President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, officially opened AOW:Energy 2025 in Accra, marking the start of a landmark week for Ghana, Africa, and the global upstream industry.
The event drew over 1,200 delegates, including ministers, dignitaries, national oil company leaders, CEOs, investors, and technical experts, establishing itself as Africa’s premier platform for upstream development.
In his opening address, President Mahama welcomed leaders from across Africa and the world, emphasizing that the gathering reflects the continent’s determination to speak with one voice on natural resource development.
“AOW:Energy is here to stay. It is more than just an event—it is a movement run with African interests first. This is a platform for Africa, by Africa, and it is a moment of national pride for Ghana to host it,” the President said. He added that the platform will help align goals, unlock more production, and deliver prosperity for African peoples.
The President stressed the importance of partnerships, particularly between the Government of Ghana and AOW:Energy, to ensure domestic priorities align with regional collaboration. He called on African governments to accelerate upstream development, strengthen energy security, and leverage partnerships to drive infrastructure, production growth, and intra-African trade.
A central highlight was a tribute to GNPC Ghana on its 40th anniversary. President Mahama praised GNPC’s four decades of service as vital to Ghana’s energy journey and its socio-economic impact.
He also expressed gratitude to international and regional partners, including ExxonMobil, which sponsored the Opening Night at the Presidency, and acknowledged Chevron, ENI, Seplat, FIRST E&P, Oando, TGS, and other sponsors for their unwavering support.
“This week reflects unity. This extraordinary gathering of leaders, companies, governments, and investors is proof that our industry is strongest when we work together. AOW:Energy is not only a platform to attract investment, but also a commitment to an African-led agenda—designed to secure our resources, develop our economies, and power our future,” President Mahama stated.
Concluding his remarks, the President called for the momentum to continue:
“Let this be the start of a new chapter. With the Ministry, the Presidency, our agencies, and all partners, we look forward to an even bigger AOW:Energy 2026. Together, we will showcase Africa’s upstream story and build a future of pride, strength, and unity.”
With its successful Presidential Opening, AOW:Energy 2025 has cemented its position as Africa’s leading upstream investment platform—where Africa’s voice leads, interests come first, and the global industry rallies to support the continent’s growth ambitions.
Source: Presidency.gov.gh
