African countries of Ghana’s commitment to sharing experiences, lessons, and insights as they work toward a sustainable energy future for Africa.

African Energy Week brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for unlocking Africa’s vast energy potential in line with sustainable development goals.