The Executive Secretary of The Gas Consortium, Senam Kodzo Gbeho, has described the development of West Africa’s gas sector as essential to unlocking the region’s industrial and economic transformation.

Speaking at the opening of the maiden edition of the West Africa Gas Summit (WAGS) in Accra on June 11, 2025, Gbeho emphasised the critical role of natural gas in safeguarding Africa’s energy security and powering its future.

“Gas must no longer be seen solely as a fuel for power generation. It must be redefined as a cornerstone for energy security, industrial transformation, and regional economic integration,” he stated.

He argued that natural gas can serve as an enabler of industries, drive regional value chains, and catalyse job creation and wealth, provided that stakeholders pursue its development with a long-term, strategic mindset.

Addressing the persistent challenge of energy poverty in West Africa, Gbeho called for urgent and decisive action particularly from private sector players.

He pointed out that the region is endowed with abundant onshore and offshore gas resources that remain largely underutilised.

“The time to unlock the full value of these resources is now,” he stated, adding that the focus should shift from short-term export gains to long-term industrial and energy security goals.

He reiterated the vital role of the private sector in delivering the infrastructure, technologies, and investments required for large-scale transformation.

"With public sector leadership under mounting pressure, the private sector must step up, innovate, and lead,” Gbeho urged.

He added that WAGS is designed to support such efforts by promoting flexible investment frameworks and inclusive policies.

Gbeho also highlighted the summit as a timely platform for fostering meaningful dialogue, innovative thinking, and durable partnerships in the region’s energy sector.

He commended the presence of key stakeholders, especially the Director-General of the West African Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA), Chafari Kanya Hannawa, and acknowledged WAGPA’s role as a strategic partner.

Meanwhile, the summit will also feature remarks from Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, who is expected to deliver a keynote address outlining Ghana’s evolving role in the regional gas landscape and its strategy for a just and green energy transition.

The 2025 West Africa Gas Summit is expected to generate strategic policy input, provide valuable business intelligence, and serve as a launchpad for project development, positioning the region to transition from being resource-rich to becoming a gas-powered engine for inclusive and sustainable industrial growth.

SP/MA

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