By Reda Helal: – April 3, 2026
Ghana has announced its decision to boycott the upcoming Africa Energies Summit scheduled to take place in London this May, in a move that reflects growing frustration within Africa’s oil and gas sector over discrimination, exclusion, and the marginalization of African professionals.
The Energy Chamber Ghana issued a statement urging national energy authorities to reconsider participation in the summit, citing serious concerns over discriminatory hiring practices and the continued exclusion of African experts from meaningful roles in industry platforms.
The Chamber emphasized that Africa’s energy future must be shaped with African institutions and companies at the center of the conversation.
A Growing Industry Shift
Ghana’s move follows similar actions taken by other African stakeholders in recent months, signaling a broader shift across the sector. Mozambique withdrew from the summit in March 2026, while petroleum ministers from the African Petroleum Producers Organization also chose to boycott the event.
According to Ghana, the issue goes beyond a single event, touching on fundamental principles of representation, equity, and the right of African nations to be equal partners in discussions about their own resources.
Call for Collective Action
The Chamber’s decision came after extensive consultations with stakeholders across Ghana’s energy ecosystem, calling on policymakers, institutions, engineers, investors, and academics to adopt a unified stance until corrective measures are implemented by the summit organizers.
It stressed that “Ghana is not a spectator in Africa’s energy story,” adding that Africa should not be treated as a marketplace for attendance while Africans remain excluded from execution and leadership roles.
Strategic Investments and Growth
The boycott comes at a critical time for Ghana, as the country works to stabilize oil production, monetize gas resources, and invest in infrastructure that supports long-term industrial growth.
Approximately $3.5 billion has been committed to infill drilling and reservoir management, while exploration efforts continue in the Voltaian Basin. The Jubilee and TEN licenses have been extended to 2040, alongside major developments in gas processing, thermal power generation (1.2 GW), and downstream LPG.
Concerns Over Industry Platforms
Despite this progress, the Chamber warned that the exclusion of African professionals from international industry platforms risks undermining partnerships and growth across the sector.
It emphasized that local content should not merely be a conference theme, but a principle reflected in practice by organizers.
A Broader Message
Ultimately, Ghana’s boycott represents more than opposition to a single event. It highlights a wider movement toward African-led development, dialogue, and investment strategies.
The message is clear: Africa must not only control its resources, but also its narrative, platforms, and partnerships.