Afetsi Awoonor promises to strengthen BOST, enhance collaboration

The appointment, announced by President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, took effect on January 20, 2025, and is expected to drive a strategic transformation at one of West Africa’s leading oil infrastructure companies.

The transition was officially marked at a handover ceremony at BOST’s Head Office in Accra, where outgoing Managing Director Dr. Edwin Provencal formally passed leadership responsibilities to his successor, in what officials described as a commendable demonstration of corporate governance.

Mr. Awoonor brings nearly ten years of experience in the African oil and gas industry. He previously served as Senior Partner at DOC Africa and Regional Head of Sales and Marketing at Convenio Energy, managing hydrocarbon trading across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

This appointment also marks his return to BOST, where he held the position of Manager of Government Relations from September 2016 to April 2017.

During the handover ceremony, Mr. Awoonor expressed heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Provencal for his dedicated service and transformative leadership.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to Dr. Provencal for his remarkable leadership. Under his guidance, BOST has achieved significant milestones, and I am privileged to continue building on this foundation. My priority is to strengthen the company further by fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence as we embark on the next phase of growth for BOST and the nation,” Mr. Awoonor stated.

He added that his immediate focus would be on engaging internal stakeholders and directly connecting with team members, emphasizing his commitment to cultivating a collaborative, high-performing work culture.

The ceremony was hailed as both a testament to BOST’s strong governance framework and a celebration of a promising new chapter for one of Ghana’s key energy sector institutions.

The appointment has garnered widespread support from stakeholders. The BOST Senior Staff Union pledged their full backing, expressing their readiness to work with Mr. Awoonor and his team to achieve the company’s strategic goals. They noted that the appointment “reflects the President’s dedication to selecting qualified leaders for critical institutions.”

Similarly, the Ketu North branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) praised the decision, describing it as recognition of Mr. Awoonor’s dedication, loyalty, and competence. They also thanked President John Dramani Mahama for rewarding merit and hard work through this appointment.

Mr. Awoonor’s qualifications include an Executive Master’s in International Oil & Gas Leadership from the Geneva Graduate Institute and a Master’s in Oil and Gas Management from IFP School, both obtained in 2015. His technical expertise is complemented by extensive experience in hydrocarbon trading and business development across sub-Saharan Africa.

Beyond his professional career, Mr. Awoonor has demonstrated a commitment to community development through the Afetsi Awoonor Foundation, established in 2023. The foundation focuses on empowering youth and women through training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship programs.

Local support for his appointment has been strong. The Weta Traditional Area Chiefs’ Council expressed pride and gratitude, noting that Mr. Awoonor’s leadership would significantly contribute to BOST’s success and the nation’s development. Similarly, the Volta Regional Youth Wing of the NDC highlighted that the appointment reflects the President’s confidence in Ghanaian youth and Mr. Awoonor’s expertise and leadership abilities.

Established in 1993, BOST is Ghana’s primary bulk oil storage and transportation company, playing a vital role in energy security and infrastructure development. The leadership transition comes at a critical time when efficient management of oil storage and transportation systems is essential for national and regional energy sector growth.

Mr. Awoonor’s previous role at Convenio Energy, where he managed relationships with refineries, national and international oil companies, bulk distributors, and other key stakeholders, positions him well to succeed in his new capacity.