GNPC CEO Opoku-Ahweneeh Danquah leads domestic oil and gas success

Since assuming office in April 2022, Opoku-Ahweneeh Danquah, CEO of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), has been leading the organization’s efforts to maximize the country’s benefits from its oil and gas resources.

Mr. Danquah, who previously served as Deputy CEO, ascended to the position of CEO at GNPC following Dr. K.K. Sarpong’s tenure. Dr. Sarpong’s strategic decision to appoint Mr. Danquah as Deputy Chief Executive overseeing Technical Operations in 2020 undoubtedly played a pivotal role in his elevation to the top position.

His appointment as CEO of GNPC came at a critical juncture for the domestic oil and gas industry. The sector, at the time he assumed office, faced an urgent need to optimise the utilisation of the country’s underutilised oil and gas reserves, coinciding with the onset of calls from the West for an energy transition to renewables.

Despite facing unwarranted and unsubstantiated attacks on social and mainstream media, including deceitful impersonations of GNPC employees, Mr. Danquah has emerged as a beacon of leadership, guiding the corporation and Ghana’s oil and gas sector towards unparalleled success.

Oil and gas sector

Mr. Danquah’s visionary leadership has played a key role in accelerating oil and gas exploration in the country, aiming to accelerate production.

His flagship project, the “Voltarian Basin,” is slated to witness the drilling of a well within the next couple of months. This marks the first instance in Ghana’s modern oil era that GNPC would operate onshore. Currently, GNPC is evaluating the hydrocarbon potential of the “Voltaian Basin” under a reconnaissance license.

This exploration involves a mix of geophysical, geological, and geochemical techniques.

Asked  about the Voltaian Basin initiative Mr. Danquah said: “if Ghanaians are to benefit immensely from the onshore oil and gas resources, then we should be able to own it through hard work that translates to sweat equity. Unlike the offshore oil resources where Ghanaians have a minority share, the resources in the Voltaian Basin should be for Ghanaians and therefore done by Ghanaians”.

Under his leadership, GNPC has actively engaged in numerous exploration activities, ensuring continuity and consistency in the country’s exploration efforts. His efforts to attract suitable international oil companies through strategic and astute direct negotiations have revitalized exploration activities in Ghana.

“We saw some well-funded oil and gas companies leave at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but they are all coming back; thanks to the right meetings with key-decision makers of these corporations and banks, who are all based abroad. More so, we have been able to halt the industry exodus and reduce the production decline within the country,” the GNPC CEO said in an interview in his office on Friday, 15 March 2024.

“Since assuming office as the CEO of GNPC, I have not taken a single day off work simply because of the volume of work that has to be done. I have been exploring all avenues for financial, commercial and technological assistance to turn Ghana into an oil and gas powerhouse,” Mr. Danquah added.

“A sizable deepwater oil and gas development from exploration to production for example, is in the billions of dollars and every single required technology patent is owned by foreign companies. It is therefore impossible to conduct effective business sitting in your office in Accra and expecting a miracle to happen.

“You have to proactively go out, meet with the movers and shakers in the oil and gas space and take the bull by its horns to get work done,” he further stated.

CSR impact

Danquah’s leadership extends beyond the confines of the oil and gas industry. His commitment to good corporate governance and sustainability has seen GNPC impact the lives of citizens positively.

Through the GNPC Foundation, the corporation has designed and implemented tailored intervention programmes aimed at alleviating the environmental, social and economic impact of its activities to benefit all Ghanaians, especially the underprivileged.

The “Skilled Artisans Project” for example, has trained, equipped and empowered thousands of young people across the county with employable skills in over 25 vocations.  Under his leadership, last year (2023) alone, hundreds of scholarships were awarded to needy but brilliant Ghanaian students pursuing undergraduate and post graduate programmes.

Currently, GNPC is sponsoring 200 medical doctors who are being trained in Cuba to augment the country’s patient-doctor ratio. There are numerous other activities undertaken by the GNPC Foundation including hundreds of infrastructure projects such as classroom blocks, dormitories, medical facilities, astroturfs and other recreational facilities.

When asked to shed more light on these developments, Danquah said: “Through the GNPC Foundation, we’re not just building a corporation, but a sustainable legacy, empowering communities through a three-pronged approach which are; economic growth, education, and environmental stewardship.  My vision extends far beyond the confines of the oil and gas industry, embodying a commitment to holistic nation-building”.

Changes at GNPC

Within the GNPC workplace, Mr. Danquah has implemented transformative changes that represent a paradigm shift. These changes are reportedly guiding the corporation in a positive direction, as expressed by employees across various departments.

In discussions with some GNPC employees regarding the CEO’s work ethic and the changes he has implemented, unanimous consent was reached on his impressive understanding of the industry and his unwavering commitment to delivering excellence for GNPC.

Recognitions

Under Mr. Danquah’s leadership, GNPC has not only flourished but also received notable recognition. He was awarded the title of Best Chief Executive for the Upstream Petroleum sector in Ghana by the Ghana CEOs Network.

This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon an individual who demonstrates exemplary business practices, achievements, leadership, vision, and contributions to economic growth.

Additionally, he was honoured as the recipient of the esteemed Oil and Gas Industry Leadership Award for the year 2023 at the Africa Public Sector Conference and Awards. This award recognises top-performing executives who drive value and transformation on the continent through innovation and sound leadership in the oil and gas sector.

The GNPC CEO’s visionary guidance, has led GNPC to achieve remarkable milestones, cementing its position as a cornerstone of Ghana’s economic development. Through strategic partnerships and innovative strategies, Mr. Danquah has spearheaded initiatives that have propelled Ghana onto the global stage as a significant player in the oil and gas industry.

Exemplar of leadership

As the country continues to leverage its natural resources for the betterment of its citizens, Mr. Danquah stands as a beacon of leadership and excellence. His steadfast commitment to advancing Ghana’s oil and gas sector while prioritizing sustainability and inclusive growth serves as an inspiration to industry stakeholders and the general populace alike.

In these challenging times, it is imperative to recognise and celebrate the transformative impact of visionary leaders like Mr. Danquah, whose contributions resonate far beyond the confines of boardrooms and oil rigs, shaping the future trajectory of Ghana’s prosperity and progress.

Profile

Mr. Danquah brings over 20 years of strategic experience across various industries, with a primary focus on oil and gas. Prior to joining GNPC, he held positions at Vallourec, where he led the North American strategy, development, and innovation team.

Before that, he held senior management roles at BHGE (Baker Hughes) and General Electric. Notably, he served as the global strategic marketing manager for Schlumberger’s upstream consulting arm, Schlumberger Business Consulting (SBC), which played a pivotal role in establishing GNPC’s current operational framework post-Jubilee oil production.

He also served as a director at Hart Energy, where he contributed to establishing the firm’s consulting and research group. His professional background includes positions at Wood Mackenzie, IHS CERA, Euromoney Institutional Investor, and Bank of America.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Middlebury College, with a minor in French. Additionally, he earned a Master’s degree from the Fletcher School of Tufts University, focusing on international business and international relations. Danquah completed strategy coursework for his Master’s degree at Harvard Business School.

He is an alumnus of Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC, Legon), where he represented the school in the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) in 1997.

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