Ghana’s Energy Chamber has pulled out of the Africa Energies Summit in London, raising serious concerns about how African professionals are treated in global energy discussions.
The decision was announced by the Chamber’s Executive Chairman, Joshua B. Narh, who said the move was necessary due to what he described as unfair hiring practices and the consistent exclusion of Africans from key leadership and decision-making roles at the summit.
According to him, the withdrawal follows consultations with stakeholders across Ghana’s energy sector and reflects a growing frustration across the continent. He also called on Ghanaian institutions, policymakers, investors, and professionals to reconsider attending the summit until meaningful changes are made.
This isn’t just about skipping an event—it’s about making a statement. There’s a wider push across Africa for better representation, with other countries and organisations beginning to take similar positions.
Despite Africa’s increasing importance in the global energy space—through oil and gas production, renewable energy growth, and a strong pool of skilled professionals—many international platforms still fail to reflect that reality. African experts are often left out of important roles like staffing, planning, and decision-making.
Narh made it clear that this has to change. He stressed that Africa cannot continue to support platforms that talk about its resources while sidelining the very people driving the sector.
Ghana, in particular, has played a major role in shaping Africa’s energy industry, from developing strong petroleum policies to advancing gas and electricity systems. So for many, this move is about demanding respect and ensuring African voices are not just heard—but included where it truly matters.
The Chamber is now calling for transparency and accountability from the summit organisers. This includes clear data on workforce diversity, fair recruitment processes, and real inclusion of Africa-based professionals in leadership positions.
At its core, the message is simple: if a platform claims to represent Africa, then Africans must have a seat at the table—not just as participants, but as decision-makers.
