Former General Manager of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST), Rev. Akua Ofori-Boateng has urged African nations to take decisive steps toward energy independence by prioritizing local production, setting clear renewable energy targets, and ensuring policy implementation.
Speaking at Day 2 of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2025 in Accra on Friday, she emphasized that Africa has all the resources it needs to build a sustainable energy sector but lacks the collective will and strategic planning to fully harness its potential.
“We have everything we need—resources, talent, and a youthful population. The challenge is not access to technology; it is our belief in our own capacity to build and sustain what we already have,” she said.
Rev. Ofori-Boateng called for a shift from political promises to national commitments, particularly in the renewable energy sector.
She stressed that without concrete goals and accountability measures, Africa risks continuing the cycle of discussions without implementation.
“What do we want to accomplish in five years? What’s our renewable energy target in 10 years? And beyond that, how are we monitoring and evaluating our progress? Because in the absence of clear targets, we are still not being intentional—we are just talking,” she stated.
She warned that many energy policies fail because they become politicized, changing with each administration instead of being upheld as long-term national strategies.
She urged governments to adopt a united approach to energy policy, ensuring that commitments to renewable energy and industrialization remain in place regardless of political transitions.
Rev. Ofori-Boateng who also doubles as an Anglican Priest also underscored the need for intra-African collaboration and cross-border trade to strengthen the continent’s energy security.
She pointed out that Africa is rich in the very resources that power global industries, yet continues to depend on imports for products it could manufacture locally.
“The wealth is running off us, not the other way around. The resources needed to create what they sell back to us come from here"
"We must harness our own potential and export what we don’t use, rather than waiting for others to determine our economic future,” she stressed.
Her remarks come at a time when Africa is being urged to accelerate investment in renewable energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and localize energy production to drive industrial growth and economic transformation.
As the continent looks ahead, Rev. Ofori-Boateng’s message is clear: without intentional policies, firm targets, and measurable action, Africa’s energy future will remain a topic of discussion rather than a reality.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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