Benjamin Boakye is an Energy Governance Professional and the Executive Director at the Africa Centre for Energy Policy.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director, he served as the Deputy Executive Director, Programmes Director and Operations Director, managing the research unit and the programmes unit.

He has made contributions to the extractive sector governance in Ghana and in Africa, with much focus on corporate governance, institutional development, fiscal governance, contract governance and the evolution of legal framework for the effective management of extractive resources. He has also consulted for the World Bank Group, UNDP, and many research institutions in the resource sector.

Benjamin has delivered presentations at various international conferences on the extractive sector, particularly on revenue generation and expenditure. He works with host communities, analyzing the communities’ issues relative to the development of extractives’ projects and revenue redistribution. He also has extensive experience on power sector reforms.

Benjamin holds an MSc. from the University of Dundee, UK in Energy Studies and BA (Hons.) in Sociology with Information Studies from the University of Ghana.

Prior to joining ACEP, Kodzo was a Program Assistant, Policy Influencing and Advocacy at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI).

His research interests include Natural Resource for Inclusive Growth and Development, Sustainable Energy Access and Political Economy of Resource Management.

He holds a Masters in Economic Policy Management from the University of Ghana.

Charles spearheads research and advocacy initiatives focusing on various aspects of the climate change and energy transition landscape, such as the economics of the energy transition, the solar PV value chain, clean cooking, and methane management in Africa’s oil and gas sector. His expertise also extends to diverse projects in the extractive industry, covering topics like natural gas demand and supply dynamics in Ghana, local participation in the oil and gas sector, local labor absorption in Ghana’s extractive industry, and gender-responsive budgeting in mining-affected communities.

Charles’ research interests revolve around risk mitigation and investment decisions related to both utility-scale and small-scale renewable energy technologies in Africa. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Finance, with a specialization in Renewable Energy Investments, from the University of Ghana Business School.  Additionally, Charles holds a master’s degree in Operations Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics and Mathematics, both earned at the University of Ghana.

Eliasu is an Alumnus of the Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program at ACEP and a Lead for Ghana Alumnus.

Prior to joining ACEP, he served as the founding Head of STEM and Sustainability at EduSpots.

His research interests include renewable energy techno-economic feasibility analysis and lifecycle assessment, energy efficiency and demand response strategies.

Maybel is an extractive and energy professional with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics, from the University of Ghana. She leads the implementation of multi-donor projects in the energy and extractive industries on behalf of ACEP.

Her interest areas include optimizing extractive resources for inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development in Africa, promoting gender diversity in natural resource governance, and the differential impact of the energy transition on citizens.

Nana Akuamoah Darteh holds a BSc. in Business Administration and ABE/UK Business Management Advanced Diploma/Postgraduate.

Before joining ACEP in 2015, Nana was a Teaching Assistant with the Accounting Department at Pentecost University College.

Nana specializes in inventory management, budgeting, customer service management and transactions monitoring when it comes to developing projects. He has a wealth of experience in financial reporting and possesses strong analytical skills that has made him valuable to the ACEP team.

Most importantly, he is a visionary. He has the ability to see what others cannot see. His advantage has always been the ability to have a picture in his mind of exactly the result ACEP intends to achieve.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Accounting), George is currently pursuing an MBA degree in Oil and Gas Management at the University of Cape Coast. He had his National Service at the Department of Finance – University of Cape Coast, as an Administrative Assistant. He also worked as an Assistant Supply Officer at the Abura-Dunkwa District Hospital.

Derrick is an alumnus of the ACEP Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program (Cohort 1) and a Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Fellow.

Prior to joining ACEP, he worked as an Administrative Assistant at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences and Research Assistant with Estopel Research Consult.

Derrick holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with Information Studies from the University of Ghana, Legon.

Deborah holds a Diploma in Statistics, with proven data collection, analysis, and office administrative skills.

Before joining ACEP, she worked at Bureau of Market and Social Research (MSR) as a Data Analyst, Vodafone Ghana as an Inventory Officer, and Ghana Revenue Authority as a Field Officer.

Roselyn previously worked as a Treasury and Tax Analyst with Tullow Ghana Limited. Her interests are research, policy analysis, policy advocacy, and promoting gender equality and good governance. She is also enthusiastic about promoting the interest, rights and welfare of women and children in society. Roselyn holds a master’s in social policy studies and research from the University of Ghana.

Gifty holds an MPhil in Finance from the University of Ghana Business School. She also has an Advanced Anti Money Laundering and Financial Crime Investigation certificate from the Enterprise Risk Management Institute.

Prior to joining ACEP, she worked as a Teaching Assistant with the Finance department at the University of Ghana Business School. She also interned with the Card Services and Human Resource departments at Ecobank PLC.

Betty is a Land Economist and a development planning professional with a Master of Science degree in Development Policy and Planning from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. She is enthusiastic about policy research, policy advocacy, individual and institutional capacity building, and social and economic development.

Before joining ACEP, Betty worked as a Program Officer (Land Administration and Estate Management Services) with VEKSTRAT Company Limited and as a Program Officer with Community Land and Development Foundation. She is working to develop her expertise in the renewable energy space and contribute to meaningful conversations on climate action, energy transition and the extractive industry.

Rosemond holds a bachelor’s in environmental science from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Before joining ACEP, she worked as a research assistant at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) head office in Accra. Keenly interested in the sustainability of the environment, Rosemond hopes to contribute more to research and policy advocacy towards responsible natural resource extraction that minimizes ecological damage and ensures the protection of biodiversity.

Derek is a Creative Designer and Marketer. He holds a bachelor of arts Degree in Political Science and Russian. He also has a background in Brand Management.

Prior to joining ACEP, he co-founded a creative marketing agency that aims to transform startups into global brands. He has since consulted many thriving startups. He also served as a Digital Assistant at the Education Directorate of the Ghana Armed Forces for his national service and as a Head of Digital Media at Destiny Worldwide Ministries.

He is deeply interested in renewable energy, food security, and youth capacity development.

His primary drive is to help people discover their God-given purpose while providing the basic needs to achieve them.

Maud is a Zimbabwean  Chemical and Process Systems Engineer. She is an African Climate Ambassador for Zimbabwe and has three years of experience in climate change advocacy and negotiation. She has actively participated in the COP 27 and COP 28 simulation models by the United Nations Development Program in Egypt and  The British University in Egypt as a chief negotiator for least-developed countries and advocated for loss and damage at the UNFCCC Sharm El Sheikh COP 27. She has worked in various Chemical and Processing industries, both technical and non-technical disciplines, at Vaida Chemicals and Prime Roofing, serving as the plant’s lead process engineer and marketer, making sure that all stakeholders’ needs were both communicated to the team and met to the client’s maximum degree of satisfaction.

In 2019, she won the Gi-Hub green innovations competitions funded by Sweden and the Netherlands in Zimbabwe and UNICEF for her biodiesel production startup to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the shortage of fuel in Zimbabwe.

Patience passionately advocates for gender equality and women’s rights. With a degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Nigeria, she has dedicated her career to advancing inclusive policies and challenging societal norms. Before joining the Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program, Patience worked as a Gender and Social Inclusion Officer in a civil society organization, where she actively promoted gender equity and worked to create opportunities for marginalized groups. A dedicated reader and lifelong learner, Patience is committed to fostering environments that empower women and promote social justice.

Elfreda holds an MPhil in English and a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from the University of Ghana. She worked as a Lecturer/Academic Advisor at Lancaster University Ghana and an Adjunct Lecturer at Valley View University and Palm University College. Elfreda is passionate about resource governance and achieving gender inclusion in the extractive minerals sector.

Maltiti is an alumnus of the University for Development Studies with a Bachelor of Science degree in Renewable Natural Resources. He is an innovator and researcher with an interest in climate change and waste management. His research on plastic pollution won the 2023 Falling Walls Lab Ghana pitch competition, and he was also enlisted among the top 100 global emerging talents by the Falling Walls Foundation in 2023.  

Maltiti is committed to finding innovative ways of tackling pollution and achieving energy efficiency. 

Anna is a Lawyer committed to sustainable resource management. She holds a Master of Laws in the Law of Mineral and Petroleum Extraction and Use from the University of Cape Town. Her research portfolio includes research into the transfer of petroleum rights and liabilities, resource revenue-sharing models, tax incentives for resource extraction in Africa, and critical minerals for the energy transition. Prior to joining ACEP, Anna worked as a Teaching Assistant with the Mineral Law in Africa Department at the University of Cape Town. She also worked as a Research Assistant at a Research and Innovation Firm—M-Innovation—in Dodoma, Tanzania. As a NextGen Leader, Anna is committed to enhancing her knowledge and developing the necessary skill set to become a well-rounded energy and extractive professional. Anna hopes to make impactful contributions to transforming the extractives sector for sustainable, inclusive development in Africa.

Joy holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Nairobi and has earned certifications in Mediation, Data Protection, and Public Relations. She has keen interest in tax law, energy law, and company law, and she is passionate about using legal tools to promote sustainability and responsible governance. Joy is also an author and researcher with publications under her name. Her commitment to leadership and environmental advocacy drives her to contribute to impactful initiatives in these fields continuously.

Cynthia is a dedicated professional who is passionate about creating social impact and advancing sustainable development. With a background in marketing and administration, she is motivated by the drive to support equitable management of Africa’s natural resources. Her experience has given her valuable insights into the connection between good governance and community well-being. As a NextGen Leader, Cynthia is eager to expand her knowledge of the extractives sector and develop the skills required to contribute meaningfully to its governance for the common good. She envisions a future where Africa’s resource wealth is managed responsibly, fostering inclusive and sustainable growth.

Alhassan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Engineering from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. He previously worked as a Project Manager at AO Adept Builders, providing technical and organizational support. Alhassan has a growing interest in the trajectory of Ghana’s Energy Sector and is hopeful that he will develop his capacity in the area and his engineering profession.