In a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at deepening bilateral relations and exploring strategic opportunities in the energy sector, His Excellency Paskal A.B. Rois, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia to Ghana, paid a courtesy call on Ghana’s Minister for Energy, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, at the Ministry of Energy in Accra.
Also present at the high-level meeting were Mr. Solomon Adjetey, Chief Director at the Ministry of Energy; Mr. Isaac Nyarko Biney, Director of PPBME; and Ms. Vanessa Gifty Howusu, Secretary to the Honorary Consul.
H.E. Rois began by congratulating the Honourable Minister and his team on their recent appointments, acknowledging the critical role they play in shaping Ghana’s energy future. He proceeded to introduce Indonesia’s longstanding diplomatic and economic relationship with Ghana, a partnership dating back to the early days of both countries’ independence.
The Honorary Consul emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening this historical bond, particularly through cooperation in the energy sector. Key among the proposals was the potential establishment of renewable energy plants in Ghana with a production capacity ranging between 500 to 2,000 megawatts (MW), intended to support and serve as a backup to Ghana’s main energy grid.
In addition, H.E. Rois highlighted the broader trade and investment opportunities Indonesia offers, advocating for mutual collaboration across various departments within Ghana’s energy ministry. He introduced capacity-building initiatives, including scholarships such as the KNB Scholarship, and other training opportunities that would benefit both the Ministry of Energy and constituents within the Honorable Minister’s jurisdiction.
Further discussions included Indonesia’s plans to establish a state-of-the-art oil refinery in Ghana to enhance local oil production. H.E. Rois also disclosed Indonesia’s continued interest in acquiring oil blocks in Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector, which presents another avenue for impactful bilateral cooperation.
Another innovative solution discussed was Indonesia’s new technology using water as a renewable source of power, a system designed to be reused efficiently over long periods in generating electricity. Moreover, Indonesia expressed its readiness to supply solar power plants and affordable solar street lighting solutions to Ghana.
H.E. Rois concluded by affirming the Indonesian government’s readiness to support Ghana across all fronts, with particular emphasis on the energy sector.
In response, the Hon. Minister expressed his appreciation for the work being done by H.E. Rois and conveyed his excitement over Indonesia’s strong interest in Ghana’s energy development. He welcomed the various initiatives outlined and requested an official communiqué to elaborate further on the opportunities presented.
Hon. Jinapor emphasized Ghana’s keen interest in pursuing collaborations in the following areas:
1. The KNB Scholarship program for capacity building;
2. Renewable energy infrastructure development;
3. Solar and thermal energy solutions;
4. Innovative water-based energy production systems;
5. The establishment of an oil refinery in Ghana;
6. The acquisition of exploration blocks in the upstream petroleum sector.
This diplomatic encounter marks a new chapter in Indonesia-Ghana relations and signals promising developments ahead for both nations in the realm of sustainable energy and shared prosperity.
