Afetsi Awoonor Named Acting MD of BOST; Staff Union Commits to Full Support

Afetsi Awoonor, son of the late renowned Ghanaian poet Prof Kofi Awoonor, who tragically lost his life in Kenya in 2013, has been appointed as the acting Managing Director (MD) of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST).

The appointment of Awoonor was made official through a letter signed by Secretary to President John Mahama, Dr Callistus Mahama, in accordance with Article 195(1) of the Constitution. Pending consultation with the Public Services Commission and advice from the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Awoonor now takes the helm at BOST.

Awoonor steps into this new role following the tenure of Edwin Alfred Provencal, whose time as MD was plagued with corruption allegations. Provencal, the third and final MD under the previous administration of President Akufo-Addo, succeeded Alfred Obeng Boateng, who was embroiled in a scandal involving contaminated fuel sales.

With a wealth of experience spanning nearly two decades in both the private and public sectors, Awoonor has demonstrated a keen ability to lead and drive projects to success. As a senior partner at DOC Africa, he played a pivotal role in transforming Liberia’s mining programs, yielding over $2 billion in projected revenue through innovative contract structuring. His expertise extends to the extractive industries in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in oil, gas, and mining.

Awoonor’s track record includes spearheading significant projects, from optimizing national petroleum reserve programs to crafting groundbreaking mining contracts that have resulted in substantial revenue generation. His influence is felt across over 20 African countries, and he has been a featured speaker at prestigious forums in Switzerland, the USA, and South Africa.

Having previously served as the Government Relations and Business Development Manager at BOST in 2016 under the leadership of Kingsley Awuah Darko, Awoonor played a critical role in establishing Ghana’s first Strategic Petroleum Reserve Programme. His industry expertise also extends to South Africa, where he has garnered valuable experience in energy and defense sectors.

Awoonor’s appointment aligns with President Mahama’s vision to empower the youth and drive progress in national development. As the Chairman of the Board at JBW Limited, a defense and energy tech startup operating in Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Awoonor brings a wealth of experience in structuring partnerships and implementing strategic initiatives throughout Africa.

In response to Awoonor’s appointment, the Senior Staff Union of BOST has conveyed their heartfelt congratulations to the new MD. Expressing confidence in Awoonor’s leadership capabilities, the union has pledged unwavering support and collaboration to help BOST achieve its strategic goals. The union also commended President Mahama for selecting Awoonor, emphasizing his commitment to appointing qualified individuals to lead key institutions in Ghana.