Organised by the Energy Media Group and endorsed by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, and the World Energy Council FEL Ghana, this year’s ceremony was held under the theme “Repositioning the Energy Sector as a Pillar of National Development.” The event drew senior government officials, diplomats, industry executives and international energy representatives.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Deputy Minister, Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, said the Awards had become a national platform for promoting high performance and transparency in the sector. He lauded the awardees for “demonstrating commitment, innovation and resilience at a time when Ghana’s energy landscape is evolving rapidly.”
Hon. Gyan-Mensah highlighted measures taken by government since January 2025 to stabilise the sector, including the procurement of 200 transformers, enforcement of the Cash Waterfall Mechanism, restructuring of power purchase agreements and targeted investments in rural electrification and solar deployment. He said the initiatives had saved the state more than US$300 million and formed part of efforts to build the foundation for a sustainable 24-hour economy.
Eni Ghana Exploration & Production Company Limited and its Managing Director, Maurizio Pinna, secured two of the most coveted distinctions at the 9th Ghana Energy Awards, underscoring the company’s strengthening position in the country’s upstream petroleum sector.
Maurizio Pinna, who took office in April 2024, was named CEO of the Year (Petroleum), while Eni Ghana Exploration & Production Company Limited was awarded Upstream Company of the Year, following a year marked by major technical milestones, new discoveries, and strategic commitments to Ghana’s long-term energy security.
The recognitions come as Ghana’s upstream sector shows renewed momentum, driven by fresh investments, policy reforms and the return of large-scale development activity.
Leadership Driving Strategy and Delivery
Maurizio Pinna, a mechanical and process engineer with more than two decades of senior leadership roles within Eni’s global operations, has overseen a transformative year for the company in Ghana. His career spans major asset developments in Kazakhstan, Abu Dhabi, North Africa, Italy and the U.S., including work on mega-projects such as the Kashagan and Karachaganak fields.
Under his leadership in Ghana, Eni submitted the Declaration of Commerciality for the Eban–Akoma discoveries, a major step toward developing what is expected to become the country’s next large offshore hub. The find, estimated at 500–700 million barrels of oil equivalent, sits adjacent to the company’s existing Sankofa-Gye Nyame infrastructure, enabling accelerated, cost-efficient development.
Eni also completed extensive gas infrastructure upgrades, increasing supply from 245 MMscfd to 270 MMscfd. The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition described the enhancement as “critical to stabilising national power supply,” noting its impact on homes, businesses and industries across Ghana.
The company additionally signed a Memorandum of Intent with the Government of Ghana, in the presence of President John Dramani Mahama, to evaluate a comprehensive investment plan covering increased oil and gas output, expansion of domestic gas use, and sustainable energy initiatives.
A Standout Year for Eni Ghana
Eni Ghana’s win as Upstream Company of the Year reflects its broad footprint in the sector and its role in underpinning national energy supply. Since first oil in 2018, the company and its OCTP partners — Vitol and GNPC — have delivered more than 107 million barrels of oil and 480 billion standard cubic feet of gas, meeting around 70% of Ghana’s gas demand for power generation.
The joint venture has also sustained consistent investments in community development, committing over USD 10 million to initiatives in education, clean water access, health, and local economic diversification. A second phase is now underway, expanding support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
Operationally, the partners have launched the Sankofa East 1X Side Track 2 drilling campaign, deploying the ultra-modern Deep Value Driller rig to unlock additional reserves within the OCTP block. The activity followed months of stakeholder engagement with over 800 coastal community members, ensuring transparency and regulatory alignment.
Sector-Wide Significance
Energy analysts say Eni’s upstream progress aligns with broader efforts by Ghana’s new administration to revive exploration and boost investment confidence. The declaration of commerciality at Eban–Akoma follows recent 15-year licence extensions secured by Tullow Oil and Kosmos Energy, signaling industry belief in Ghana’s basin potential and regulatory environment.
With development plans being finalised and new drilling campaigns accelerating, the government expects output stabilisation and expanded domestic gas availability to underpin its 24-hour economy policy and industrialisation agenda.
Recognition at the National Level
At the awards ceremony in Accra, industry leaders praised Eni’s contribution to energy security, investment resilience, and technological innovation.
“These achievements demonstrate the strong alignment between corporate ambition and national priorities,” said the Chairman of the Awarding Panel, Kwame Jantuah esq. “The recognition reflects not just high technical performance but a strategic commitment to Ghana’s energy future.”