Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor
John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, has made a pivotal decision to revoke the Unitisation Directives, reinforcing regulatory compliance and boosting investor confidence in Ghana’s upstream petroleum industry. This move aligns with legal standards and global best practices, demonstrating Ghana’s dedication to maintaining a stable and competitive oil and gas sector.
A tribunal that reviewed the matter concluded that the directives lacked a statutory foundation under Section 34 of the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, 2016 (Act 919), which specifies the legal criteria for unitisation. The ruling emphasized that regulatory decisions must adhere to legal frameworks and not be implemented arbitrarily.
Furthermore, the tribunal highlighted that the directives did not satisfy the procedural requirements outlined in Regulation 50 of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) (General) Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2359), further underscoring the necessity of compliance with established legal provisions.
The withdrawal of the directives also ensures that Ghana’s approach to unitisation aligns with international industry standards. In Norway, unitisation is primarily a negotiated process among industry players, with government intervention occurring only when voluntary agreements cannot be reached.
Similarly, in the United States, unitisation is largely driven by market conditions, with regulatory authorities intervening only when necessary to ensure efficiency and fairness in resource development. Nigeria also adopts a selective approach, requiring unitisation only when there is substantial technical and economic justification. By embracing a more flexible and investor-friendly strategy, Ghana strengthens its appeal as a key destination for energy investment.
This decision offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it enhances investor confidence by ensuring legal certainty and reducing regulatory unpredictability, reassuring both local and foreign investors that Ghana provides a stable and transparent business environment.
Secondly, it promotes regulatory consistency, minimizing policy uncertainties that could discourage investment in the oil and gas sector. Thirdly, it upholds Ghana’s authority over its natural resources, allowing the government to determine the most effective management strategy based on national interests and economic viability.
Fourthly, it facilitates voluntary and market-driven unitisation agreements, encouraging cooperation among stakeholders rather than enforcing rigid mandates. Lastly, the withdrawal prevents potential legal disputes and financial liabilities, protecting the country from unnecessary arbitration risks.
Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor’s leadership in this matter reflects his strong commitment to legal integrity, sound policy-making, and effective resource governance. By ensuring that future unitisation decisions are grounded in robust legal and technical foundations, the government reinforces Ghana’s reputation as a responsible and well-regulated energy producer.
This approach sets a strong precedent for regulatory decision-making, ensuring policies remain transparent, data-driven, and in line with international best practices.
The revocation of the Unitisation Directives represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s energy policy, reaffirming the government’s dedication to fair, transparent, and legally sound regulatory oversight. Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor’s strategic decision paves the way for sustainable economic growth, industrial expansion, and a more competitive petroleum sector. This move further solidifies Ghana’s standing as an attractive destination for energy investments while ensuring the nation’s oil and gas resources are managed efficiently for long-term national benefit.
