The Association of Power Utilities of Africa (APUA) marked its 60th Annual General Meeting in Accra, Ghana, at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel. The milestone event was jointly hosted by five leading institutions in Ghana’s power sector, with GRIDCo standing out as one of the principal sponsors and key contributors to its success.
This year’s AGM brought together nearly 200 CEOs, directors, regulators, and energy experts under the theme: “Accelerating Africa’s Electricity Market Integration: Advancing Regulatory Readiness, Regional Market Development and Strategic Partnerships.”
Ing. Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo, Chief Executive of the Volta River Authority, warmly welcomed delegates and participants as the event commenced in Accra. In his opening remarks, he emphasised the central role of renewable energy in Africa’s energy transition. He noted that, while the continent holds vast renewable potential, unlocking it requires stronger regulatory frameworks, regional cooperation, and strategic partnerships to ensure sustainable growth.
He further highlighted that the AGM was not only a platform for technical dialogue but also a call to action: to harmonise policies, expand cross-border electricity trade, and build capacity for innovation. His address set the tone for discussions that would spotlight Ghana’s leadership in the sector, the participation of CEOs and directors from across Africa, and GRIDCo’s contributions in transmission expertise and regional integration.
Delivering his welcome remarks, the Director General of APUA, Eng. Abel Didier Tella acknowledged CEOs of the various utilities, applauding them for their hard work and dedication to the energy sector so far. “On behalf of APUA, I wish to extend my special appreciation to all sponsors and ministers for gracing this occasion”, he concluded.
Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, warmly welcomed delegates to the event, emphasising Ghana’s pride in hosting leaders who carry the responsibility of powering Africa’s development. In his remarks, he highlighted the Forum’s focus on accelerating Africa’s electricity market integration, strengthening regulatory readiness, and advancing strategic partnerships. He outlined Ghana’s recent achievements, including over 5,300 MW of installed capacity, GRIDCo’s reinforcement of the 330 kV transmission backbone with 99.5% availability, and progress toward renewable energy integration, underscoring Ghana’s commitment to reliability, sustainability, and the continental vision of One Grid, One Market, One Vision for Africa.
GRIDCo’s Chief Executive, Ing. Frank Asirifi Otchere joined a distinguished panel at the CEO Governance and Leadership Forum, alongside Mr. Khalil Lagtari of ONEE Morocco; Mr. Jean Christian Turkson of CIE Côte d’Ivoire, and moderator Konate Ibrahima from the African Development Bank. The discussion, themed “Understanding the Reforms Landscape: What Has Changed since 2019? From Evidence to Action: Reform Priorities for African Utilities,” explored the progress and challenges of sector reforms across the continent. Panellists reflected on achievements in regulatory readiness, financial sustainability, and renewable integration, while emphasising the urgent need for utilities to translate evidence into actionable strategies that strengthen operations and accelerate Africa’s energy transition.
The highlight of the 60th APUA Annual General Meeting was the welcome cocktail, where delegates and guests were treated to an evening of authentic African music and warm hospitality. Against the vibrant rhythms, participants enjoyed refreshing cocktails and lively conversation, setting a relaxed and celebratory tone for the week’s deliberations. The gathering not only showcased Ghana’s cultural richness but also fostered camaraderie among leaders of Africa’s power sector.
Another memorable highlight of the 60th APUA Annual General Meeting was the Gala Dinner, where delegates gathered for an evening of elegance and recognition. Amidst fine dining and vibrant networking, citations were presented to distinguished representatives from power utilities across Africa, honouring their contributions and commitment to the sector. The Gala Dinner was crowned with a symbolic toast raised by Mr. Joseph Dakora Zumasigee, Director of Organisational Development. His gesture celebrated the collective achievements of Africa’s power utilities and reaffirmed the spirit of unity and collaboration that defined the 60th APUA Annual General Meeting.
Present at the meeting were, the Chief Executive, Ing. Frank A. Otchere; Deputy Chief Executive (F&R), Samuel Nkansah; Deputy Chief Executive (E&O), Ing. Abdul Samed Ibrahim; Director GRIDTel, Mr. Anthony Assan, Director HR, Isaac Issahaku Mumuni, Director Technical Services, Ing. Vincent Yiadom Boachie, Director, Organisational Development (OCE), Mr. Joseph Dakora Zumasigee; Director Corporate Strategy, Mr. Samuel Kow Acquah; Papa Kojo Mensah, Special Assistant to the Chief Executive; Ing. Aaron Tetteh, Assistant Chief Technician (ACT); Mr. Bismark Apeti, Finance Officer and Ing. Kezia Asantewaa Boamah, Assistant Electrical Engineer.
